Rome: Basilica of St John Lateran & Holy Steps 1-Hour Tour
Centro Storico, Rome
Visit the Basilica of St John Lateran (the Mother Church of the World) and the Holy Steps on which Christ was condemned on this bite-sized 1-hour tour with your devout Catholic scholar and tour guide.
Overview
This pilgrimage tour in Rome explores the Scala Sancta and the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran, ideal for those interested in Catholic history and sacred sites.
Highlights
- Visit the highest-ranking church in the world
- See the Holy Stairs where pilgrims may gain a Plenary Indulgence
- View the miraculous acheiropoieta believed to be begun by St Luke
- Explore one of the four Holy Doors set to open in 2025
- Venerate relics of Saints Peter and Paul, the Pillars of the Church
Description
The Holy Steps and the Major Papal Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran (San Giovanni) draw pilgrims for their central role in Catholic tradition. The steps, originally from the Praetorium in Judea where Jesus was tried by Pontius Pilate, were brought to Rome by St Helena in the 4th century along with key relics from Christ’s Passion.
According to Catholic tradition, pilgrims climb the Holy Steps on their knees in meditation to receive an Indulgence. This ritual takes about 45 minutes and is not included in the tour, but can be performed individually afterward at no charge.
The tour begins at the Scala Sancta church, which houses the Sanctorium Sancta (Holy of Holies), a chapel once accessible only to the Pope. Here, visitors climb the ordinary stairs and glimpse the acheiropoieta of Christ, said to have been initiated by St Luke and completed by angels. The chapel also holds wood from the Last Supper table.
The tour continues across the street to the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran, the highest-ranking church in Christendom. Participants can venerate the relics of Saints Peter and Paul. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its architectural significance, historical importance, and symbolic mosaics.
San Giovanni is also one of the four sites with a Holy Door that opens during Jubilee Years, the next scheduled for 2025.
The tour ends outside the basilica’s facade, near public transport, taxis, and the ancient Aurelian walls surrounding Rome’s historic center.
Includes
- All taxes and fees
- Radio headsets for groups of seven or more
Excludes
- Transport to the meeting point
- Transport from the end point
- Guide tip
Important Information
- Free admission for clerics
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs. Morning visits are quieter. After the tour, plan time to climb the Holy Steps on your knees if you wish to complete the Indulgence ritual.
