Christian Rizzo November 27, 2023

Exploring Lateranense Palace

Explore the historic and architectural marvels of the Lateranense Palace in Rome's San Giovanni district.

Attraction San Giovanni
Elegant façade of the Lateranense Palace in Rome
Photo by Fallaner / Wikimedia Commons

Introduction

The Lateranense Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran, is a historic building in Rome that serves as the official residence of the Pope and the seat of the Holy See. It is located next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and the mother church of all Catholics. The palace has a rich history and a splendid architecture, dating back to the fourth century AD. In this article, you will learn about the origins and evolution of the palace, its main features and attractions, and some interesting facts and stories related to it.

Setting Expectations: Downsides and Time Considerations

The Lateranense Palace is not as famous or popular as other papal residences, such as the Vatican Museums or the Castel Gandolfo. This means that it is less crowded and more peaceful, but also less accessible and less well-maintained. The palace is open to the public only on certain days and hours, and some parts of it are off-limits or require special permission to visit. The palace is also quite large and complex, so you will need at least two hours to explore it properly. If you are interested in the history and art of the Catholic Church, you will find the palace fascinating and rewarding. If you are looking for more modern or secular attractions, you might be disappointed or bored by the palace.

Tips for your visit of Lateranense Palace

  • Book your tickets in advance. The palace is open to visitors only on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. You need to book your tickets online at least one day before your visit, or you can try to buy them at the entrance if there are any left. The tickets cost 10 euros per person, and include a guided tour of the palace.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions. The palace is located next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is worth visiting for its impressive architecture and artworks. You can also walk to the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), which are believed to be the stairs that Jesus climbed before his trial by Pontius Pilate. Another option is to take a bus or a metro to the Colosseum, which is only 2 km away from the palace.

Additional tips or recommendations for visitors are to dress modestly and respectfully, as the palace is a religious site; to bring a bottle of water and a snack, as there are no cafés or vending machines inside the palace; and to avoid taking photos or videos inside the palace, as they are not allowed.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: The palace is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. It is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays.

How to Get There: The palace is located at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, in Rome. You can reach it by bus (lines 81, 85, 87, 117, 186, 218, 650), by metro (line A, stop San Giovanni), or by taxi.

Price: The admission fee is 10 euros per person, and includes a guided tour of the palace. You can book your tickets online at https://www.palazzolateranense.it/ or buy them at the entrance if there are any left.

Crowds: The palace is not very crowded compared to other attractions in Rome. However, it can get busy on weekends or during special events. You might have to wait in line for security checks or for entering some rooms.

Weather Considerations: The palace is mostly indoors, so it is not affected by weather conditions. However, some parts of it are not air-conditioned or heated, so you might feel hot or cold depending on the season. You should also bring an umbrella or a raincoat in case of rain, as there is no shelter outside the palace.

Photography: Photography and videography are not allowed inside the palace, as it is a sacred and historical site. You can take photos outside the palace, but be respectful of the people and the surroundings.

Accessibility: The palace is partially accessible to people with disabilities. There are ramps and elevators to access some floors and rooms, but not all of them. There are also some stairs and narrow corridors that might be difficult to navigate. You should contact the palace staff in advance to arrange a suitable tour for your needs.

Facilities: The palace has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, books, and religious items. It also has a cloakroom where you can leave your bags and coats for free. It does not have any toilets, cafés, or water fountains inside.

Tours: The palace offers guided tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German. The tours last about an hour and a half, and cover the most important and interesting parts of the palace. The tours are included in the admission fee, and you can choose your preferred language and time slot when you book your tickets online.

Bringing Children: The palace is suitable for children who are interested in history, art, and religion. However, it might not be very engaging or fun for younger or restless children. There are no interactive or educational activities for children inside the palace. You should also keep an eye on your children and make sure they do not touch or damage anything.

Bringing Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the palace, as it is a sacred and historical site. You should leave your pets at home or with a trusted person while you visit the palace.

These details are subject to change; please check the official website for the latest information

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Lateranense Palace?

    The Lateranense Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran, is the official residence of the Pope in Rome. It is located next to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome. The palace has a rich history and contains many artistic and architectural treasures.

  • How can I visit the Lateranense Palace?

