Metro stations with Lifts

If you are traveling with luggage and intending to stay within the Manzoni neighborhood, I would firstly caution you on the lifts. I am uncertain how long have the lifts been out of order. It was not operational on the first day we arrive till the last day we departed. I do not see anyone doing any repairs. The warning sign covered only lift but both lifts are out of order. Note that there are only stairs leading to street level and not all stations both Metro and Trains are equipped as they claimed to be.

Significant Religious Landmarks

Underlined Red are the significant religious landmarks in Rome and which smart casual dress codes are mandatory.

Scala Santa

Scala Santa is a catholic sanctuary which houses a set of religiously marble stairs leading to a chapel above. The marble stairs is known as the Holy stairs. According to the Roman Catholic tradition, the Holy Stairs are the steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion. The Stairs were brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth century.

Scala Santa opening hours weekdays are between 06:00hrs to 13:30hrs and 15:00hrs to 18:30hrs, and weekends between 07:00hrs to 13:30hrs and 15:00hrs to 18:30hrs. A personal preference, I would rather visit Scala Santa first thing in the morning as crowd builds up quickly and will result in a long queue at its entrance.

Entry is free. However, queues could be the result of groups of pilgrims going up the stairs on their knees. Basically, upon entry into the building, there is not much of standing space between the reception desk to the actual stairs. There are three flights of stairs – One for coming down, another for pilgrims to go up ascend on their knees and the last is for visitors to walk up. I strongly suggest that pilgrims visiting this page to access the Scala Santa’s website for detailed information.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, situated at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, is a one of the most important cathedrals in Rome, the Pope’s official seat. The nearest metro, S.Giovanni, is 7 mins walk to the cathedral. Entry to the cathedral is free. However, there might be mandatory bag scans. Please note that this is a religious site. Therefore, there is mandatory dress code and mobile phones to be silenced or switched off. The cathedral is open daily from 07:00hrs to 18:30hrs.