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A staircase that is said to have been walked upon by Jesus before his judgment from Pontius Pilate will soon be on display for the first time in 300 years.
The Vatican has been restoring the Scala Sancta, as the stairway is called, for the last year. It will open on June 9, 2019.
The marble 28-stair staircase has been covered by wooden planks since 1723, but Pope Innocent XIII decided the wooden planks could no longer handle the thousands of pilgrims.
Some believe the staircase has been stained with drops of Jesus’ blood from when he was crucified, thus making it a holy site for many pilgrims who ascend the steps on their knees. They kiss the blood-stained spots which are covered by medieval crosses on the planks of wood.
The restoration project also included newly-restored fresco walls and ceilings.
Speaking on the experience of visiting the Scala Sancta, one pilgrim said, “I already did it when it was wooden steps but it’s much more moving now. If you think about the fact that Jesus was here, and where he was held and where he suffered, it’s very emotional.”
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