Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Sancta Sanctorum

The "Scala Santa" (Holy Stairs), a set of 28 steps, brought to Rome about 326 by St. Helena, and - following the tradition - the steps of Pontius Pilate on which Jesus stepped on his way to trial, lead to the "Sancta Sanctorum" (Holy of Holies), once the personal chapel of the Popes, who resided here. It is the only part of the old Lateran palace that was not destroyed. This chapel housed an immense collection of relics. Seen on the altar is an "acheiropoieton", an image "made without hands". The legend is, that the icon, called "Uronica", was begun by St Luke and finished by angels. www.scala-santa.it/

The "Scala Santa" (Holy Stairs) are a set of 28 steps, encased in a protective framework of wooden steps. The stairs lead to the "Sancta Sanctorum" (Holy of Holies), once the personal chapel of the Popes, who resided here. Legends claim that the "Scala Santa" were brought to Rome about 326 by St. Helena, mother of Constantine I. In medieval times, they were known as "Scala Pilati", as according to the tradition, they are the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial. The "Scala Sancta" may only be ascended on the knees. For common use, the staircase is flanked by additional staircases, on each side. Many pilgrims climb up the "Scala Sancta" on their knees, as in the Catholic Church, an indulgence has been granted for climbing the stairs on the knees. www.scala-santa.it

Neighbouring the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is this building that as well belongs to the Lateran area and so is a property of the Holy See and so have extraterritorial privileges. It once was part of the Lateran Palace - and houses the "Scala Santa" ("Holy Stairs) and the chapel "Sancta Sanctorum" (Holy of Holies), the personal chapel of the early Popes. www.scala-santa.it