Famous Basilicas in Rome

This past Saturday we were back in church once again. There are churches in just about every Piazza, which is the same as saying there is a church on every corner in Utah. The difference is that these are Catholic churches: very elaborate and ornate and usually dedicated to one particular person.

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John) has been named by the Catholic church “The Mother of All Churches.” The cathedral is dedicated to the Savior, and to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. This church was built in 312 AD. The Popes lived in the Lateran palace until 1377, when the Vatican palace was chosen for their residence.


Every apostle of the original apostles is represented here.
This one represents Matthew:

This one is Thomas:


The name of the basilica: Santa Maria Maggiore is basically saying that the major basilica and largest major church in Rome is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is not totally true, as St. Peter’s is by far the largest basilica in Rome.
i
There always seem to be pillars, arches, copulas, and angels.


It will be very interesting to see the final design work for the LDS Temple that has been announced in Rome. It would seem that pillars or arches would be part of the design to fit the area. Today as we drove by the temple site, some equipment was on the site and some very preliminary work was being done. No word yet as to a ground breaking.