St. John in Lateran: Power and Faith Through the Centuries
Step into the cathedral of Rome, the mother of all Christian churches, with Tiffany Deluca, a passionate historian and one of Rome’s top guides. This immersive walk invites curious travelers, history lovers, and art enthusiasts alike to explore St. John in Lateran — a basilica that has stood at the heart of faith and power for over 1,700 years. From ancient Roman doors once touched by emperors, to relics believed to hold the heads of Peter and Paul, every corner tells a story of empire, rivalry, and renewal. Along the way, discover mosaics, golden ceilings, and hidden relics inside the pope’s own cathedral.
Created by Tiffany Deluca
Tiffany is a historian, guide and tour planner who grew up in North Carolina and Indiana. She first fell in love with Rome while studying abroad and this September marks her 20th year in the Eternal City! She is a Lilly Scholar who attended Saint Mary's College at Notre Dame and studied Humanistic Studies: a historical analysis of Western Culture, focusing on literature, philosophy, theology, politics and art. She loves making history come alive through her storytelling and curating the perfect travel itinerary for her fellow Americans.
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What you'll walk and learn about
Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano
Start the tour in the courtyard outside the Basilica
The Holy Doors
Walk through the doors only open during Jubilee Years
The Central Nave
The best viewpoint in the church to take in all the details
The Confessio
Observe Pope Martin V’s tomb
The Ciborium
Discover St. Peter and St. Paul's sacred relics above you
The Central Apse
The chair where Popes were once crowned
The Altar of the Blessed Sacrement
View the tabernacle and Bernini’s Last Supper scene
One Last Look
Reflect on 1,700 years of faith and devotion
