Scala Santa
The Scala Santa — the Holy Stairs — is venerated as the staircase Christ climbed to face Pontius Pilate, brought to Rome by St. Helena and today ascended only on the knees. Its marble steps have been covered in walnut since the 1720s to protect them from wear, and St. Philip Neri included the Scala Santa in his Seven Churches pilgrimage circuit.
Highlights
01
The Sancta Sanctorum
The Sancta Sanctorum, the popes’ private medieval chapel at the top of the stairs.
02
The Acheropita
The Acheropita, an icon of Christ said to be ‘made without hands’.
03
The 28 Marble Steps
The 28 marble steps (now covered in wood) that Christ climbed when He was condemned to death.
Also of note
- Fresco cycles by a team led by Cesare Nebbia and Giovanni Guerra
- Extraterritorial Holy See property under the 1929 Lateran Treaty
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 6 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3 – 6:30 p.m. (7 p.m. in summer per one source)
Sundays and Solemnities: 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (then weekday afternoon hours)
Mass Times
Weekdays (Mon–Sat) at 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Sundays and Holy Days at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Museum & Other Visitor Areas
Sancta Sanctorum (admission €3.50): 9:30 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. and 3 – 5:10 p.m. (weekdays; closed Sundays and Solemnities)
Address & Official Website
Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 14, 00184 Roma