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Rome's First Basilica: The Lateran Palace and Christian Victory with Livia Galante

Rome's First Basilica: The Lateran Palace and Christian Victory with Livia Galante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join historian Livia Galante for an excursion through the heart of Rome to discover The Lateran: Rome’s first Cathedral and the original seat of the Papacy. Tracing history in this part of the city from the Roman imperial age to the Renaissance, we will focus on the Church of St. John the Lateran, its cloister, baptistery, and the Holy Stairs. We will also explore the Sancta Sanctorum, the holiest of all the places in Rome.
Throughout the course of history, this area of Rome underwent important transformations. Developed as a suburban area where members of the senatorial aristocracy built their lavish residences it evolved into the Christian heart of ancient Rome under Emperor Constantine. After proclaiming Christianity as a legal religion, he sponsored the building of the first basilica and cathedral of Rome and next to it, the very first baptistery.
In the Middle ages, we'll learn of the massive building campaign that created the necessary infrastructure for the Papacy, then based in the Lateran Palace. Until relocation to the Vatican during the Renaissance, this was the home to the Pope and the heart of Christianity in Rome. The Patriarchio had beautiful halls and lavish dining rooms, of which only a few parts remain today. Here the most sacred chapel of the Christian world, the Sancta Sanctorum is located, open again to the only since the late 1980s.
Led by an expert on ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture, Livia Galante, this interactive seminar will focus on the Lateran, the complex comprising the Cathedral of Rome. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased comprehension of the religious and political influence of this area of Rome.

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
70%
(7)
10%
(1)
10%
(1)
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(0)
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L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Interesting

Excellent presentation- makes it a fascinating place to visit!

C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Another wonderful tour and time with Dr. Galante!

Another wonderful tour with Dr. Galante; I always do these with the recording and I am always amazed at the history, pictures, local flavor, and factual presentations that she puts together. Her knowledge of not only this topic but her city generally is so impressive.

S
Susan (Takoma Park, US)
Wonderful historical background about this beautiful (and under rated) basilica

This was a wonderful lecture about one of my favorite churches in Rome, that is rarely visited by tourists. It is absolutely stunning. It is such a treat to be able to hear from an expert about the history of such an important basilica. Highly recommend

J
Jan T (Annapolis, US)
Another wonderful tour with Livia

Livia is one our favorite lecturers at Context. Her enthusiasm, encyclopedic knowledge, and organized presentation make each conversation informative and engaging. We look forward to a tour in person with her when travel is possible again.

N
Nancy Leonard (Rhinebeck, US)
Livia Galante unfolds more visions of great art

Livia Galante is an absorbed, articulate, concentrated archeologist and speaker, whose lecture on the Lateran Palace and Cathedral opened many new spaces for travelers. We learned a lot!

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
70%
(7)
10%
(1)
10%
(1)
0%
(0)
10%
(1)
L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Interesting

Excellent presentation- makes it a fascinating place to visit!

C
C.F. (Santa Monica, US)
Another wonderful tour and time with Dr. Galante!

Another wonderful tour with Dr. Galante; I always do these with the recording and I am always amazed at the history, pictures, local flavor, and factual presentations that she puts together. Her knowledge of not only this topic but her city generally is so impressive.

S
Susan (Takoma Park, US)
Wonderful historical background about this beautiful (and under rated) basilica

This was a wonderful lecture about one of my favorite churches in Rome, that is rarely visited by tourists. It is absolutely stunning. It is such a treat to be able to hear from an expert about the history of such an important basilica. Highly recommend

J
Jan T (Annapolis, US)
Another wonderful tour with Livia

Livia is one our favorite lecturers at Context. Her enthusiasm, encyclopedic knowledge, and organized presentation make each conversation informative and engaging. We look forward to a tour in person with her when travel is possible again.

N
Nancy Leonard (Rhinebeck, US)
Livia Galante unfolds more visions of great art

Livia Galante is an absorbed, articulate, concentrated archeologist and speaker, whose lecture on the Lateran Palace and Cathedral opened many new spaces for travelers. We learned a lot!