San Giovanni in Laterano

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the Cathedral of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome, and as such, ranks even higher than St. Peter's Basilica.

In terms of the Roman Catholic Church, this spot is kind of where it all began, with a history that goes back to Emperor Constantine, and a Roman history that goes back even farther. Constantine made Christianity the official Religion of the Roman Empire.

These gilded bronze columns are said to come from the Temple of Jupiter, the ruins of which lay beneath Capitoline Museums, atop Capitoline Hill, overlooking the Forum.

The facade is neo-classical and was built in 18th Century. This was the enlightenment era, reason prevailed and the ridiculous rococo was swept away.

The statue at the far end of the porch is of Emperor Constantine.

Each enclave contains a statue of an Apostle.

The ceiling of the Nave is Renaissance, but everything else is Baroque, per Francesco Borromini, in preparation for the 1650 Jubilee.

Rome is mostly a Baroque City. Borromini is especially known for his mesmerizing combinations of curved shapes mixed with polygons.

This is 13th-Century, Medieval Mosaic Art. It lacks the depth and realism of Renaissance art, but is most definitely spectacular in its own way. The figures stand by the bank of the River Jordan.