A staircase claimed to have been climbed by Jesus before his crucifixion has been unveiled after 300 years hidden, in time for Easter.
The 28 white marble steps were covered in protective walnut by Pope Innocent XIII in 1723.
But the wood was removed yesterday for restoration and thousands of Catholics are now set to flock to the stairs, which they ascend on hands and knees to atone for sins.
Restorer Paolo Violini, from the Vatican Museums, said: “We thought this opportunity was important.
“No one had ever thought to be able to climb the marble stairs.
“It was simply restoration work of the wood. The moment we saw what was underneath, the idea came to open them publicly.”
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Some Christians believe the Scala Sancta steps were climbed by Jesus before he was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem.
They are thought to have been taken to Rome in the fourth century AD, where they now lead to the Sancta Sanctorum chapel.
According to Christian tradition, four spots of Christ’s blood stained the steps. Three are marked with ancient crosses.
