Scala Santa, A Sacred Ascent to Historical Sanctity

Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14 - Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14
3.9

Introduction

The Holy Stairs are remnants of the Lateran Palace with 28 levels of steps. Legend has it that these stairs were once the passage for Christ's trial, entering Pilate's residence, while others say they were brought from Jerusalem by Emperor Constantine's mother. As the Lateran Palace was destroyed, Pope Sixtus V transferred these stairs here. Tourists can climb the stairs to the Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, which was built in 1278 and constructed with Cosmatesque-style marble. The chapel houses a precious painting of Jesus.
Address
Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14 - Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14
Opening hours
Saints Level: 6:15-12:00
15:30-18:45 (winter season starts at 15:00)
Chapel: 10:30-11:30
15:00-16:00 (closed on Wednesdays and Sundays)
Transportation
Get off at S. Giovanni station on Subway Line A.