Forget about St. Peter’s Basilica—The Basilica of San Giovanni, also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, takes the crown as the oldest Catholic cathedral in Rome!
Founded in the early 300s, it is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and holds the prestigious title of “archbasilica.”
As the Pope’s official cathedral, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the Eternal City.
This article covers everything you must know before booking Basilica di San Giovanni Laterano tickets.
Top Tickets
# Tickets for The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
# Guided tour of San Callisto Catacombs & BasilicaIt’s highly recommended to book your Basilica of San Giovanni tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Key takeaways
Key areas to explore include the Papal Archbasilica, Sancta Sanctorum, Lateran Baptistery, Scala Sancta, Cloister, Sacristy, and the Tombs of 6 Popes
The standard ticket for adults is €14, while kids aged 6-17 pay €11. Children under six enter for free
The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 9 am, when the various sections are open. The Basilica opens at 7 am for those wanting to enjoy a quiet visit
Modest dress is required as this is a place of worship
A combo ticket with entry to the Palazzo Merulana is available for €28. This combo tour also comes with a 5% discount and a digital postcard
What’s ahead
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Things to know before booking tickets
You can purchase Archbasilica of St. John Lateran tickets either at the venue or online in advance. Buying online is cheaper and helps you skip long lines, especially during peak hours, and avoid the risk of sold-out tickets. Visit the Basilica’s ticket booking page, select your date and number of tickets, and complete the purchase. Your tickets will be emailed to you, and there’s no need for printouts. On the day of your visit, head to the Lateran corridor, find the ORP (Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi) desk on the left and show your e-ticket on your smartphone to enter the Basilica.
Tickets for the Basilica of San Giovanni
This ticket provides access to the Cloister, Sancta Sanctorum, Baptistery, Scala Sancta, and Treasure Museum.
In addition, you can see interesting artifacts and works of art, including relics of the apostles Peter and Paul and the statue of Constantine the Great.
Be it the Holy Door or the grand statues of Jesus Christ, you cannot take your eyes off anything at this attraction.
You will also get an English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish audio guide.
Ticket Prices
Adult (18+ years): €14
Child (6 to 17 years): €11
Infant (up to 6 years): Free
Recommended
Guided tour of the San Callisto Catacombs & Basilica
Get a 3-hour guided combo tour by a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
The tour guides will explain the historical significance of the Scala Santa (the Holy Staircase Jesus walked upon) and the underground cemetery.
This ticket includes admission to the San Callisto Catacombs, the Basilica of San Giovanni, the Cloister, the Holy Stairs, and the Sancta Sanctorum and includes a multilingual audio guide.
Ticket Prices
Adult (17+ years): €24
Child (7 to 16 years): €19
Infant (up to 6 years): Free
It’s the Pope’s ‘Home Church’
San Giovanni isn’t just another stunning church—it’s the Pope’s official cathedral! Yep, this is where the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope) resides when he’s on official business.
Palazzo Merulana + Digital Postcard + Archbasilica St. John Lateran
Palazzo Merulana and Basilica are only 600 meters (.37 miles) away and can be reached on foot in 8 minutes.
So why not visit both historical sites on the same day?
Buy the combo ticket of Palazzo Merulana + Archbasilica St. John Lateran and amplify your Rome tour.
You get up to a 5% discount on this ticket, which is a steal deal!
The entire tour lasts for about 3 hours.
You will also get a Digital Postcard that can be sent worldwide.
Ticket Cost: €28
Buy This TicketBuy the Roma Pass and visit one or two of Rome’s top attractions with access to public transport. Choose either a 48-hour or a 72-hour pass and get direct entry into the city’s famous gems.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists ask before purchasing their tickets for The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
Does the attraction offer free tickets?
All individuals can enter the Lateran Basilica for free. Only a visit to the cloister or the museum of the Lateran treasury requires a ticket. However, children aged up to six years get in free.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, the tickets are available at the venue’s ticket office. However, due to high demand, the popular timeslots may sell out, so it’s better to get them online in advance.
Do we need to print online tickets?
Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Basilica.
What is Basilica of San Giovanni’s arrival time?
While the attraction’s times are 7 am to 6.30 pm, the last admission will be no later than 4.30 pm. Arrive well in advance of your preferred timeslot, keeping in mind the time for a thorough security check before entry.
What is the attraction’s late arrival policy?
If you are late to join the guided tour, the tour will start without you, and entry is not guaranteed.
Does the Basilica offer discounts?
The attraction offers free entry, but there’s a small fee for the cloister and museum. While there are no discounts for students, locals, or military personnel, guided tours provide reduced rates for children aged 6 to 17.
Does the OMNIA Card and Roma Pass include access to the attraction?
Yes, the 3-day OMNIA Vatican Card and Roma Pass combo is a cost-effective option that provides entry to all the top sights in Vatican City.
What is the Basilica of San Giovanni’s refund policy?
The Basilica has a flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel your ticket until 11.59 pm on the day before your visit for a full refund.
How to reschedule the ticket?
The attraction does not allow you to change the date and time of your visit under any circumstances.
What is the Basilica’s rain policy?
The attraction is an all-weather experience, so all tickets are final.
Are there guided tours available for visitors at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran?
Guided and combo tours are offered at the Basilica, providing in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the attraction.
What is the duration of the tour?
A regular visit to the Basilica can last up to 2 hours, and guided or combo tours can last up to 3 hours.
