Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Rome's actual cathedral and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome — outranking St. Peter's in liturgical hierarchy and inscribed above the door as 'Mother and Head of all churches in the city and the world.' Founded by Constantine in 324 AD, making it the oldest of the four Papal Major Basilicas. The current Baroque interior is by Borromini (1646-49), but the most striking element is the colossal sculptural cycle of the Twelve Apostles lining the central nave. The Cosmatesque cloister with its twisted, mosaic-inlaid columns is one of the finest medieval works in Rome. Across the piazza stand the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), traditionally identified as the steps Christ climbed in Pilate's palace, now climbed only on the knees by pilgrims.