🪜 Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)

About This Sacred Site

The Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) are a set of 28 white marble steps that tradition holds are the very stairs Jesus climbed when brought before Pontius Pilate for trial. According to tradition, St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, brought the stairs from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 CE. Pilgrims ascend the stairs only on their knees, a practice that has continued for centuries. Martin Luther was climbing these steps when he experienced the revelation that inspired the Reformation. The stairs were opened for the first time in 300 years in 2019, revealing the original marble beneath their wooden covering.

Key Facts

• •Tradition holds these are the stairs Jesus climbed at Pilate's palace in Jerusalem
• •Brought to Rome by St. Helena in 326 CE according to tradition
• •Martin Luther was climbing these stairs when he had his Reformation insight
• •The original marble was exposed for the first time in 300 years during a 2019 restoration
• •Pilgrims can only ascend the stairs on their knees, praying on each step

Location

Coordinates: 41.8878, 12.5072