Scala Sancta

by Laura
(New York City NY)

Near the cathedral of St. John in Lateran in Rome are the Scala Sancta or sacred steps. These marble steps have been transported from Jerusalem - they were the steps leading to Pilate's praetorum and are said to be the steps Christ climbed when he was sentenced. Every day the steps are filled with the devout who climb them on hands and knees. They are located in their own private chapel. It's a set of 28 steps flanked on each side by other sets of stairs. I went there because I was intrigued to see how the public would regard such a chapel.

It's quite an unusual sacred site. It's fascinating to see people climbing the stairs and having such an intense experience through physical contact with the marble. The visitors are essentially re-playing and re-enacting the concept of Christ's Passion.