Private Jubilee Tour of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Celebrate the Jubilee Year with a private tour of Rome’s oldest papal basilica, Holy Door, and more!

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· 2.00h · Rome, Italy

Step into the heart of the Jubilee year with this private tour of San Giovanni in Laterano, designed for a truly bespoke and holy experience. With your personal guide, delve into the cathedral’s sacred spaces, venerated relics, and awe-inspiring art while carving out time for prayer and reflection. Visit the Holy Door, opened only for this rare event, and connect with the profound spiritual significance of Christianity’s oldest cathedral, all at a pace and focus tailored to you.

Private Jubilee Tour of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

A golden mosaic of Christ and saints adorns the apse of a historic church, illuminated by warm lighting.

The grand façade of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, with towering statues and intricate columns against a cloudy sky.

A dimly lit chapel features a statue of the Virgin Mary, framed by dark wooden railings and golden accents.

An ornate altar inside a historic church, decorated with golden frescoes, intricate carvings, and sacred relics.

A richly decorated church entrance with golden embellishments, flanked by marble columns and religious iconography.

A peaceful cloister with arched walkways and a lush courtyard, offering a serene retreat within a historic monastery.

A stunning blue and gold mosaic depicting religious figures covers the curved apse of a grand basilica.

An intricately designed octagonal ceiling with gilded details and frescoes, showcasing the grandeur of church architecture.

Meet your guide at the entrance to the Basilica
Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano
Apostles' Statues
Holy Door (external)

High Altar
1423 Jubilee
Lateran Baptistry
End inside the Basilica

San Giovanni in Laterano, known as the "Mother of All Churches," holds profound significance as the oldest papal basilica and the official cathedral of the pope. After greeting your dedicated guide near the entrance to the cathedral, located a short distance from the Colosseum, you'll soon embark on an intimate journey through its sacred spaces. Its central role during the Jubilee stems from its status as a pilgrimage site where visitors pass through the Holy Door, a symbolic act of seeking grace and renewal. You'll visit the Basilica's highlights, including the majestic mosaics, relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Lateran Baptistery.

Guided at your own pace, uncover the history and art of this monumental site and visit the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), revered by pilgrims for centuries. Experience the spiritual and historical essence of this cornerstone of Christianity during the Jubilee Year. Your tour will conclude inside the complex of San Giovanni in Laterano.

Private Jubilee Tour of San Giovanni in Laterano Description

Your 2-hour private tour includes:

Private guided tour of Rome’s first papal basilica at your own pace
Discover the Lateran Baptistery and the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)
Learn about sacred relics and papal traditions tied to the Jubilee year
Experience tailored storytelling focused on this extraordinary event

The Basilica and the Holy Door

Begin your journey with an introduction to San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s cathedral and a cornerstone of the Jubilee celebrations. Your guide will explain the significance of the Holy Door, a focal point of the Jubilee, and its role as a symbol of grace and renewal. Inside, marvel at the basilica’s towering columns, gilded ceilings, and stunning mosaics, which reflect centuries of devotion and artistry.

This tour does not include access to walk through the Holy Door, as it is reserved for registered pilgrims only. If you are wishing to partake in this holy event, please visit the official Jubilee website to learn more.

The Papal Altar and Sacred Relics

Step into the heart of St. John Lateran Basilica and visit the majestic papal altar, a sacred site accessible only to the pope. This richly adorned altar is steeped in history and symbolism, standing as a testament to centuries of papal authority and devotion. Beneath its grandeur lie the revered relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, enshrined in this holy space. Your guide will illuminate the apostles’ profound legacy and their pivotal role in early Christianity, offering a moving connection to the spiritual essence of the Jubilee.

The Lateran Baptistery

Journey to the Lateran Baptistery, the oldest baptistery in the Western world and a cornerstone of early Christian faith. This octagonal marvel, with its ancient mosaics and serene ambiance, has witnessed the baptism of countless believers since the 4th century. As you explore its intricately adorned interior, your guide will reveal its deep historical and religious significance, highlighting its enduring role in the Jubilee as a symbol of renewal and spiritual cleansing.

Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)

Conclude your tour at the revered Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs believed to have been climbed by Christ during His trial before Pontius Pilate. These marble steps, encased in protective wood, are a powerful site of pilgrimage, drawing the faithful to ascend them on their knees in prayer. During the Jubilee, their spiritual significance is magnified, serving as a profound reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the unwavering faith of generations. Your guide will share the rich history and devotional practices associated with these sacred steps, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for their timeless resonance.

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What you get with this tour

Private English-speaking guide
Jubilee Year
Complex of San Giovanni in Laterano entry
Holy Door (exterior)
High Altar
Private tour
Hotel pick up
Meals
Guide gratuity

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A Must-See for Rome Lovers

27 February 2025

Reviewed by
Wendy Cheatham

San Giovanni in Laterano often gets overlooked, but it’s one of Rome’s most important churches. Our guide made every detail—from the Holy Door to the incredible frescoes—so meaningful.

Best tour of our entire trip!

06 February 2025

Reviewed by
Jessica Green

This was a standout experience! Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in the deeper historical and spiritual layers of Rome. The San Giovanni Laterano is a treasure, and our guide made our visit something I'll never forget (Thank you, Sara!). Unbelievably peaceful and beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be sure to keep your shoulders and knees covered, as it is a holy place.

What to bring?

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be sure to keep your shoulders and knees covered, as it is a holy place.

Will we enter the Holy Door during the tour?

Unfortunately this tour does not include acess to the Holy Door. If you'd like the right to enter, please visit the official Jubilee website to learn more.

Can we climb the Scala Sancta during the visit?

The Scala Sancta will be explained by your guide but not climbed during this tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Most parts of the Basilica are accessible, but the cloisters have limited access for wheelchairs.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted in most areas but restricted in some spaces, such as the Scala Sancta. Your guide will provide guidance

What language is this tour available in?

This tour is available in either English or Italian. If you're looking for another language option, please reach out! We will be happy to work with you and find a guide in your requested language.

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