Rome, Italy, Jun 13, 2007 / 06:54 am
Frescoes adorning the walls of a chapel said to house the "Holy Stairs" climbed by Jesus when he was brought before Pontius Pilate have appeared in their original colors.
The 13-month restoration of the Chapel of St. Sylvester in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome was unveiled Tuesday, reported AKI. This was the first restoration of these frescoes in 500 years and the second phase of a restoration program for the whole of the Sancta Sanctorum, which houses the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs).
Wooden steps encase white marble steps, which make up, according to Roman Catholic tradition, the staircase once leading to Pilate's headquarters in Jerusalem.
Tradition says the steps were brought to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine I, the first Christian emperor. In 1589, Pope Sixtus V relocated the steps to the Sancta Sanctorum, which was built by architect Domenico Fontana to house the steps.
The Los Angeles-based Getty Foundation, Rome's provincial authorities and Selex Communications are jointly co-ordinating the restoration project.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA