Exciting news for Rome as the new Piazza San Giovanni has officially opened to the public! The construction site is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. The square features illuminated circles, water fountains, and tomorrow marks the opening of the Holy Door at the Basilica.
La nuova Piazza San Giovanni (Foto di F. Laddaga)
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Today, on Saturday, December 28th, the new Piazza San Giovanni was inaugurated as scheduled. The event was attended by the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Cardinal Vicar Baldassarre Reina, Capitolina Councilor for Public Works Ornella Segnalini, and Rome’s Special Superintendent Daniela Porro. The renovated Piazza San Giovanni boasts large circles, illuminated fountains, and water features, with a mix of grass, cobblestones, and stone pavement. The revitalization works were carried out in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, which began on December 24th with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope Francis.
Tomorrow, on Sunday, December 29th, the Holy Door at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano will be opened. The door opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 10 am by Cardinal Vicar Baldassarre Reina on behalf of the Pontiff. The square’s progress stands at 85%, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2025. Some finishing touches to the paving and green spaces are still pending but the square will remain open. In addition to the main project, Areti has used 550,000 euros of Jubilee funds to upgrade the artistic lighting system of the basilica.
Renovation Works at Piazza San Giovanni
La nuova Piazza San Giovanni inaugurata oggi
The renovation works at Piazza San Giovanni, one of the Jubilee construction sites in Rome designed by OneWorks architecture firm, began last April. The project involved the square in front of the basilica and the maintenance of the area in front of the Sanctuary of the Scala Santa, where, according to Catholic tradition, the steps that Jesus Christ climbed to face Pilate before his crucifixion are located. The works mainly focused on the pavement, while preserving the public green spaces.
The project covered an area of 18,000 square meters, with a total cost of 15 million euros funded through Jubilee resources. The new pavement design draws inspiration from the cosmatesque patterns of the Basilica, using traditional Roman stones such as cobblestones, basalt, and three different shades of travertine. The project also included the creation of twelve illuminated fountains that provide a cooling effect, enhancing the square’s livability and welcoming ambiance.
Tomorrow’s Opening of the Holy Door at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
Tomorrow, Cardinal Vicar Baldassarre Reina, on behalf of Pope Francis, will open the Holy Door at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano starting at 10 am. To prepare for the event, vehicles parked in Piazza Giovanni Paolo II will be removed starting tonight.
