Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, also known as Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and Lateran Basilica, is the cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. The basilica is located in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, near the Caelian Hill. Although many visitors associate the Pope mainly with Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran has a higher ecclesiastical rank. It is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the mother and head of all Catholic churches in Rome and throughout the world. The full official name of the church is the Papal Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran. In Italian, it is known as Arcibasilica Papale del Santissimo Salvatore e dei Santi Giovanni Battista ed Evangelista in Laterano. The basilica is the highest-ranking of the four papal major basilicas of Rome. Its special title of Archbasilica reflects its unique importance in Catholic tradition. The other papal major basilicas are Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint Mary Major. The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano stands Read more [...]