Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano — known in English as Saint John Lateran Basilica — is one of the five great ancient basilicas of Rome. The Catholic Church counts among them St. Lawrence outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St. Peter and St. Paul outside the Walls. Originally called Basilica Salvatoris and Archbasilica of the Holy Savior, it is the oldest and ranks first among the great basilicas. It holds the title of ecumenical motherchurch among Catholics as it is the cathedral church of the popes.

See also

• Early Christian art and architecture