Our class was supposed to meet at this church which is on other side of the world. It was pouring rain and we got lost multiple times but we finally made it.
Welcome to San Giovanni in Laterano. This church is on of the few that was dedicated solely to Jesus Christ. It was taken over for religious purposes by Constantine in 318. Since it has been rebuilt three times due to barbarian invasions, earthquakes, and fires it has layers. There are pieces from every era, which is fascinating (this will be revisited when I talk about the St. Clemente basilica). On the outside of the church there is an ancient inscription that reads "SACROSANCTA LATERANENSIS ECCLESIA OMNIUM URBIS ET ORBIS ECCLESIARUM MATER ET CAPUT"- "The Most Holy Lateran Church, Mother and Mistress of all churches of the city and the World" It was established to be the most ornate, and holy church in the world (Constantine's gift to God). The popes would reside here until 1300's when they moved to Avignon.
This is the ceiling, which goes on forever and is magnificent.
This is the other location where many speculate that St. Peter and St. Pauls remains are.
Behind/Incorporated into this painting is supposedly a piece of wood from the actual last supper.
The obelisk is outside of the church in the piazza. It is the oldest in Rome, dating back to 1400 B.C. It is obviously from Egypt, and it is pretty safe to say that it was not a gift. I cannot believe that this thing is still standing.
Across from the church there is a smaller building that is quite quaint. Jesus went to Jerusalem, to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate once when he was imprisoned and once when he was crucified. Therefore he would have walked these sacred steps twice in his lifetime. As a gift to Constantine and to the church Constantine's wife (Helena) actually tracked down these stairs in Jerusalem, had them cut out and transported here to Rome. They covered the stairs in wood paneling so that they would not wear away. Now there are 28 stairs and you must not walk up or down the stairs, in fact you must go up the stairs on your knees and say a prayer on each one. It was fascinating to see all of the people lost in thought as they hobbled up these stairs on their knees. Fun Fact: In 1817 Pope Pius X granted everyone that ascended these stairs an indulgence for nine years per step.
Now across the way from San Giovanni is another little church that is extremely old. Within this church is the first baptismal font. The church (which is in really good shape) and the font date back to 315.
This is the a mosaic within the Narthex. It was on the ceiling and I loved the little guy hiding out in the pattern.
This is the remains of what were frescas.
This is the ceiling in the chapel, beautiful carved wood.
Within every medieval church you will find a garden. They were built to represent the continuation of life. They are symbolic in that they are the connection between heaven and earth. There will always be some representation of animals and here there were little goldfish swimming in the fountain.
This is an ancient fresco of the mother with child. It is one of the only ones in the world that is still nicely intact and it is quite special. You can tell that it was medieval due to the flatness and the colors.
All in all it was a great class trip.