    The Lateranense Palace is open to the public on certain days and times, usually from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You need to book your tickets online in advance, as the number of visitors is limited. You can also join a guided tour that will take you through the most important rooms and halls of the palace.

  • What are the highlights of the Lateranense Palace?

    The Lateranense Palace has many attractions to offer, such as the Scala Santa (the Holy Stairs), which are believed to be the stairs that Jesus climbed before his trial; the Sancta Sanctorum (the Holy of Holies), which is the oldest surviving private papal chapel; the Triclinium Leoninum, which is a large mosaic depicting Christ and the apostles; and the Sala Regia, which is a magnificent hall where papal ceremonies are held.

    The duration of your visit depends on how much time you want to spend in each room and hall. However, a typical visit lasts about an hour and a half. You can also combine your visit with a tour of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is adjacent to the palac

Must see

  • The Scala Santa

    The Scala Santa, or the Holy Stairs, are a set of 28 marble steps that are said to have been brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. According to tradition, these are the stairs that Jesus climbed before being sentenced by Pontius Pilate. The stairs are covered with wooden planks to protect them from wear and tear, and pilgrims ascend them on their knees while praying. At the top of the stairs, there is a small chapel called the Sancta Sanctorum, which contains a revered image of Christ.

  • The Sancta Sanctorum

    The Sancta Sanctorum, or the Holy of Holies, is the oldest surviving private papal chapel in Rome. It was built in the 13th century by Pope Nicholas III and decorated with frescoes by various artists. The chapel houses a wooden icon of Christ, known as the Acheiropoieton (not made by human hands), which is believed to have miraculous powers. The icon is hidden behind a silver screen and only revealed on special occasions. The chapel also contains many relics of saints and martyrs.

  • The Triclinium Leoninum

    The Triclinium Leoninum, or the Leonine Triclinium, is a large mosaic that covers the wall of a former dining hall in the Lateranense Palace. It was commissioned by Pope Leo III in the 8th century and depicts Christ and his apostles in a banquet scene. The mosaic also shows Pope Leo III presenting a model of Rome to Christ and Charlemagne presenting a model of Ravenna. The mosaic is a symbol of the alliance between the papacy and the Frankish empire.

  • The Sala Regia

    The Sala Regia, or the Royal Hall, is a magnificent hall where papal ceremonies are held. It was built in the 16th century by Pope Sixtus V and decorated with frescoes by Cesare Nebbia and Giovanni Guerra. The frescoes depict scenes from the history of the papacy and its relations with other powers. The hall also features a throne for the Pope and a balcony where he blesses the faithful.

Lesser known stories and Interesting Facts

  • The Lateran Palace was once the home of popes

    The Lateran Palace, also known as the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran, is an ancient palace of the Roman Empire that later became the main papal residence for about a thousand years. The palace was given to the Bishop of Rome by Emperor Constantine I in the fourth century, and hosted many important councils and events in the history of the Catholic Church. The palace was also the site of several fires, sieges, and plunderings over the centuries. The popes moved to the Vatican in the 14th century, after the return from the Avignon Papacy.

  • The Lateran Palace has a museum of historical artifacts

    The Lateran Palace is now used by the Vatican Historical Museum, which displays various objects and documents related to the history of the Papal States. The museum was founded in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, and was originally located in the Vatican. In 1970, it was transferred to the Lateran Palace, where it occupies several rooms and halls. Some of the items on display include papal tiaras, crowns, vestments, weapons, coins, medals, and sculptures.

  • The Lateran Palace has a famous staircase

    The Scala Sancta (Holy Staircase) is a set of 28 marble steps that are believed to be part of the staircase that Jesus climbed before being judged by Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. According to tradition, the staircase was brought to Rome by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine I, in the fourth century. The staircase is located in a building next to the Lateran Palace, and is covered by wooden boards to protect it from wear and tear. Pilgrims ascend the staircase on their knees, praying and meditating on the Passion of Christ.

  • The Lateran Palace has a large obelisk in front of it

    The Lateran Obelisk is the largest standing ancient Egyptian obelisk in the world, and the oldest one in Rome. It was originally erected by Pharaoh Thutmose III in Karnak, Egypt, around 1475 BC. It was brought to Rome by Emperor Constantius II in 357 AD, and placed in the Circus Maximus. It fell and broke into several pieces during the Middle Ages, and was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1587. Pope Sixtus V had it restored and relocated to its current location in front of the Lateran Palace in 1588.

