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Book Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran Tickets
Rome Lateran Complex
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Discover Rome’s iconic Lateran Complex at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour
- Step into the Rome’s oldest and most revered basilica, the “Mother of all Churches,” as your audio guide brings Christian history to life.
- See the Cloister featuring exquisite inlaid marble columns crafted by the legendary Vassalletto family—each with its unique story.
- Climb the Holy Stairs, believed to have been walked by Jesus, leading to the Sancta Sanctorum, a private papal sanctuary with sacred relics and an ancient Christ image.
- Upgrade to visit the Lateran Palace, once home to former residence of popes, and feel the legacy of Roman pontiffs around every ornate corner.
Discover Rome’s iconic Lateran Complex at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour
- Step into the Rome’s oldest and most revered basilica, the “Mother of all Churches,” as your audio guide brings Christian history to life.
- See the Cloister featuring exquisite inlaid marble columns crafted by the legendary Vassalletto family—each with its unique story.
- Climb the Holy Stairs, believed to have been walked by Jesus, leading to the Sancta Sanctorum, a private papal sanctuary with sacred relics and an ancient Christ image.
- Upgrade to visit the Lateran Palace, once home to former residence of popes, and feel the legacy of Roman pontiffs around every ornate corner.
Inclusions
- Access to Basilica of St. John Lateran and Cloister (as per option selected)
- Access to Papal Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum (as per option selected)
- Entry to Lateran Palace (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Tip: If you are short on time, visit the Basilica and its Cloister first, followed by the Holy Stairs and Sancta Sanctorum.
- Admission to the Archbasilica itself is free. Tickets are needed for specific areas like the Cloister, Baptistery, and the Sancta Sanctorum chapel.
- It's advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes early for ticket redemption, which can be done via smartphone.
- Note that the Sancta Sanctorum chapel is closed on Sundays and during specific hours on weekdays. Various sections of the complex—such as the Basilica, Cloister, Baptistery, and Treasury museum—have different timings, so be sure to check before visiting.
- This is a sacred site, so dress modestly. Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees.
- The Basilica is wheelchair accessible.
- The entrance to the Lateran Palace is located on the right side of the main façade of St. John in Lateran Basilica. Arrive atleast 15 minutes before your time for a smooth check-in.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
- Access 15 top Rome and Vatican City attractions for 72 hours days and save up to 55% as compared to buying individual tickets.
- Choose any 2 attractions from 15 to visit for free, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, while unlocking discounts on all other attractions.
- Travel stress-free with a 72-hour Travelcard for use on Rome’s public transport, including the metro, trams, buses, and overground trains.
- Breeze through long queues at Rome’s top spots with your mobile pass and enjoy 72 hours of stress-free sightseeing.
- No matter your Rome plans, the pass fits perfectly. Visit any 15 attractions over 72 hours. Valid for 72 hours from first use, with no pre-selection needed.
- Access 15 top Rome and Vatican City attractions for 72 hours days and save up to 55% as compared to buying individual tickets.
- Choose any 2 attractions from 15 to visit for free, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, while unlocking discounts on all other attractions.
- Travel stress-free with a 72-hour Travelcard for use on Rome’s public transport, including the metro, trams, buses, and overground trains.
- Breeze through long queues at Rome’s top spots with your mobile pass and enjoy 72 hours of stress-free sightseeing.
- No matter your Rome plans, the pass fits perfectly. Visit any 15 attractions over 72 hours. Valid for 72 hours from first use, with no pre-selection needed.
Inclusions
- Validity: Pass valid for 72 hours from first use.
- Access any 2 attractions for free and unlock discounts on the rest
- Access to:
- Museums: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums & more
- Landmarks: Colosseum, Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica & more
- Transportation: Free 72-hour Travelcard for Rome’s public transport
- Discounts on: Additional attractions after the first two free entries
- Get all details here
Exclusions
- Airport transfers
- Please note making reservations will NOT activate your pass. Your pass is only activated when you visit your first attraction or use your Travelcard.
- Prior reservations are required to visit some attractions, which is subject to availability.
- You can only visit each attraction once with this pass.
- After making an online purchase, collect your pass from one of the designated collection points — St Peter's Square or Lateran Complex.
- Use your Omnia Card and Roma Pass to access various attractions. Access public transport for 72 hours with a free Travelcard.
- Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your first attraction or use your Travelcard.
Validity
- Before Activation: Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- After Activation: Your pass is activated upon first use and remains valid for 72 hours. For example, if you use the pass for the first time on a Monday at 2pm, it will be valid until Thursday at 2pm.
- These tickets can’t be cancelled. However, you can use them any time within the next 24 months.
