Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran

The Lateran
st john lateran

Next to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Lateran is the most important church in Rome. San Giovanni in Laterano – or St. John Lateran – is the Episcopal Church of Rome and here you find the Holy Staircase – the Scala Santa – and also the Holy Gate – the Porta Santa. Find out here what it all means!

My Rating:

4,5

The positives:

There is more to see than meets the eye. In addition to the world-famous Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, there are other lesser-known gems of Rome to see; such as the baptistery and the papal chapel Sancta Sanctorum.

The negatives:

There is hardly any information board with explanations. Due to the tightened security check, you can't just go to church "spontaneously". Glass bottles and aerosol cans are prohibited and must be thrown away for a visit - just like at the airport. This security check can lead to queues.

Top Tip:

Take your time, get the audio guide and a ticket for the cloister and the Sancta Sanctorum chapel (but that costs a bit)!

Last Modified: 20.04.2023 | Céline & Susi

st john lateran
Tickets

Ticket & Audio guide

EUR 10

Ticket for the monastery, the chapel Sancta Sanctorum, the baptistery and the Scala Sancta

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The details
at a glance

Opening Hours

Basilica:
daily, 7.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Opening Hours

Basilica:
daily, 7.00 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Opening Hours

Cloister: daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., last admission at 4.30 p.m.
Baptistery: daily, 7 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. + 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sancta Sanctorum: 8.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. + 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. (April – September) closed on Sundays and public holidays
Treasury: Monday-Friday 10.00 a.m. -.5.30 p.m., Saturday 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m., closed on Sundays

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Prices

Admission to the Lateran Basilica is free
Cloister: EUR 5

Prices

Admission to the Lateran Basilica is free
Cloister: EUR 5

Prices

Cloister: EUR 5
Treasury: EUR 3
Papal chapel Sancta Sanctorum: EUR 3.50
Baptistery: free

Audio guide each surcharge: between EUR 1 – 1.50

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Address

Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4
00184 Roma

Address

Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4
00184 Roma

Address

Audio Guide

Audio guide in different languages

Audio Guide

Audio guide in different languages

Audio Guide

Audio guide & and access to the different areas: EUR 10

Opening of the audio guide stand:
Monday – Friday: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 10.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Sundays: closed