Vatican

Photostory: Scala Santa returns to original beauty

cde.news desk 12 April 2019, 15:18 · 1 min read

epa07499404 Worshippers attend during the extraordinary opening after the restoration of the Holy Stair (Scala Santa) at San Giovanni in Laterano Dome in Rome, Italy, 11 April 2019. For the Catholic Church the Holy Stair is the stair on which Jesus Christ stepped leading on his way to the crucifixion, this stair will be open for the public until 09 June 2019. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

Worshippers attend the extraordinary opening after the restoration of the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) at San Giovanni in Laterano Dome in Rome.

The Scala Santa were brought to light for the first time in 300 years after a seven-year restoration project, having previously been protected by a wooden covering.

According to Catholic tradition, Jesus Christ is believed to have climbed the Scala Santa before the crucifixion. They were reputedly brought from Jerusalem to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth century.

Climbing the stairs gives a plenary indulgence – a way to remove the punishment one must undergo for sins – according to Vatican laws.

The Scala Santa will be open for the public until 09 June 2019.

(Photos: EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO)

Filed under Photo Story Vatican

Topics restoration Rome Saint Helen San Giovanni in Laterano scala santa Vatican