The Scala Sancta

According to tradition, these twenty-eight marble steps come from the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Jesus climbed them on Good Friday to be judged, crowned with thorns and scourged. Saint Helena is said to have brought them to Rome in the fourth century.

For centuries they led up to the old papal palace at the Lateran. When Pope Sixtus V rebuilt the palace, he had them moved in 1589 to a new building by the architect Domenico Fontana, where they lead to the Sancta Sanctorum, the private chapel of the medieval popes. The chapel is famous for an ancient image of Christ “not made by human hands.”

Pilgrims climb the stairs on their knees, praying and meditating on the Passion at each step. Since 1723 the marble has been protected by a covering of walnut wood, which has been worn deep by the knees of the faithful. In 2019, after restoration, the wood was removed for a few months, and pilgrims could climb the bare marble for the first time in almost three centuries.

Martin Luther climbed the stairs as a young Augustinian friar during his visit to Rome in 1510. Countless saints have climbed them too, and the Scala Sancta remains one of the most moving places of prayer in the city.

Where

Sanctuary of the Scala Santa, beside Saint John Lateran, Rome, Italy

When to see it

Open daily. The twenty-eight steps may be climbed only on the knees, in prayer; side staircases are for walking.

Map

Find it on OpenStreetMap