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 The Basilica of Saint John Lateran Basilica Series of 1949 (Scott E12) Obelisk of St John Lateran (Scott C35, 1959) Holy Year of 2000 (Scott 1138) November 9 on the Liturgical Calendar is reserved for the remembrance of the "The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome". The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is the “the mother and head of all churches,” and the feast of its dedication began in the 12th century. The site of the current Basilica was presented to Pope Miltiades (311-314) by Emperor Constantine I, the Great (306-337). It was originally the site of a Laterni family villa, later perhaps that of Marcus Aurelius (161-180), and for a short time, a palace for Constantine’s second wife, Fausta (d. 326). The Basilica is the pope’s see as Bishop of Rome, and has been the location for five ecumenical councils.  Facade, Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran Photo by NikonZ7II From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Pope Sylvester I (314-325) added to the building as did subsequent popes, converting it to a church. It was rebuilt on several occasions, especially after two massive 14th century fires (in 1307 and 1361). From the 4th century up to the Avignonese papacy (1309-1376), it served as the papal residence. It was rebuilt in the 16th century (most notably at the direction of Pope Sixtus V and architect Domenico Fontana) and dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. The full name of the basilica was then defined as “Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran.”  Apse and Papal Cathedra Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran Photo by Tango7174 From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license The basilica contains many mosaics, especially above its apse, which have also appeared on Vatican City stamps. Other mosaics display historical scenes such as Christ presenting the Apostles with their mission, Jesus giving the keys of Heaven to Pope Sylvester I and the cross (Labarum) to Constantine, and St. Peter giving the papal stole to Pope Leo III (795-816) and the standard to Charlemagne. Another striking feature is the series of twelve monumental statues of the apostles that line the two sides of the nave leading to the main altar. Photos of these statues have been incorporated into many of the Daily Emails on the feast days of the apostles.  High Altar and Baldacchino Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran Photo byWiki ktulu From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license A 13th century Gothic canopy by Arnolfo di Cambo is situated over the high altar. Above the central altar are two reliquaries said to contain fragments of the skulls of Ss. Peter and Paul.  Tomb of Pope Leo XIII Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran Photo by Kiss Tamás From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 3.0 Unported license Over the centuries many popes were buried at the basilica, although some of their tombs have been lost due to fires, a sack by Vandals in 5th century, an earthquake in the 9th century, and periods of reconstruction. Among the notable tombs are those of Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) and Leo XIII (1878-1903). Near the basilica is the building housing the " Scala Santa" (or "Holy Stairs"), said to be those used by Jesus during his Passion to reach the Praetorium in Jerusalem to be judged by Pilate. Also close by is the Baptistery and the Lateran Palace. The massive bronze doors of the Basilica were originally at the Senate Chamber at the Roman Forum. The largest obelisk in the world is erected near the basilica (originally from Karnak, erected art the Circus Maximus in 357, and re-erected near the basilica in 1588). REFERENCES: |
