The 28 steps pilgrims climb on their knees

Facing the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano stands one of the most intense sites in Christian Rome: the Scala Santa, 28 marble steps that, by tradition, Jesus climbed in the palace of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on the night of the Passion. Brought to Rome — so the legend goes — by Sant'Elena, mother of Costantino, it has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries: the faithful climb it on their knees, step by step, in prayer. It is an experience that moves even the secular visitor.

What to see

  • The Scala Santa: the 28 steps, protected by wooden boards (the original marble lies beneath), climbed only on the knees.
  • The Sancta Sanctorum: at the top, the ancient private chapel of the popes, home to the acheropita icon of the Saviour "not painted by human hand" — one of Christianity's most precious treasures.
  • The side staircases: those who do not climb on their knees can walk up normally via two staircases on either side to reach the summit and see the Sancta Sanctorum.
  • The frescoes: the restored complex displays fresco cycles of great value.

The history

By tradition, the staircase belonged to Pilate's praetorium, and it was linked to the Laterano as early as the Middle Ages as part of the papal palace. When the popes moved to the Vatican, the Scala Santa remained the devotional heart of the Laterano. In 2019 a restoration brought the original marble back to light, exceptionally walkable for a brief period.

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Hours and visit

Entry to the Scala Santa is free (voluntary offering); the Sancta Sanctorum may require a ticket. Hours vary between summer and winter and on days of celebration: check the official website. It stands right across from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, so the two visits pair up naturally. → San Giovanni in Laterano: the complete guide

Tips

  • Respect: this is a place of prayer; keep silent and dress modestly.
  • Climbing on your knees is a choice: it is not required; those who prefer to walk up use the side staircases.
  • Peak periods: during Lent and Jubilee years the flow of pilgrims is at its highest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Scala Santa in Rome? It is 28 marble steps, facing San Giovanni in Laterano, that by tradition Jesus climbed in Pilate's palace in Jerusalem. Brought to Rome by Sant'Elena, it is a place of pilgrimage: the faithful climb it on their knees.

Do you have to climb the Scala Santa on your knees? That is the devotional tradition, but it is not required: those who do not want to or cannot climb on their knees use the two side staircases to reach the Sancta Sanctorum at the top.

Is the Scala Santa free? Yes, entry is free (voluntary offering). The Sancta Sanctorum at the top may require a ticket. Hours vary: check the official website.

What is the Sancta Sanctorum? It is the ancient private chapel of the popes at the top of the Scala Santa, which safeguards the acheropita icon of the Saviour, held to be "not painted by human hand": one of Christianity's most venerated treasures.

Where is the Scala Santa? Right across from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, in Piazza San Giovanni. The two visits pair up naturally in a single stop.

See also

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Article #253 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026