St John Lateran Cathedral & Holy Steps Tour – One of the Four Major Basilicas and Holy Doors of Rome
Our Rome Cathedral of St John Lateran Major Basilica Tour is the shorter, second part of the Via Crucis Pilgrim Tour for those who just want to visit the Cathedral of St John Lateran – one of the four Major basilicas of Rome and one of mind-blowing historical and religious significance. The tour also takes in the nearby Holy Steps, where Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion by the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
San Giovanni (St John Lateran) is a fundamental pilgrim experience not least due to it being home to one of the four Holy Doors that will open during the Jubilee year of 2025, but also to the relics that remain here, primarily the skulls of Sts Peter & Paul. For those interested more in those great apostles, you may be interested in our Saints Peter and Paul Tour.
St John Lateran is the highest ranking church in the world, liturgically, as the Cathedral of Rome – the site of the seat of the Bishop of Rome – the symbol of the papal teaching authority over the world.
This fascinating Arch-Basilica & Cathedral of St John Lateran tour explains:
- The history of Constantine and the bequest of the land
- The importance and rank of the Basilica
- The Holy Door
- The turbulent history of the Basilica and Lateran Palace
- The baroque architecture and statues
- The relics of Sts Peter & Paul
- The symbolism of the spectacular mosaics
- The Holy Steps and the Holy of Holies
Remember, our St John Lateran Holy Door Catholic Tour is just one part of our longer, flagship Rome Catholic Tour – the Via Crucis Pilgrim Tour, which goes beyond this majestic basilica into another of the Holy Door Basilicas – St Mary Major. If you want to do each of the Major Basilicas and their Holy Doors separately then you may also be interested in the bite-size standalone tours of St Peter’s Basilica (where St Peter’s body is) and the Basilica of St Paul (where the body of St Paul lies).
Read the Itinerary tab to learn how important this tour is for religious pilgrims to Rome.
Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. To learn more about the Catholic faith, visit Crucis.cc.
| MEETING POINT | The Lateran Obelisk by the side entrance to the Cathedral. See the precise location on Google Maps here. | ||||
| FINISHING LOCATION | The Holy Steps (Santa Scala) adjacent to the Cathedral. | ||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | 1pm Mondays & Wednesdays | ||||
| DURATION | Approx. 1 hour | ||||
| DRESS CODE | Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees | ||||
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Additional information
| Ticket Type | Adult (16+), Student ID, Child (under 16) |
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| Day of the Week | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday |
The History
We begin our Rome Cathedral – St John Lateran Major Basilica Holy Door Tour at the colossal ancient Egyptian Obelisk by explaining the role of Constantine in the construction of the Basilica and the rank and importance of this fascinating building.
The Holy Door
We then making our way to the Holy Door where your expert guide will explain the tradition and history of the Door and its practical purpose.
Architecture
Next we’ll enter the Basilica where you will be mesmerised by the majestic architecture and grandeur of Borromini with a focus on the 12 apostles.
Relics of Sts Peter & Paul
You will then be shown the reliquary containing the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church, and given the opportunity to say a quick prayer.
The Mosaics
Journeying through the nave, your guide will explain the fascinating symbolism of the elaborate mosaics of the arch and the apse, taking care to point out the different hidden scriptural and theological messages.
Holy Steps
Venturing outside the Cathedral we will visit the Holy Steps that Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate on, that were brought to Rome by St Helena. For those who wish to partake in the ancient tradition of ascending the steps on your knees, then there will be opportunity to do this once the tour ends.
Holy of Holies & the Icon by St Luke
Finally we’ll peak into the Holy of Holies at the summit of the Holy Steps that contains many holy relics, but most notably a miraculous icon begun by the Evangelist St Luke.
At the huge obelisk at the side entrance of the Cathedral of St John Lateran
Tour Reviews
Our tour guide Tom was very knowledgeable and created a personal experience that made us wanting more!
Tom was amazing. Truly the best tour we took in Rome. The way he explained Romes history with the Bible was wonderful. His explanation of the art really brought so much meaning. As a Christian the way he told the history showed Gods sovereignty. Tom was so passionate and easy to understand. Highly recommend and wish we could’ve had more tours with him in our time in Rome.
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