ROME · ITALY
Scala Sancta
Stop 10 of 18 on Travelhour's Rome walking day
About Scala Sancta
The Scala Sancta are a set of 28 white marble steps located in an edifice on extraterritorial property of the Holy See in Rome, Italy proximate to the Archbasilica of Saint John in Laterano. Officially, the edifice is titled the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, and incorporates part of the old Papal Lateran Palace. Replica wooden stairs encase the original staircase, which may only be climbed on one's knees. The Holy Stairs lead to the Church of Saint Lawrence in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum or simply the "Sancta Sanctorum", which was the personal chapel of the early Popes.
Frequently asked
Scala Sancta — questions travellers ask
- How much are Scala Sancta tickets?
- Scala Sancta ticket prices vary by season and age group; check the official site or use the booking partners linked on this page for current live pricing.
- What are Scala Sancta opening hours?
- Opening hours vary by season — check the official Scala Sancta website before your visit for the current schedule.
- How do you get to Scala Sancta?
- Scala Sancta is centrally located in Rome, Italy. Reach it by metro, tram or a short taxi ride from the city centre — see the Google Maps link on this page for exact walking directions.
- Is Scala Sancta worth visiting?
- Yes — The Scala Sancta are a set of 28 white marble steps located in an edifice on extraterritorial property of the Holy See in Rome, Italy proximate to the Archbasilica of Saint John in Laterano.
- How long do you need at Scala Sancta?
- Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Scala Sancta, though tour groups often move through in under an hour.
Continue the walking day
Other stops in Rome
Save the whole trip
Add Scala Sancta to your itinerary in one tap.
Travelhour stitches your favourite places into a single walking day — with arrival alerts and ticket booking inline.
ROME
Scala Sancta