- These tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
RomeSt. John Lateran Complex
Top things to do in Rome
Why Visit Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
- Slice of History: The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran has witnessed the ravages of time and two large fires. Initially, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran was a Lateran family mansion.
- Architectural Marvel: The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran contains impeccable Renaissance architecture, marble columns, tapestries, paintings, and frescoes. The entrance facade dating from the Roman times, St. John's five naves, and the biggest Egyptian Obelisk are the highlights of the Lateran Archbasilica tour.
- Papal Relics: The Cloister and Baptistery buildings beside the main residence are some important highlights of the Basilica. It is also an important reliquary that houses the skulls of Saint Peter and Paul and other papal tombs.
- Grand Interiors: Back in the days of Constantine, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran boasted seven silver altars, a gold-coated apse vault, and about 100 chandeliers. The Cosmatesque interiors are also fantastic historical remnants not to be missed out on.
- Religious Importance: Although its importance as the Papal residence waned, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran ranks above all other churches in Rome. The Latin inscription at the entrance declares Christ to be the real savior.
Your Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Tickets Explained
St. John Lateran Ticket with Audio Guide
- Book the St. John Lateran Ticket with Audio Guide for a deeper understanding of the historicity of the most sacrilegious cathedral in Rome.
- The informative audio guide included in the St. John Lateran Ticket comes in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian for a more personalized experience.
- The St. John Lateran tickets include the Cloister, Baptistery, Scala Santa Stairs, and Scala Sanctorum Chapel. These attractions are among some of the holiest places among Catholics.
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy
Enjoy a Super Flexible Cancellation Policy with your St. John Lateran Tickets by booking them online. You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund. For more information, make sure to check your details before purchasing.
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Highlights
Ancient Roman Facade
The giant bronze doors guarding the Basilica have been taken from the Roman Senate Forum and are older than the Church itself. The entrance has a 7-meter-tall statue of Jesus, surrounded by his saints and disciples. The Latin inscription declares, “Christo Salvatori.”
Biggest Egyptian Obelisk
One of the most noteworthy highlights of the Lateran Basilica is the towering Egyptian obelisk in front of the northern facade. It originally belonged to the Karnak Temple in Egypt. Much later, it was sent to Constantinople and then erected at Circus Maximus.
St John’s Five Naves
As you step through the entrance, you will be enchanted by the sight of St John’s long five naves, separated by towering marble columns. The golden painting above symbolizes Pagan traditions like doves holding an olive branch, laurel, and crossed palms.
Altar of the Sacrament
The Altar of the Sacrament could either have been shipped from Jerusalem or could be an adaptation of the Pagan Altar in the Capitoline Jupiter Temple. One of the most poignant relics in the Basilica is the wood fragment contained in the tympanum. It is said to have been a part of the Last Supper table, where Jesus dined with his 12 Apostles.
Mosaic Cloister Building
The cloister adjacent to the Lateran Archbasilica is almost 36 meters wide on both sides. They were carved by the Vassalletti, the most talented stonemasons of Rome. The most striking feature of the Lateran cloister is not the statues or Roman gilded columns, but the intimacy and pinching silence of the 800-year-old establishment.
San Giovanni in Fonte
Originally established in the 4th century, the Baptistery connects to a church called St John in Fonte. A two-tier colonnade at the center of the structure gives it an octagonal shape and forms a dome. Throughout centuries, the mosaics have worn off and many artists like Borromini, Rainaldi, and Sacchi have left their frescoes on these walls.
Scala Sancta Stairs
Scala Sancta Stairs, also known as the Holy Stairs, are a series of 28 steps on the right side of the St. John entrance. They are believed to be the ones Jesus climbed on his way to Pontius Pilate’s Office during his trial. The walnut plates and rich layering of frescoes are the main highlights of these stairs.
Sancta Sanctorum Chapel
Pilgrims undertake the evocative Sancta Stairs journey on their knees to this day. Upon reaching a thick glass wall at the top, pilgrims can see the most sacred place of Christianity, the chapel of St. Lawrence. It functioned as the personal chapel of the early Popes of the Lateran Palace.
The Achiropita Painting
The Achiropita, literally meaning ‘not created by mankind’ is a painting located inside the chapel that shows Jesus holding the New Testament. Its origin is unknown, however this ancient relic has been around since the 8th century. The silver and gold wrappings over this fresco is awe-inspiring.
