A photo-essay by my husband, Roy
St. John Lateran (Arcibasilica Papale di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the Cathedral of Rome, and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, that is the Pope. However, it is built on a quiet square, surrounded by ordinary Roman houses.
and an obelisk built by Thuthmose IV (ca. 1400 BC), then transported to the Circus Maximus and finally relocated here
Here is the facade and a closed iron gate
The interior decorated from ceiling to floor.
The dome above the apse |
This looks almost lime a museum display, but is actually a detail from the ceiling near the altar. |
Another detail — it is not easy to take a square shot looking straight up. |
And here is view of the whole ceiling above the nave.
The walls — marble everywhere!
The church was empty and we could enjoy the floor which had a variety of simple tessellations that produce a 3-D illusion that the mind can interpret in different ways. Here is one
The church is attached to to a cloister, which as always has a peaceful beauty:
Notice the variety in the columns
Earlier remains on display:
Read my new memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India (US) or UK.
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Anita says
Thanks much, Jo, Nancy, and Jen
jo rosenblum says
Lovely to see your photos, it's always interesting to have a bit of an 'international tour,' even if it's only through someone elses pics.
Nancy Wallace says
Wow!
Jennifer in OR says
Breathtaking, all of it.