Are there restrictions on photography during the tour?
Flash photography is restricted during the tour, and some areas may have specific rules. Checking with the tour guide is advisable as photography policies may vary.
Is the tour suitable for children?
These tours are family-friendly, but it’s essential to consider children’s attention spans and interests.
Is there wheelchair accessibility for the tour of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano?
The tour is wheelchair accessible.
Are there audio guides available for self-guided tours?
Yes, audio guides are available for the Basilica of San Giovanni tour. The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Fun Facts
Do you know why San Giovanni holds the fancy title of “archbasilica”? The reason is that it is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and stands proudly at the top of the list. Rome loves to keep things grand!
Basilica timings
The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano opens daily from 7 am to 6.30 pm, with the last entry two hours before closing.
If you’re planning to visit the Lateran Baptistery, it’s open from 9 am to 7 pm, while the Cloister welcomes visitors from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Museum opens a bit later, at 10 am, and closes by 5.30 pm.
Those wanting to see the Sancta Santorum or Scala Sancta can do so between 9 am and 1 pm, then again from 3 pm to 5 pm for Sancta Santorum, and until 6.30 pm for Scala Sancta.
The Sacristy has split hours, open from 8 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm.
Note that the Basilica is closed on Sundays!
How long does the tour take
The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran tour takes around 2 hours.
You’d need 80 minutes for the Basilica and the Cloister and 40 minutes for the Scala Sancta and the Sancta Sanctorum.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Basilica of San Giovanni is 9 am.
By this time, the Cloister, the Sancta Sanctorum, the Baptistery, the Scala Sancta, and the Treasure Museum are open, and you can explore them all in one go.
However, if you want to visit the Basilica, you can do so as soon as it opens at 7 am.
The crowd is usually less during the morning, giving you ample time to stroll inside the Cathedral and mindfully capture its beauty.
The Basilica experiences a huge rush on weekends, which may prevent you from exploring it conveniently.
Fact Check
Prepare to be wowed by the Basilica’s breathtaking interiors! Gothic columns, intricate stonework, and dazzling stained glass windows are just the start. You’ll also find a mix of Baroque, neoclassical, and early Christian designs, creating an artistic feast for the eyes!
What to see at the Basilica
Here is a list of places to explore at the Basilica of San Giovanni:
Papal Archbasilica: The Basilica is considered the mother of all churches in the Western world. It was consecrated in 324 AD by Pope Sylvester I and has undergone many changes and renovations over the centuries.
Sancta Santorum: The Sancta Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, is a small Basilica di San Giovanni chapel. It was originally built as a private chapel for the Pope, but over time, it has become a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics. The Sancta Sanctorum contains many important relics, such as fragments of the True Cross, a piece of the Column of Flagellation, and the icon of the Acheiropoieton, believed to have been painted by Saint Luke himself.
Lateran Baptistery: The Lateran Baptistery is adorned with beautiful octagonal mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and early Christian history. This site is still used for baptisms and is considered a significant place of worship and historical importance.
Sacristy: The Sacristy inside the Basilica is an important part of the church, where priests and bishops prepare for Mass and other religious ceremonies. It is located to the right of the high altar and is richly decorated with valuable and historical objects, such as liturgical vestments, chalices, and other religious artifacts.
Cloister: The Basilica also has a beautiful cloister that dates back to the 13th century. It features intricate stonework, beautiful fountains, and a peaceful garden where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Scala Sancta: The Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs, is a set of 28 marble steps that are said to have been brought to Rome by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The stairs are believed to be the ones Jesus climbed on the way to his trial before Pontius Pilate.
Tombs of 6 Popes: The Basilica is home to the six papal tombs of Pope Sergius IV, Pope Alexander III, Pope Innocent III, Pope Martinus V, Pope Clement XII, and Pope Leo XII.
Statues of the Apostles: There are twelve statues inside the Lateran Basilica Church representing the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. On the North Wall: statues of Saint Simon, Saint Bartholomew, Saint James the Lesser, Saint John, Saint Andrew, and Saint Peter. On the South Wall: statues of Saint Paul, Saint James the Greater, Saint Thomas, Saint Philip, Saint Matthew, and Saint Jude Thaddeus.
Papal Altar: The high Basilica altar is one of the most significant features and is said to contain the wooden table on which Saint Peter himself celebrated Mass.
Baldacchino: The Baldacchino is a large, ornate canopy that covers the high altar. It was designed by the famous Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is considered one of his masterpieces.
What to wear
When visiting the Basilica in Rome, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a place of worship.
This typically means covering your shoulders, avoiding short skirts or shorts, and wearing clothing that is not too tight or revealing.
Wearing head coverings such as hats or scarves is also recommended for women.
Moreover, you should wear formal shoes or sandals that cover your feet.
How to reach
Basilica di San Giovanni is located in Laterano.
Address: P.za di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
You can reach the attraction via public and private transport.
However, we recommend using public transport to reach the cathedral.
By Bus
You can board bus numbers 81 and 792 to reach the P.Za S. Giovanni In Laterano Bus Stop, a 4-minute walk to the attraction.
By Subway
You can take Subway Line A to reach the San Giovanni Subway Station, which is just 5 minutes away from the attraction.
By Car
If you’re driving, you can turn on Google Maps on your smartphone and get started.
There are enough parking garages around the attraction.
