The construction of the first Christian Basilica started in the IV Century thanks to the Emperor Constantine, who confiscated the properties of the Laterani's family when they fell into disgrace. Fires and rebuildings have not changed its original shape and, in the mid of the XVII Century, the famous architect Borromini carried out the last internal works.
San Giovanni In Laterano is one of the four patriarchal basilicas (together with St. Peter's, St. Paul and Santa Maria Maggiore) and also the cathedral of Rome, older than St Peter's. Popes had been crowned here until 1870, although it has lost much of its importance after the return of the Popes from Avignone.
Five naves, sumptuous decorations of the ceilings, walls with the portraits of saints, prophets and apostles, imposing statues on the railing of the facade: a masterpiece and a treasure of the Italian architecture.
