Click HERE for a 360 degree tour of the Lateran basilica.
This is the oldest, and ranks first among the four great "patriarchal" basilicas of Rome. The site was, in ancient times, occupied by the palace of the family of the Laterani.
From the beginning of the fourth century, when it was given to the pope by
Constantine, the palace of the Lateran was the principal residence of the popes,
and continued so for about a thousand years. In the tenth century Sergius III
restored it after a disastrous fire, and later on it was greatly embellished by
Innocent III. This was the period of its greatest magnificence, when Dante
speaks of it as beyond all human achievements. At this time the centre of the
piazza in front, where now the obelisk stands, was occupied by the palace and
tower of the Annibaldeschi. Between this palace and the basilica was the
equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, then believed to represent Constantine,
which now is at the Capitol.
See Also:
A Virtual
Tour of St. Paul-Outside-the Walls [ Burial Place of St. Paul], Vatican City
A 360 degree tour of the Basilica, including a view of the apostle's tomb.
A
Virtual Tour of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City
A spectacular view of the Sistine Chapel via Virtual
Reality.
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