Visited in 2021
Duration of visit : 1 hour
Scala Santa
Scala Santa means “Holy Stairs”; the Holy Stairs consist of a set of stairs which pilgrims go up on their knees, praying on each step. On both sides, a normal set of stairs is leading down.
This church started as a small altar, located in a cave. Eventually a church was built integrating the cave and the altar, in the 1830’s the Holy Stairs were added.
I can’t seem to find any information about when and why the church was abandoned but it must be abandoned for at least a couple decades. There are gaps in the roof and some parts of the church have already collapsed. I didn’t dare to stand on the balcony above the entrance and the upper floors didn’t feel safe to walk on either.
There is a group of volunteers who want to save the church. A new front door has been installed to keep out unwanted guests and to secure what’s still inside.
