Address
Address:
Scala dell'Arce Capitolina
Zone:
Rione Campitelli (Foro Romano- Campidoglio-P.Venezia) (Roma centro)
Description
The staircase, consisting of 124 steps, leading to the Church of Santa Maria d'Aracoeli was built in 1348, by popular demand as thanks for the end of a plague. Cola di Rienzo, according to popular tradition, was the first to climb the steps. It consists of 124 steps.
In the 17th century, foreigners used to sleep on the steps, until Prince Caffarelli chased them away by rolling barrels full of stones up them.
In the past, the stairs were climbed at night on one's knees, Avemarie and De Profundis were recited, praying to the three kings Gasparre, Baldassarre and Melchiorre, to obtain the winning numbers in the Lotto game. Apparently with success.
See also
Culture and leisure › Historic places of worship › Catholic Churches
Last checked:
2024-01-18 14:28
