Holy Stairs Scala Santa Campli
Ascend 28 sacred wooden steps on your knees for spiritual indulgence, surrounded by evocative frescoes. A unique devotional journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience the devotion
Holy Stairs Scala Santa Campli
Best Time
Experience the devotion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 28 sacred wooden steps on your knees for spiritual indulgence, surrounded by evocative frescoes. A unique devotional journey.
"A very evocative and unexpected place. Climbing the 28 steps on your knees is an experience worth trying."
🙏 Climb on Your Knees
The 28 wooden steps are meant to be climbed on your knees for indulgence. Cushions are provided.
📖 Recite the Prayers
Follow the instructions provided to recite a phrase at each step for the full spiritual benefit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 28 Wooden Steps
Scala Santa
Ascend on your knees, reciting prayers at each step for spiritual indulgence. A profound and unique experience.
Vincenzo Baldati's Frescoes
Walls and ceiling of the Scala Santa
Marvel at the evocative frescoes that adorn the staircase, adding a layer of artistic and spiritual depth.
Panoramic Countryside Views
Top of the Scala Santa
Enjoy a serene view of the surrounding landscape, a peaceful reward after the devotional climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Spiritual Ascent: Prepare for the Climb
A Glimpse into History and Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Climb on Your Knees
The 28 wooden steps are meant to be climbed on your knees for indulgence. Cushions are provided.
📖 Recite the Prayers
Follow the instructions provided to recite a phrase at each step for the full spiritual benefit.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the beautiful frescoes by Vincenzo Baldati on the walls and ceiling.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Clothing
Opt for comfortable attire suitable for kneeling and a potentially cool environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Climb on Your Knees
The 28 wooden steps are meant to be climbed on your knees for indulgence. Cushions are provided.
📖 Recite the Prayers
Follow the instructions provided to recite a phrase at each step for the full spiritual benefit.
🖼️ Admire the Art
Take time to appreciate the beautiful frescoes by Vincenzo Baldati on the walls and ceiling.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Clothing
Opt for comfortable attire suitable for kneeling and a potentially cool environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Scala Santa as a mystical and evocative place, highlighting the profound experience of climbing the 28 wooden steps on their knees for spiritual indulgence. The beautiful frescoes by Vincenzo Baldati are frequently praised, adding significant artistic value to the site. While the climb can be physically demanding, the sense of wonder and the peaceful countryside views are consistently appreciated.
"It is said that climbing the holy stairs of Campli is as effective as climbing the Holy Stairs in Rome. Those stairs are supposed to be made of the stairs of the palace of Pontius Pilates in Jerusalem. The stairs Jesus climbed before before he was sentenced to death on the cross. Climbing those stairs, on your knees, will free you of your sins. So will climbing the Holy Stairs in Campli.
The Holy Stairs are wooden and were established in on 21 January 1772 . Still it is very special experience to view or even climb those stairs on your knees. It is like traveling through an imaginary world of pictures. The painter is Vincenzo Baldati.
The Scala Santa is well situated with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside."
Pieter van der Valk
"A very evocative and unexpected place. On one side is a wooden ramp consisting of 28 steps, with frescoed walls and ceiling. Climbing the 28 steps of the Holy Stairs is only possible on your knees, and at each step a phrase is recited as a form of indulgence. At the entrance, there are cushions to aid the ascent and a sheet of paper with instructions to recite at each step. At the top, there is a small, closed cell where a grate allows a glimpse of the interior. Parallel to this ramp, and with a separate entrance, is a ramp with stone steps that can be climbed normally to reach the aforementioned cell. Each person has their own way of climbing the stairs, but the result is the same sense of wonder and the magnificence of the place."
luca merolla
"Very mystical place. Amazing frescoes. The staircase is made of wood and can only be climbed on your knees"
Riccardo Ranieri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) are located in Campli, Italy. Visitors typically arrive by car, as public transport options might be limited. Parking is usually available nearby.
Yes, there is generally parking available in the vicinity of the Scala Santa, making it accessible for visitors arriving by car.
Campli is best reached by car. If traveling from further afield, you might fly into Pescara Airport (PSR) and then rent a car or arrange private transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Scala Santa itself is generally free, as it's a place of devotion. However, donations are often appreciated to help maintain the site.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or online before your visit. It's typically open during daylight hours for visitors to experience the spiritual ascent.
There is no strict admission fee, but donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of this sacred site.
The Scala Santa is usually accessible during its stated opening hours. It's a place for quiet contemplation, so visiting during less busy times might enhance the experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Climbing the 28 steps on your knees, while reciting prayers, can take around 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace and devotion.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for kneeling. Many visitors opt for modest attire out of respect for the sacred nature of the site.
Basic facilities might be available nearby, but it's best to check upon arrival. It's a devotional site, so amenities might be limited compared to major tourist attractions.
Photography rules can vary. It's generally respectful to refrain from taking photos during the devotional climb. Check for any posted signs regarding photography.
Climbing the Scala Santa on your knees is believed to grant spiritual indulgence, freeing one from sins, similar to climbing the Holy Stairs in Rome.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Campli offers local trattorias and cafes where you can enjoy regional Italian cuisine after your visit.
Expect traditional Abruzzese dishes, often featuring local produce, pasta, and meats. It's a great place to experience authentic Italian flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography inside the sacred space might be restricted, the exterior and the views from the top offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
It's best to check for signage regarding photography of the frescoes. Out of respect, it's often preferred to capture the memory rather than the image during the climb.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Emphasize the beautiful paintings (frescoes) on the walls and ceiling as a form of storytelling. You can also point out the lovely views of the countryside from the top. It's a good opportunity to discuss different forms of worship and historical practices in a gentle, age-appropriate manner. Remember to keep the tone respectful of the site's sacred nature.
🙏 Devout Visitors
Utilize the provided cushions and prayer guides to fully engage in the devotional act. The climb on your knees, coupled with the recitation of prayers at each step, is designed to be a deeply personal and transformative experience. Allow yourself to be immersed in the atmosphere of reverence and reflection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Devotional Climb: A Spiritual Journey
Beyond the physical act, the Scala Santa is a place of historical and artistic significance. Established in 1772, the wooden stairs are a testament to enduring faith. The walls and ceiling are adorned with vibrant frescoes by the painter Vincenzo Baldati, which depict scenes and narratives relevant to the spiritual journey. These artworks add a visual dimension to the devotion, enhancing the evocative nature of the site. Many visitors find the combination of the physical act of climbing and the visual beauty of the frescoes to be incredibly moving.
While the primary focus is the devotional climb, the Scala Santa also offers a moment of peace with its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. This scenic backdrop provides a tranquil setting for reflection after the intense spiritual exercise. The parallel stone staircase allows for a normal ascent to a small cell at the top, offering a different perspective and access to the upper area, though the wooden stairs remain the focal point of the devotional experience.
Artistic and Historical Significance
Established in 1772, the wooden stairs themselves are a historical artifact, representing a long-standing tradition of pilgrimage and penance. The very existence of these stairs in Campli, mirroring the famous Scala Santa in Rome, speaks to the deep-seated religious practices and beliefs that have shaped the region. The careful preservation of both the stairs and the frescoes ensures that this historical and artistic legacy continues to be appreciated by visitors today.
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