  • The Lateran Palace has a chapel with a unique ceiling

    The Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies) is a private chapel inside the Lateran Palace that was used by the popes for personal prayer and devotion. It is also known as the Chapel of the Relics, because it contains many relics of saints and martyrs. The most notable feature of the chapel is its ceiling, which is decorated with more than 2,000 gold medallions depicting various scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. The ceiling was commissioned by Pope Nicholas III in 1278, and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval mosaic art.

Historical Background

The Lateran Palace has a long and rich history that spans from ancient Rome to modern times. The palace was originally built as a private residence for a wealthy Roman family called the Laterani, who were influential politicians and administrators for several emperors. One of them, Plautius Lateranus, was accused of conspiracy against Nero and had his properties confiscated.

In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine I married Fausta, the sister of Maxentius, who had owned the palace before being defeated by Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Constantine gave the palace to Pope Miltiades as a gift, making it the first official papal residence. Constantine also built a basilica next to the palace, dedicated to Christ the Savior and later to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.

For the next millennium, the Lateran Palace was the center of the papal power and authority, as well as the place where many important decisions and events took place. The palace hosted several ecumenical councils, such as the First Council of Nicaea in 325, the First Council of the Lateran in 1123, and the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215. The palace also witnessed the coronation of many popes and emperors, such as Charlemagne in 800, Otto I in 962, and Frederick Barbarossa in 1155.

The Lateran Palace also faced many challenges and difficulties over the centuries. It was damaged by several fires, such as the ones in 1308 and 1361, which destroyed much of its original structure and decoration. It was also attacked and looted by various enemies, such as the Saracens in 846, the Normans in 1084, and the Roman mob in 1088. The palace also suffered from neglect and decay during the Avignon Papacy (1309-1377), when the popes resided in France and abandoned Rome.

After the return of the popes to Rome, the Lateran Palace was gradually restored and renovated by several pontiffs, who added new buildings and features to it. Pope Sixtus V (1585-1590) rebuilt the palace in a Renaissance style, and commissioned Domenico Fontana to erect the Lateran Obelisk in front of it. Pope Innocent X (1644-1655) refurbished the interior of the palace, and hired Francesco Borromini to design the Scala Sancta and the Sancta Sanctorum. Pope Clement XII (1730-1740) commissioned Alessandro Galilei to create a new façade for the palace, which is still visible today.

In 1870, after the unification of Italy, the Lateran Palace was seized by the Italian government and became a public property. The pope refused to recognize the new state and declared himself a prisoner in the Vatican. This situation lasted until 1929, when the Lateran Treaty was signed between Pope Pius XI and Benito Mussolini, establishing Vatican City as an independent sovereign state and granting the Holy See extraterritorial rights over some properties in Rome, including the Lateran Palace.

Since then, the Lateran Palace has been used for various purposes by the Vatican. It houses the offices of the Vicariate of Rome, which is in charge of the pastoral care of the diocese of Rome. It also contains the residential apartments of the Cardinal Vicar, who is the pope's delegate for the administration of the diocese. The palace also hosts the Vatican Historical Museum, which displays many artifacts related to the history of the Papal States. The palace is also open to visitors who want to admire its architecture and art.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Hostaria Antica Roma A cozy restaurant that serves traditional Roman cuisine with a modern twist. Try their pasta dishes, such as carbonara or amatriciana, or their meat specialties, such as lamb chops or veal scaloppine. Don't miss their desserts, such as tiramisu or panna cotta.
  • Ristorante Il Convivio A refined restaurant that offers a creative and elegant interpretation of Italian gastronomy. Enjoy their tasting menus, which change according to the season and feature dishes such as risotto with truffles, sea bass with artichokes, or duck breast with figs. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list.
  • Pizzeria Luzzi A casual pizzeria that serves authentic Neapolitan pizza with a thin crust and a variety of toppings. Choose from classics such as margherita or capricciosa, or try their specialties such as pizza al forno or pizza fritta. You can also order salads, sandwiches, or fried snacks to accompany your pizza.

Nearby Attractions

  • Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano The cathedral church of Rome and the seat of the pope as bishop of Rome. It is also one of the four major papal basilicas and one of the seven pilgrim churches of Rome. Admire its impressive façade with statues of Christ and.