Palazzo Lateranense, the Bishop of Rome's residence, opens to the public for the first time
The Palazzo Lateranense welcomed its first visitors on December 13, 2021. This expansive 3,000-square-meter site features ten rooms, including the papal apartment, a private chapel, and a grand staircase leading to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Notable items on display include the table used for signing the Lateran Pacts in 1929. Entrance is via Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, with guided tours capped at 30 participants by the Missionary Sisters of the Divine Revelation. Pope Francis endorsed this project to promote the sharing of artistic heritage. The location's historical significance began on October 28, 312 AD, highlighted by the Edict of Milan in 313 and the Basilica's consecration on November 9, 318.
Key facts
- Palazzo Lateranense opened to the public on December 13, 2021
- The complex covers nearly 3,000 square meters with ten rooms
- Includes the papal apartment, private chapel, and monumental staircase to St. John Lateran
- The table where the Lateran Pacts were signed is on display
- Access is from Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, groups limited to 30
- Guided by Missionary Sisters of the Divine Revelation
- Initiative encouraged by Pope Francis
- History dates to 312 AD with Constantine's victory
- Basilica consecrated November 9, 318 by Pope Sylvester I
- Patriarchium abandoned after Avignon Papacy (1309–1377)
- Restored by Pope Sixtus V (1585–1590)
- Hall of the Popes contains flag lowered September 21, 1870
- Frescoes by School of Cesare Nebbia and Giovanni Guerra
- Gobelins tapestries depict Louis XIV's marriage
Entities
Artists
- Cesare Nebbia
- Giovanni Guerra
Institutions
- Palazzo Lateranense
- Basilica of St. John Lateran
- Missionary Sisters of the Divine Revelation
- Holy See
- Vatican Museums
- Scala Santa
- Gobelins Manufactory
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Piazza di Porta San Giovanni
- Piazza Santa Susanna
- Porta Pia
- Avignon
- France
- Spain