Related:
"Termini Station To San Giovanni In Laterano"

Rome Tourist Guide Routes  

Scala Santa (Holy Staircase)

This is one of Rome's most unusual sites and one of Christianity's most sacred places. Devout pilgrims frequently visit the steps, which are reputed to be those ascended by Christ in Jerusalem on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate. It is in fact true that the steps once stood in Jerusalem. Constantine's mother, a famous collector of relics, had them brought over to Rome. The marble steps are now covered in wood to protect them from wear and tear. Devout visitors climb the staircase on their knees, pausing on every step to give forth a short prayer. The steps end at the Sancta Santorum (Holy of Holies) which was once a private chapel used exclusively by the pope. The chapel contains an interesting portrait of Christ, authored by an unknown painter. Less devout visitors wanting to visit the chapel can do so via two alternative staircases on either side of the Scala Santa.

Regardless of religious beliefs, the Scala Santa is one of the most impressive expressions of faith that one can witness in our day and age.