Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Italy

Rome can boast with one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. This basilica was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. After more than a thousand years, it has managed to save its unique pristine image. Today the Basilica is a unique monument of architecture with a surprising combination of elements dating back to different periods. Marvellous frescoes, a preserved wooden ceiling of the 16th century, and sculptures created by the best artists in the world can be seen there.

The story of the very first basilica is very interesting. According to available historical data, earlier there was a large and beautiful estate that belonged to a noble family of the Lateran. When the emperor Constantine came to power, he presented a magnificent palace to the bishop of Rome. That's when the story of one of the most famous and beautiful basilicas in the Christian world began. From the moment of the consecration of the basilica, which has been held at the beginning of the 4th century, popes were living there.

The basilica was attended by a huge number of pilgrims, many of whom brought their generous gifts. In the 5th century, the basilica was completely looted and partially destroyed by vandals, but quickly recovered. Today is still a place to store the most important Christian relics. The sculpture of the Emperor Constantine, as well as busts of Saints Peter and Paul stand out of the other items in the temple. The walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes, and the floor is covered with artful mosaic. One of the main historical artifacts is the organ dating back to the 16th century. Next - St. Peter’s Basilica