Rome Sights

Scala Santa & Sancta Sanctorum

#146 of 963 things to do in Rome

#3983 of 49054 things to do in Europe

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  • Address
    • Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14
  • Transport
    • San Giovanni
  • Phone
    • 06 772 66 41
  • Price
    • admission Scala/Sancta €3.50/free, Sancta & Cappella San Silvestro €5
  • Hours
    • Scala 6.15am-noon & 3.30-6.45pm Apr-Sep, 6.15am-noon & 3-6.15pm Oct-Mar, Sancta Sanctorum 10.30-11.30am & 3-4.30pm Apr-Sep, 10.30-11.30am & 3-4pm Oct-Mar, closed Wed am & Sun year-round

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Lonely Planet review for Scala Santa & Sancta Sanctorum

Boasting a genuinely spiritual atmosphere, the Scala Santa is said to be the staircase that Jesus walked up in Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. It was brought to Rome by St Helena in the 4th century, and is considered so sacred that you can only climb it on your knees, saying a prayer on each of the 28 steps. At the top of the stairs, and accessible by two side staircases if you don’t fancy the knee-climb, is the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies), once the pope’s private chapel. A spectacular sight, it’s richly decorated with stunning mosaics and frescoes, the best of which depict the life of St Sylvester in the Cappella San Silvestro.

 

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