Rome: Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran Mobile Entry Ticket

Meet Christendom's oldest basilica, the Pope's own cathedral

The Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran dates back to the 300s, making it the oldest basilica in Christendom and the official cathedral of the Pope of Rome. It was grandly restored in the 1700s, giving it the neo-Classical facade you see today. Larger-than-life marble statues of Jesus and various saints stand along the roofline, creating an imposing first impression. The door on the far right is the Holy Door, opened by the Pope only once every 25 years, while the massive bronze door in the center originally belonged to the Senate in the Roman Forum.

Step inside to vaulted ceilings and gilded décor

Inside, sunlight streams through high windows beneath soaring vaulted ceilings. Marble statues line the double aisle, drawing your eye toward the domed apse. Look up to see the gold-leaf coffered ceiling bearing the coats of arms of Popes Pius IV and Pius V.

Discover relics spanning two thousand years

While most of the current building dates to the 1700s, it holds relics from far earlier eras, including a 14th-century Gothic altar and 2nd-century gilded bronze columns. The Sacred Steps (Scala Sancta) — believed to be the very stairs Jesus climbed during the Passion and later moved to Rome — leave a lasting impression on believers and non-believers alike.