S. Giovanni in Laterano

Advantages: Beautiful church, important historically.
Disadvantages: You have to pay to get into the cloisters and you can't see the 10 year old italian children struggling up the holy steps on their knees!

San Giovanni isn't necessarily top of the tourist trail in Rome. This is probably because of it's location. It isn't as central as most of the other attractions and is certainly the reason I didn't venture out to San Giovanni until my fourth or fifth visit to Rome, but I am sorry I left it so long! San Giovanni was Rome's first church, and indeed, is still Rome's cathedral, predating St Peter's, perhaps surprisingly. It was built (or at least started!) ...
...the forecourt. Of course the Cathedral, having survived a number of fires, invasions and battles, has changed significantly since the Roman era, but it retains much of the grandeur and is certainly a very impressive sight. The church itself is massive, of course, this is Italy, experts when it comes to large church-building, and because of San Giovanni's predominance, it is spectacular, coming second only to St Peter's on the jaw-droppingly beautiful ... Read review

Advantages: So many amazing sights to discover, a truly wonderful city.
Disadvantages: Tired feet and too much traffic

..., it is a truly awe-inspiring building. And I would also recommend heading to the PIAZZA del POPOLO to take in the twin churches, Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli. Rome’s cathedral, SAN GIOVANNI in LATERANO, is also well worth a visit. A huge building that was originally the site of the Pope’s residence before the Vatican was completed. It is situated a little distance away from some of the more famous tourist sights though, so I wouldn’t necessarily make it a priority. Many ancient buildings were converted to Christian places of worship following the Roman Emperor’s conversion to Christianity, and the PANTHEON is a lasting example of this. Built by Hadrian (he was a busy man!), the building’s exterior certainly looks its age, but it quite amazing inside. There was a fair bit of scaffolding up when we visited which... Read review

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