Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Rom, Italy
06.05.2012
The Historic Center of Rome, the Extraterritorial Sites of the Holy See in the City, and St. Paul Outside the Walls
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Historic Center of Rome, the Extraterritorial Sites of the Holy See in the City, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These sites hold great significance to the history of Rome, and are a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
The Historic Center of Rome is the heart of the city, and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. This area includes famous sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. These structures are not only architectural marvels, but also hold great historical and cultural significance. For example, the Colosseum was once the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and was used for gladiator fights and other public spectacles.
One of the most unique aspects of Rome is the presence of the extraterritorial sites of the Holy See within the city. These sites, which include the Vatican City and the Palace of the Governorate of Vatican City State, are considered sovereign territories of the Holy See and are not technically part of Italy. The Vatican City is home to the Pope and the Catholic Church, and is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the rich history and art within its walls.
Another important UNESCO site in Rome is St. Paul Outside the Walls, also known as Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura. This basilica is one of the four major pilgrimage churches in Rome and is believed to be the burial place of St. Paul, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The basilica is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful mosaics, and is a significant religious site for Catholics.
The Historic Center of Rome, the Extraterritorial Sites of the Holy See in the City, and St. Paul Outside the Walls are not only important landmarks in Rome, but also hold great significance to the history of Western civilization. They are a testament to the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage, and are a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture.
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Founded, according to legend, by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC, Rome was first the centre of the Roman Republic, then of the Roman Empire, and it became the capital of the Christian world in the 4th century. The World Heritage site, extended in 1990 to the walls of Urban VIII, includes some of the major monuments of antiquity such as the Forums, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius, as well as the religious and public buildings of papal Rome.
The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (officially, the Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica, Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World, and commonly known as the Lateran Basilica or Saint John Lateran) is the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Rome in the city of Rome, and serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, the pope. The only "archbasilica" in the world, it lies outside of Vatican City proper, which is located approximately four kilometres (2+1⁄2 miles) northwest. Nevertheless, as properties of the Holy See, the archbasilica and its adjoining edifices enjoy an extraterritorial status from Italy, pursuant to the terms of the Lateran Treaty of 1929. Dedicated to the Christ, in honor of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, the place name, Laterano (Lateran) comes from an ancient Roman family (gens), whose palace (domus) grounds occupied the site; the adjacent Lateran Palace was the primary residence of the pope until the Middle Ages.
The church is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Founded in 324, it is the oldest public church in the city of Rome, and the oldest basilica of the Western world. It houses the cathedra of the Roman bishop, and has the title of ecumenical mother church of the Catholic faithful. The building deteriorated during the Middle Ages and was badly damaged by two fires in the 14th century. It was rebuilt in the late 16th century during the reign of Pope Sixtus V. The new structure's interior was renovated in the late 17th century, and its façade was completed in 1735 under Pope Clement XII.
The most recent Rector is currently Cardinal Archpriest Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome since October 6, 2024. The president of the French Republic, currently Emmanuel Macron, is ex officio the "First and Only Honorary Canon" of the archbasilica, a title that the heads of state of France have possessed since King Henry IV.
The large Latin inscription on the façade reads: Clemens XII Pont Max Anno V Christo Salvatori In Hon SS Ioan Bapt et Evang. This abbreviated inscription translates as: "The Supreme Pontiff Clement XII, in the fifth year [of his Pontificate, dedicated this building] to Christ the Savior, in honor of Saints John the Baptist and [John] the Evangelist". The inscription indicates, with its full title (see below), that the archbasilica was originally dedicated to Christ the Savior and, centuries later, rededicated in honor of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. Christ the Savior remains its primary dedication, and its titular feast day is 6 August, the Transfiguration of Christ. As the cathedral of the pope as bishop of Rome, it ranks superior to all other churches of the Catholic Church, including Saint Peter's Basilica.
