Guests' reviews
Fabien Aeby | Mar 3, 2018
To be honest, it's difficult not to rank this church with something different than 5 stars. Free entrance, incredible jewel of a building in terms of architecture, history, decoration, size, atmosphere. The cloister also looks wonderful but no time to visit it and also need to take your wallet out of your pocket. Fantastic place altogether.
obumselu victor | Jan 27, 2018
Wow. So much history tied this basilica. A magnificent building, architectural master piece. I was particularly caught up by the massive statues of the twelve apostles. They are so big and well sculpted. Every single part of the basilica was intended and designed.
It is a place one can have his confession too, there are priest at the confessionals who speak French , English,and Spanish. Fell free to work up into the confessionals when the light little red light in front of it is on.
And a visit the blessed sacrament has a transforming effect. Go and be refilled.
Judy O | Feb 14, 2018
Beautiful Church. The religious art is mesmerizing. It was not crowded when I visited which made my time there more enjoyable.
Senor Anonimo | Feb 9, 2018
Until the 1870's, this Cathedral used to be the place where the Popes were "crowned". It is full of gold and beautiful statues. Worth a visit, at least once.
Nigel Robinson | Feb 27, 2018
We had a wonderful guided tour and were able to see areas of this beautiful building that are not otherwise accessible.
Marnie Dreyer | Apr 2, 2018
The Cathedral of St John Lateran has some of the most amazing paintings and the murals reach right up to the domed ceiling. The statues inside are also impeccable. The volume of the space in the entrance hall marbled out from wall to wall makes it an impressive space for great pictures. The light shining through the dome above the alter plays on the walls and paintings making it stand out. The way that the paintings and statues are placed on the domed ceiling makes one feel as if the church is suspended by heaven.
Robert Johnson | Mar 14, 2018
This is literally the first church in the world and it is nothing less than first class as well. The art and history are sumptuous and with some of the smaller crowds of any attraction in Rome you would be wrong to not try to visit. Take your time and let this gem of the city enchant you with it's timless beauty!
Rasp Berry | Apr 22, 2018
Property of Vatican one of the four most important churhes in Rome. Popes lived here before they left Rome for Avignon captivity in 14. century. Palace has burned twice and was later abandoned in favor of Saint Peter's basilica when popes returned to Rome. In 16. century pope Sixtus V demolished old basilica it and ordered construction of new, present basilica.
Rasp Berry | Jun 10, 2018
Property of Vatican one of the four most important churches in Rome. Archbasilica and formal papal residence - Popes lived here before they left Rome for Avignon captivity in 14. century. Palace has burned twice and was later abandoned in favor of Saint Peter's basilica when popes returned to Rome. In 16. century pope Sixtus V demolished old basilica it and ordered construction of new, present basilica. In the interior you can see the papal see at the end of hall, and the main nave is decorated by 12, 4-5 meters high large marble statues of apostles.
Cassandra Y. | Jul 8, 2018
The BEST church in Rome!! From outside, you would think just another church with fancy ceiling art work. WRONG! The moment I walked in..... only one word to describe ... "WOW"!!!
Inside is just like a museum! Many different rooms for services. There is a self-guided tour outside courtyard with small fee. There are different statues inside the church. The detail of all the decorations are fascinating.
There is gifts shop inside the church. I know... it is so commercial. That is why I said it is more like a museum than church.
If you only have time to see one church, THIS GOT TO BE IT!! You will not regret, after seeing this church, all other churches won't impress you anymore.
Yewen Tan | Jun 14, 2018
When we went there on a Thursday, it was quiet and there were not many people so we could really slow down and enjoy everything in there. We really enjoyed it. It's not as grand as St Peter's, but it has its own charm.
Jean Seah | Jun 19, 2018
Splendid sacred art and architecture befitting the seat of the Holy Father in Rome. Magnificent larger-than-life sculptures of the 12 Apostles line the nave. Easily accessible from San Giovanni train station. Across the road are the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) which Jesus ascended for his trial with Pilate. Out the back of the Basilica is a large court -- there was a communist fair going on when I was there.
George Wordsworth | Jul 13, 2018
The Apostolic statues, the quiet apses (radiating chapels) on both sides of the nave, the beautifully ornamented altar and Byzantine-style mosaics, dome paintings, treasury room and cloister... this Basilica never fails to amaze the beholder wherever one is in this spiritual complex. This is an essential part of the history and legacy of the Papal State that you should not miss when visiting Rome! Conveniently located near the San Giovanni underground station.
