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Visiting with a professional guide the first Papal residency in Rome could not get better, St. John in Latheran. Originally, the adjoining latheran palace, was the first official papal residence until the papacy moved to Avignon in 1309. The actual structure dates back to 1589 but, older parts survived such as the Holy Stairs which Christ is said to have climbed at his trial.
We will carry on with the lovely Baptistery of S. John which today much restored to its formal glory. The octagonal form with the font in the center was created in 432, when Pope Sixtus III replaced Constantine's building with a new structure. Inside, the chapel of S. John Baptist is decorated with a mosaic dating from the 5th century.
Walking along the Via San Giovanni in Laterano, we will stop at the Saint Clemente's Church known to have existed as early as the 3rd century AD. The unique church has a mosaic in the apse and extremely costly marble laid on the floor by the artist Cosmati. In the 19th century, the remains of the previous church were discouvered and today can be visited and appreciate the changes over the centuries.
Leaving behind St. Clemente Church, the guide will lead you to the most famous church called St. Peter's in Chains. This church is named after St, Peter who was chained up and prisoned by Leo the Great.
To finish off this unique splendid tour, we will be visiting S. Mary Major which is one of the seven pilgrimage churches and one of the four patriarchal basilicas of Rome. Inside of the church, the guide will give you a full history of the Basilica, Cappella Sistina, Cappella Paolina and much more