History and Art of the
Sanctuary of the Scala Santa

A fusion of art, faith and spirituality makes the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs of Campli a unique place of its kind, capable of inspiring anyone who undertakes its sacred path.

1772

The foundation of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs of Campli was established on January 21, 1772 by a Papal Bull of Pope Clement XIV. Its foundation is due to the efforts of the lawyer Giampalma Palma, father of the historian Nicola Palma and Prior of the Confraternity of the Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis. On May 12, 1776, during the feast of Saint Pancras, patron saint of the city, the Sanctuary was officially opened for worship.

Papal Recognitions

Pope Clement XIV granted the Scala Santa of Campli the same privilege of Plenary Indulgence attributed to the Scala Santa of Rome. This important privilege was reconfirmed on January 13, 2002 by Pope John Paul II, who established that the faithful could obtain Plenary Indulgence by visiting the Sanctuary every Friday of Lent.

An Experiential Itinerary of Faith

The Holy Stairs of Campli are distinguished by their unique path that invites pilgrims to meditate on the Paschal Mystery. The ascent symbolizes the Passion of Christ, while the descent represents his glorious Resurrection. Unlike other holy stairs, the one in Campli does not end with the death of Christ, but leads to a part illuminated by images of the Resurrection, thus offering a complete path of redemption.

Architecture and Sacred Art

The Holy Stairs are made up of 28 steps made of olive wood, which must be climbed kneeling and in prayer to obtain Plenary Indulgence. In addition to its spiritual value, the Sanctuary is also a precious artistic place:

  • The canvases of the Passion: Six works attributed to the Teramo painter Vincenzo Baldati depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, helping the faithful to spiritually unite with the sufferings of the Savior.
  • The Chapel of the “Sancta Sanctorum”: Located at the top of the steps and protected by a grate, the chapel houses valuable Neapolitan reliquaries, a canvas of the “Cristo Salvator Mundi” and the processional statue of the Addolorata.

 

Symbolism of the descent

The descending path represents the faithful regenerated by Divine Grace. Along this part of the Holy Stairs are:

  • Two frescoes depicting Saint Helena and Pope Clement XIV
  • Four medallions illustrating evangelical episodes related to the Resurrection of Christ