The
Scala Sancta (English: Holy Stairs, Italian:
Scala Santa) are a set of 28 white marble steps located within a building in Rome near the Lateran Basilica and is an extraterritorial property of the Holy See. The steps, long encased in a protective framework of wooden steps, are located in a building that incorporates part of the old Lateran Palace. The stairs lead to the
Sancta Sanctorum (English: Holy of Holies), the personal chapel of the early Popes known as the chapel of St. Lawrence. According to the Catholic tradition, they are the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during the events known as the Passion. The stairs were, reputedly, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the fourth century. For centuries, the
Scala Sancta has attracted Christian pilgrims who wish to honor the Passion of Jesus.
The Scala Sancta are encased in protective wood and may only be
ascended on the knees. For common use, the staircase is flanked by four
additional staircases, two on each side, constructed around 1589. Climbing the Holy Stairs on one's knees is a devotion much in favor
with pilgrims and the faithful. Several popes have performed the
devotion.
Due to time constraints, we were unable to ascend the staircase during our tour.
