Steps Jesus Walked Up to Face Pontius Pilate Accessible in Rome
Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.
One sight that is not mentioned in every Rome or Italy guidebook is the Holy Stairs, or Scala Santa. Formally known as the Santuario della Scala Santa e Sancta Sanctorum, the Holy Stairs are found in something of a nondescript building in Rome just across from the much larger Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano.
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What Is So Special about the Holy Staircase?
It does seem odd to make a staircase a tourist destination, but these are very special stairs. Jesus Christ ascended these steps to face Pontius Pilate before he was sentenced to crucifixion. Some of Jesus Christ’s blood supposedly remains on the steps to this day. The stairs are also known as the Holy Steps, the Scala Sancta, and the Scala Pilati.
When Was Jesus in Rome?
Jesus never visited Rome, although the Holy Stairs now reside in the city. St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, shipped the staircase to Rome from Jerusalem in the year 326 A.D.
Can Tourists Walk up the Holy Stairs?
Most of the time, wood covers the marble stairs. Visitors must ascend the 28 steps on their knees. The process provides time to reflect. Ascending the staircase can sometimes be slow going as other visitors pray on each step. Once visitors reach the top of the stairs, they can walk down a separate staircase to exit the building that houses the Scala Santa.
From April 11, 2019 through June 9, 2019, visitors may ascend the original marble stairs, which have been restored. The marble stairs have not been uncovered for some 300 years.
Is Jesus Christ’s Blood Visible on the Holy Stairs?
Jesus Christ’s blood is covered with crosses and a metal grate.
What Else Is in the Building?
Remember to take a peek at a few other elements of the building housing the Holy Stairs. The Chapel of the Popes, which popes used as their private chapel until the 1300s or so, can be seen through barred windows at the top of the staircase. The Sancta Sanctorum contains many relics.
Are the Holy Stairs Only Open to Catholics?
No. The stairs are open to the public.
Should Visitors Who Are Not Religious Visit the Holy Stairs?
There is quite a bit of history on those stairs. Whether one believes that Jesus was the messiah or not, ascending the Holy Stairs slowly, on one’s knees, tends to be a transformative experience. If you don’t want to say a few prayers for yourself or the planet, just marvel at the intense prayer that others engage in while here. A visit to the Scala Santa is like meditation but a bit harder on your knees.
Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 14 00184 Roma, Italy
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications. Contact Lori at loritripoli@bashfuladventurer.com.
Where is Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome?
Are you planning a visit to the Scala Santa? You might like these posts:
- On My Knees at the Scala Santa
- Beyond Saint Peter’s Chains
- Italy on a Budget: Rome Can Be Reasonable
- Tea Partying in the Eternal City
- 10 Good Things about Holiday Inn Express Rome
- Staying in Rome near the Spanish Steps
Have you visited the Holy Staircase? What did you think of it?
That’s so interesting! I’d never heard of these stairs before and it confused me as Jesus didn’t visit Rome – so thanks for explaining that!
I know–I cannot shipping stairs anywhere, but stranger things have happened! 🙂
So interesting! I’ve never heard of the holy stairs. I’ll be in Rome in October and just may add this to my itinerary. Thanks!
Enjoy your trip to Rome! There is always so much to see and do there.
How interesting! Is it the stairs in front of the building like in the photo, or are they inside the building?
The stairs are on the inside of the building. I took photos each time I visited, but they did not turn out and disappeared. I think some places do not want to be photographed.
Wow, how interesting, ascending on your knees!?! That would definitely make it a spiritual experience.
You have really discovered an off-the-beaten-track place here; like everyone else I’ve never heard of these stairs. How amazing to ship a whole staircase!