Experience description

Now is your chance to witness the wonderful chapel that became a holy grail for pilgrims. After reaching the final step of the Holy Stairs at The Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, pilgrims would pray through the iron grating protecting it. According to Medieval historians, it was “the most venerated sanctuary in Rome”.

Visit what was once the private chapel of the Popes until the Renaissance period. It's still here as a testimony of the splendour of the ancient patriarchy and a millennium of Roman Pontifical history. No one knows who founded it, but you'll get plenty of interesting facts with your audio guide.

See the Holy Stairs, which Jesus is said to have once ascended, and look up at the image of the Holy Saviour, the most ancient and venerated object in the Sancta Sanctorum. This is hung above the altar, and is referred to as the “Acheropita,” which means "not made by human hands."

Additional information