Scala Santa

Basilica of St. John Lateran

This section, designed by Fontana for Sixtus V, contains the relic of the marble stair covered in wood that, according to christian tradition was climbed by Jesus to be judged by the people and sacrificed in place of Barabbas. The relic was brought to Rome by Saint Helen, mother of Constantine. The faithful climb the stair on their knees until arriving at the gate of the celebrated Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, always closed, but decorated with frescoes from  ‘200.