Built on the ground of the Roman Imperial Lateran Palace given by Constantine to the Bishop of Rome, the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the official ecclesiastical seat (cathedral) of popes as bishops of Rome. This is the view of its side Loggia delle Benedizioni.
On the right is the base of an obelisk from 15th century BC Egypt acquired by Constantine. At 32m tall and weight 455 tons, it is the world's largest standing obelisk.