There is one more reason to visit the Scala Sancta this year: while in the midst of a long, delicate restoration process, the Christian landmark in the San Giovanni area will be open to visitors in its original form, but just until June 9, 2019. After that date, the renovation works will begin again.

What is the Scala Sancta?

Also called the Holy Stairs or the Holy Staircase, it’s one of Rome’s most famous Catholic relics.

The story goes that these are the original stairs leading to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, moved to Rome by Saint Helena, who oversaw a delicate procedure of dismantling and moving each step, which eventually made it to Rome by boat.

Until 1589 they were part of the Lateran Palace in St. John Lateran, but when the building was in ruins, Pope Sixtus V ordered for them to be moved and rebuilt in what is now their present location. For protection, he also had a protective wood encasing built around each step, and there it stayed for several centuries: the renovation has temporarily removed the wooden panels, so pilgrims can ascend the stairs in their original form.

Located at the “Pontificio Santuario della Scala Santa” (Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs), faithful can only take the Holy Stairs on their knees, out of devotion for the fact that (according to tradition) Jesus Christ walked on them himself while being led to Pontius Pilate.

In spite of their importance for Catholic devouts, the site is not as famous as the Vatican, so visiting is a chance to see a part of Rome that is not yet run over by mass tourism. Some of our managed accommodations, by the way, are within walking distance from the Scala Sancta, notably Casa Isabella al Colosseo, or Via Gallia: so make the most of your stay and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience!