Basilica of St. John Lateran

Rome’s oldest and most important basilica, San Giovanni in Laterano is still active and regarded as the mother church of the catholic religion. As Rome’s first church, it holds some of the best examples of the 4th century art and architecture in the city, such as the original bronze Roman doors and colonnade. Additions through the centuries add to the rich artistic variety—for example, the statues of Christ and saints which crown the façade of the building and a Cosmatesque pavement. A reliquary above the altar is said to contain the heads of Saints Paul and Peter, and the cedar table contained within the altar is believed to be the very one used by Christ and the Apostles at the Last Supper.