There are numerous stories and urban legends also about it. Among them, what they say is a part of the wood of the table on which was the last supper stands out. Despite well protected by various defence systems, the objects kept inside it are clearly visible. In front of it, you can find the closet with the holy relics: it is armoured. For this reason ,it is almost impossible to see the original drawing that, apparently, is the result of a somewhat surprising and supernatural beauty. There is also a silk veil that covers the original image, to protect it. Nevertheless, what you see today is not the original image, but a silvery cover created by decision of Pope Innocent III. Because of this miracle, the image was called "Acheiropoieta", from the ancient Byzantine Greek, referring to a painting created by a divine hand. According to what people say, during the night the drawing was completed by itself: the colours, the shapes, the shades and anything else appeared as a miracle. The apostle carried out a basic design and then he went to sleep. The image was made upon request of the believers, who wanted to see an image of Jesus after his death. The legend of the image of the Christ the SaviourĪ legend tells it was directly realized by the Apostle Luke, known to the world thanks to its popular pictorial qualities. Inside of it, you will find a wide range of artistic objects and allegorical representations with the Bible as main theme. The latter passes through the oratory of Saint Silvestre and it allows access to the heart of the Sancta Sanctorum. If you do not want to walk the Holy Stairs on your knees or you prefer to see the other areas of the place, you can use the immediately parallel staircase. The Sancta Sanctorum of the Popes houses an extensive collection of various sacred relics. Right at this point, the believers of the Holy steps make a stop to adore the image of the Saviour, still jealously preserved within the Pope's private chapel. On the top of the Holy Steps, instead, the believers can observe the representation of Jesus crucified and a large window with the grating. To avoid being consumed by the knees of the faithful, the staircase was covered by a large walnut wood layer of protection, that’s why the marble of the staircase is visible only through the cracks in the protective layer created over time. For this reason, but also to show their devotion to the cult, many believers prefer to climb it up on the knees. However, as soon as he reached the eleventh step, the one where Jesus fell, as the legend goes, a mysterious force bent his legs letting him falling down. Some chronicles of 1600 tell an unbeliever wanted to climb it by feet. By the way, there is also a very peculiar legend about it. This custom is very old and it has always been respected by the devotees. This happens especially in the days before Easter. Some Christian believers use to climb the Holy Stairs on their knees. The ascent of the Holy Stairs, on the knees Subsequently, two chapels were added to the sides of the Scala Santa: Saint Silvestre and Saint Lorenz stairs. According to the legend, indeed, Jesus himself walked along this stairs reaching the room where he answered Pontius Pilatus' questions, shortly before the crucifixion. Next to it, there is the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, rich in stories, legends and mysteries. Nowadays, it is a popular pilgrimage destination of Catholics. With no doubt, this is the most famous and visited holy stairs in the world. At the beginning, it was put in the portico of the Lateran basilica, the private Pope chapel: the Sancta Sanctorum. The Scala Santa has about 28 marble steps. This particular building was built itself on the ruins of the oldest Constantine Papal palace, whose history dates back to the roots of the Roman Empire. Lately, the Scala Santa was given as a gift to Silvestre I, who placed it in the ancient imperial palace, the Lateran Patriarchium. This staircase was moved to Rome approximately in 322 by the saint Elena, - the mother of Constantine, - with some other sacred relics. It's not a secret it is visited not only by believers, but also by all those interested in history and mystery. Among all the places you can visit in the capital of Italy, the Scala Santa is one of the most interesting ones.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |