Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Rome, Italy

San Giovanni de Laterano or Saint John's in Lateran, Rome, Italy.  

On my last journey through Rome, I was determined not only to revisit the most celebrated sights like the Vatican, Colosseum, Roman Forum, etc., but also discover hidden treasures throughout the eternal city that I have read about, and that most visitors overlook because they’re off the beaten path. So, I embarked on a research mission to uncover some of these sights of historic and religious significance and plotted them on my Roman crusade to explore these often overlooked and forgotten places.  Despite the fact that my camera batteries died during this journey which is the reason for three borrowed and credited images below, I had a fascinating time nonetheless.  I invite you to come along on this journey through Rome and I hope you too, discover something new and wondrous for your next trip.

San Giovanni de Laterano or Saint John's in Lateran, Rome, Italy.  (This photo only: Stefan Bauer, www.ferras.at) 

Our first stop is San Giovanni in Laterano or Saint John’s in Lateran, which is only a short distance west of the Roman Colosseum. Built atop Mt. Celio, one of Rome’s seven hills, San Giovanni is the first Christian basilica built in the world and the original Papal seat until the 15th century. Consecrated and dedicated to the Savior in A.D. 324, dedications were later added for Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. 

San Giovanni de Laterano or Saint John's in Lateran interior.  

San Giovanni Papal Altar - Canopy at top contains relics of Saint John and Saint Paul.  

Once you're here, you can't help notice the striking resemblance to Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  From the saintly statuary perched atop the pediment to the interior ornamentation of the nave and Papal altar, I couldn’t help but make comparisons throughout my exploration of this first church of Christianity. Plus, I was astounded by two fascinating discoveries I made during my time there.  Inside the canopy of the Papal altar, completed in 1367, are two reliquaries with the heads of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, somewhat gruesome, I admit but nonetheless unexpected.  The second is a special set of green doors leading into the basilica.  Originally cast of bronze and now oxidized green, these doors once belonged to the Roman Forum's Senate building.  During the past, they were moved and replicas inserted in their place.  See my picture of the Roman Senate building below.  For additional shots of San Giovanni's interior, read my article "Captivated by the Light."

Roman Forum Senate Building.  Green doors are replicas due to moving of originals to San Giovanni.    

Saint Simon, one of 12 Apostles lining the nave of San Giovanni de Laterano or Saint John's in Lateran. 

Scala Santa or Holy Stairs in Rome, Italy.  Jesus Christ ascended these stairs on the Passion. (This photo only: LPLT Wikimedia Commons)

Moving on from San Giovanni, we cross the street to a very nondescript building that houses one of the most sacred sights of Christians around the world – Scala Santa or the "Holy Stairs." Each year, thousands of Christians make their pilgrimage to this holy set of stairs sanctified by Jesus Christ during the Passion when they were originally located in Pontius Pilate’s palace. When you visit, you'll find some worshipers traverse the steps on their knees while others walk upright, or still yet, remain at the bottom to kneel and pray. Whether your Christian or not, you can’t help but sense the heightened spirituality resounding throughout these hallowed halls and be moved by it, as was the case for me. 

We change direction and travel east toward the Colosseum – to the Basilica de San Clemente. Dedicated to Saint Clement, the fourth Pope after Saint Peter, the church is an historical chronology on three levels dating back to a first century pagan temple at its lowest depths, up through the fourth century and finally to the 12th century, the point at which you enter the basilica. At the lowest level, you transcend time to the first-century pagan temple and discover the Altar of Mithras. Ascending to the level immediately above, you find a fourth-century basilica containing a nave and ancient frescoes from the eighth century. Finally at ground level, the 12th century, you discover an even more magnificent nave with 15th-century frescoes adoring the walls. If you want to learn more, visit the Basilica de San Clemente website for an incredibly interactive tour through history.

Michelangelo's Moses is said to be a self-portrait of the master sculptor. (This photo only: WikiPedia)

Finally, just north of the Colosseum lies San Pietro in Vincoli or Saint Peter in Chains. The basilica's name originates from a relic housed inside the altar that is reputed to contain the actual chains that bound Saint Peter during his trials in Jerusalem. However, it is for another reason I included this historic place on my itinerary.  Saint Peter in Chains, built in 432-440, is also home to one of the most extraordinary masterpieces ever completed by Michelangelo – his famous statue Moses. Originally intended for Pope Julius II's ill-fated tomb inside St. Peter's Basilica, the statue ended up here because of Pope's untimely death which resulted in the tomb's abandonment.  

Did you know that Moses' face is believed to be a self-portrait of the master sculptor himself? 

Imagine two millenniums of history can be found throughout Rome and all you need to do is to possess the curiosity and passion to discover ancient temples, forgotten civilizations, lost art and architecture, treasures of antiquity and most notably, some of the holiest places in the world. Then, venture OFF the beaten path and go forth on a crusade all your own. [This is starting to sound like an Indiana Jones movie.] You'll find these places void of the throngs of tourists, so you won’t be overwhelmed by crowds at all.

Arrivederci curious explorers!