In this week’s mini-episode, Tiffany recounts her visit to the Scala Santa and the Sancta Sanctorum. The so-called Holy Staircase is believed to be made up of the actual 28 steps that Christ climbed on his way to his trial, shortly before the crucifixion. Transported to Rome in the early 4th century by St. Helena, the stairs are now part of a monumental complex that also includes the jewel of medieval art, the Sancta Sanctorum chapel. The stairs are usually covered with a layer of wood to protect them from being worn away by the knees of the millions of pilgrims who climb them every year, but on occasion of a recent restoration, they are now uncovered for the short period for the first time in 300 years. Tiffany takes the inspiring (and painful) trip up the stairs (on her knees) and lives to tell the tale.

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