View Article: Scala Santa

	Scala Santa
	written by Paul Lang / 07.12.2004

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Site Location

The Scala Santa, or "Sacred Steps" can be found at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano in the Lateran district in Rome. There are five sets of stairs leading to the church chapel but only the one in the middle is "sacred".

Site History

These marble (now covered in wood) stairs were transported from Jerusalem in 326 A.D. by St. Helena (mother of Constantine, the roman emperor who made Christianity the official religion). 28 of the stairs came from the palace of Pontius Pilate. Since Christ walked up them on the day of his trial, they are now holy. Walking up them on your knees will grant you full remission of your sins. This site was central to papal coronations until just before the great schism--which was when the pope moved to Avignon in 1309. All popes were crowned in this church until 1870.

Elements of Interest

Look at the stairs; thousands of people walk up them on their knees every year (you may ONLY go up them on your knees!!). The Pope's private chapel is also located found in this building. Borromini designed the interior of the present building in 1646.

Analyze Image

Scala Santa

A look up the Sacred Steps

The path to God is a long and difficult journey, especially on your knees. All kinds of religious sayings are applicable to this picture, especially with the dimly lit corridor leading to the light of Jesus Christ on the cross. One cannot see where the pilgrim began, and only she will see where see ends. However, the chapel at the pinnacle still keeps Christ above even the faithful who make the walk perhaps remaining unattainable. Over the centuries, only our political correctness has changed, adding handrails and retaining our faith.

Site Questions

Is walking up stairs on your knees an adequate test of one's faith? (It is a lot of hard wooden stairs)

What others ways could one humble themselves besides walking up stairs on their knees?

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