Plan Your Visit to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
Timings
Getting There
Facilities
Nearby
Visitor Tips
Basilica Timings
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sancta Stairs and Sancta Sanctorum Timings:
Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 5 PM
Sunday: 3 PM to 5 PM
- Duration of Visit: The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Tickets with Audio Guide last for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Best Time to Visit: The pleasant weather and peak tourist season during the months of April to May and September to October make it the best time to visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Find on Maps
- By Bus: Get on any bus on the 714, 792, 81, or 85, 87, F02 route.
Nearest Stop: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano - By Car: The distance from the Rome Airport to the Lateran Complex is 28.9km.
Nearest Stop: INPS Roma Parcheggio Auto or Super Rimessa Metronio - By Train: Board on trains along the FL1, FL3, FL4, and RV lines.
Nearest Stop: Piazza di Porta Maggiore - By Metro: Take the Line A metro and stop at San Giovanni.
Nearest Stop: Vittorio Emanuele (3 mins) or San Giovanni (5 mins)
- Toilets: There are modern washroom facilities inside the St. John Lateran Archbasilica.
- Accessibility: There are ramps inside and outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
- Audio Guides: The St. John Lateran Tickets with Audio Guide comes in 5 languages- English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
- Photography: You are permitted to click photographs without flash inside the cathedral.
- Roman Colosseum: The Colosseum is a standing testament to the ancient Roman tradition of letting gladiators fight to the death to entertain the Emperor and a rowdy crowd. Make sure to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Known for having the tallest dome in the world, St Peter’s Basilica boasts the intricacies of Renaissance-era architecture and offers breathtaking views of the city. The Vatican Necropolis, an ancient burial ground, offers a deeper insight into the mausoleums and tombs of the 1st and 4th centuries.
- Vatican Museum: A dream for art lovers, the Vatican Museum showcases the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Transfiguration, and the Pinecone Courtyard in all its glory. The Maps Room, Tapestries Hall, and Rotunda Room are some of its other marvels.
- Baths of Caracalla: The Caracalla Baths are the second-largest bathing complexes and could accommodate almost 1600 Roman bathers back in the day. Like every Roman architecture, the Baths are dotted with frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran tour will involve a lot of walking. Wear the most comfortable shoes you can find, like sneakers or flip-flops, as there is a lot to cover.
- Wear A Hat: Wear a hat and sunscreen for added protection.
- Book a Guided Tour: To appreciate the rich historicity and legacy of the cathedral, it is recommended that you book a guided tour of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
- Maintain Dress Code: Please note that Catholic churches have a strict dress code. Wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
- Photography: You are permitted to click pictures without flash inside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
- Wheelchair Accessible: There are ramps inside and outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran for wheelchair visitors.
All Your Questions About Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Answered
Q. Can I buy Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Tickets online?
A. Yes, you can buy the St. John Lateran tickets online.
Q. What is the best way to buy Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Tickets?
A. The best way to buy the St. John Lateran tickets is to purchase them online.
Q. Is there any discount on the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Tickets?
A. Get great deals and attractive discounts on booking the St. John Lateran tickets online.
Q. How long is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran tour?
A. The St. John Lateran Tour with Audio Guide lasts for approximately an hour and 30 minutes.
Q. Is there an entrance fee for the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. There is no entrance fee for the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
Q. When to avoid visiting the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The open space outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is used for a concert on the 1st of May (Labor Day). It might be difficult to walk around the area on that day.
Q. Why is the Archbasilica of St. John called the Lateran Basilica?
A. The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran was originally built by an influential house in Rome called the Lateran family. Suspected of treason, Emperor Nero seized the Lateran Complex and the first Catholic Roman Emperor gave it to the Church.
Q. Why is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran important?
A. The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the oldest church in the West. It houses several Holy relics. Its rich historicity is marked by renowned painters and sculptors from the ancient Roman to the Neoclassical era.
Q. Where is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran located?
A. The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is located on Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
Q. What is the best way to reach the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The best way to reach the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is to grab a metro from Line A and get down at Vittorio Emanuele or San Giovanni.
Q. What are the timings of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is open for public viewing from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Q. What are the major attractions of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The Sancta Stairs and Sancta Sanctorum, St John’s five naves, the Cloister and Baptistery buildings, and numerous other frescoes, paintings, and sculptures attract plenty of visitors to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran year after year.
Q. Is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran wheelchair accessible?
A. There are ramps inside and outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran for wheelchair visitors.
Q. Is photography allowed inside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. Photography without flash is permitted inside the cathedral.
Q. What is the best time to visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The pleasant weather and peak tourist season during the months of April to May and September to October make it the best time to visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.
Q. What are some attractions near the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
A. The Roman Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Baths of Caracalla, and the Vatican Museum are some of the attractions near the Lateran Archbasilica.