Scala Santa & Sancta Sanctorum
Mon–Sat 6:00–13:30, 15:00–18:30; Sun 7:00–13:30, 15:00–19:00. Sancta Sanctorum: 9:30–12:40, 15:00–17:10.
Free
30–45 min
Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 14, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
The Holy Stairs — 28 marble steps believed to be those Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate's praetorium in Jerusalem during his Passion — transported to Rome by St Helena (Constantine's mother) around 326 AD. Pilgrims have climbed them on their knees since the Middle Ages; Martin Luther climbed them in 1510. The stairs are encased in wood, with small windows exposing the original marble. At the top is the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies) — the private papal chapel, former innermost sanctuary of the entire Lateran complex, with extraordinary 13th-century Cosmatesque floor and the legendary Acheiropoieta icon of Christ (said to have been painted partly by St Luke and partly by an angel). One of the most deeply atmospheric pilgrimage experiences in Rome. Located directly opposite San Giovanni in Laterano — always missed by visitors rushing to the basilica.