Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Step into the world's oldest public church, where Christian history began nearly 1,700 years ago. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano isn't just another beautiful Roman church—it's the original seat of the papacy and the cathedral of Rome itself, earning its title as "Mother of All Churches." Built by Emperor Constantine in 324 after his conversion to Christianity, this architectural marvel has witnessed centuries of transformation. Your family will be amazed by the dramatic façade crowned with colossal statues of Christ and the apostles towering seven meters high against the Roman sky. Inside, the basilica tells stories through layers of history: early Christian foundations beneath your feet, baroque splendor surrounding you, and stunning apostle statues filling ornate niches. What makes San Giovanni truly special is how it revolutionized sacred architecture—it was the first church designed to gather an entire community around their bishop, with the altar moved indoors for the celebration of the Eucharist. As you explore this magnificent space, you're not just visiting a monument; you're standing at the birthplace of Christian worship as we know it today, where ancient Rome and Christian tradition beautifully intertwine.