Lateran Palace, Rome

Name: Lateran Palace
Address: Rome, Italy

#68 among attractions in Rome

Vernacular architecture, Palace

Gallery (10)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dnalor 01 / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Dguendel / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / AndrewRm / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Michal Gorski / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Mai 2005 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Carlomorino / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dnalor 01 / URL

Facts and practical information

The Lateran Palace, an ancient edifice with a storied past, stands proudly in the heart of Rome, Italy. As the former papal residence, this palace has been a central figure in the religious and political history of the city. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Originally built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, the Lateran Palace has been rebuilt and renovated numerous times over the centuries. It served as the papal residence until the 14th century when the papal court moved to Avignon and later to the Vatican. Despite this shift, the palace remains one of the most important symbols of the Church's heritage in Rome.

The palace is part of the larger Lateran complex, which includes the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. Visitors to the palace will find themselves immersed in a blend of architectural styles, from the remnants of the original ancient structure to the Renaissance and Baroque elements added during later renovations.

One of the highlights of the Lateran Palace is the Scala Sancta or Holy Stairs. These are said to be the very steps that Jesus climbed during his trial in Jerusalem, brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the 4th century. Pilgrims often ascend these stairs on their knees, reflecting on the Passion of Christ.

The palace also houses the Lateran Museum, which contains a collection of artifacts and artworks related to the history of the papacy and the church. The museum is a must-visit for those interested in ecclesiastical art and history.

While the Lateran Palace is not as frequented by tourists as the Vatican, it offers a quieter and more contemplative experience. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church and its role in shaping the history of Rome.

For those planning to visit, the Lateran Palace is easily accessible via the Rome Metro, with the San Giovanni stop being the closest. The palace and the museum have different opening hours, and it is advisable to check the latest information before planning your visit. The entrance to the palace is usually included with the ticket to the museum.

Local name: Palazzo del Laterano Coordinates: 41°53'12"N, 12°30'21"E

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MontiRome Italy

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Day trips

Lateran Palace – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Major basilica, Museum of the Liberation of Rome, San Clemente.

~290 ftS
, Baroque architecture, Church
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome
2 min walk • The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, standing majestically in the heart of Rome, Italy, is not only the oldest church in the Western world but also holds the unique title of being the Cathedral of Rome and the ecumenical mother church of Roman Catholic faithful.
~290 ftSE
Church
Major basilica, Rome
2 min walk • Rome, the eternal city, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring religious architecture in the world, and among its treasures are the four major basilicas, which are paramount to the Catholic Church. These basilicas hold a rank above all other churches due to their...
~790 ftN
Museum, History museum, Art museum
Museum of the Liberation of Rome, Rome
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Museum of the Liberation of Rome (Museo storico della Liberazione - Roma) stands as a solemn testament to the city's turbulent history during World War II. Located on Via Tasso, this museum is housed in a building that once served as...
0.4 miW
Medieval church on pagan and Roman ruins
San Clemente, Rome
11 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano stands as a remarkable testament to the city's layered history. This minor basilica, lesser-known than some of Rome's grander churches, is a treasure trove for those interested in...
~390 ftNE
Ancient holy steps within a sanctuary
Scala Santa, Rome
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, is a sanctuary of profound religious significance and a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike. According to tradition, these are the steps that Jesus ascended during his Passion, on his way to face trial...
0.5 miW
Shopping, Shopping district
Gay Street, Rome
14 min walk • The Gay Street is an area in Rome, Italy designated as a gay- and lesbian-friendly neighborhood. A 300-metre shopping and bar area in the center of the city on Via San Giovanni in Laterano, a street leading to the east flank of the Colosseum, it was formally designated in 2007.
0.5 miE
Baroque architecture, Church, Sacred and religious sites
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Rome
14 min walk • The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem or Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, is a Catholic Minor basilica and titular church in rione Esquilino, Rome, Italy. It is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
~790 ftW
Church, Baroque architecture
Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo, Rome
4 min walk • Santi Andrea e Bartolomeo is a Catholic church in Rome, in the Rione Monti, on Via Santo Stefano Rotondo.
~420 ftSW
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Lateran Baptistery, Rome
3 min walk • The domed octagonal Lateran Baptistery stands somewhat apart from the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome, to which it has become joined by later construction.
0.4 miW
Church, Romanesque architecture, Historical place
Santi Quattro Coronati, Rome
11 min walk • Santi Quattro Coronati is an ancient basilica in Rome, Italy. The church dates back to the 4th century, and is devoted to four anonymous saints and martyrs.
0.5 miW
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Ruins
Santo Stefano Rotondo, Rome
13 min walk • The Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round on the Celian Hill is an ancient basilica and titular church in Rome, Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Lateran Palace?

Nearby attractions include Vatican Historical Museum, Rome (1 min walk), Lateran Obelisk, Rome (2 min walk), Major basilica, Rome (2 min walk), Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (2 min walk).

How to get to Lateran Palace by public transport?

The nearest stations to Lateran Palace:

Bus

Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano • Lines: 117, 16, 51, 650, 665, 85, 87 (2 min walk)
P.za S. Giovanni in Laterano • Lines: 673, 714, 717, 792, 81, L08, L80 (3 min walk)

Tram

Manzoni/Merulana • Lines: 3, 8 (6 min walk)
Labicana/Merulana • Lines: 3, 8 (6 min walk)

Metro

San Giovanni • Lines: A, C (7 min walk)
Manzoni • Lines: A (7 min walk)

Light rail

Termini Laziali • Lines: Fc1 (19 min walk)
Roma Termini • Lines: Fl6, Fl7 (25 min walk)

Train

Roma Termini (25 min walk)
Roma Tuscolana (27 min walk)