Scala Santa Closed for Restoration for a Year

FYI, someone going by the name mtn responded to my post above that he posts closings of churches in Rome on his web site. For some reason, it appears his post was removed, like Gunderson's funny one was a while back. I thought I'd mention this in case anyone else, like me, wants to keep abreast of the closings. I can send you mtn's contact info. I am glad his post came to me via e-mail; otherwise, I might not have known about his web site and where to get that good information he shares.

I wonder why it was removed. Maybe because I linked to my website? Anyway, thanks and I hope it helps!

Probably because it was linked to a personal website. #7 of posting rules:

"Do not advertise or post fake reviews. Proposing transactions or promoting your website, blog, hotel, restaurant, uncle's private tours in Istanbul, etc for financial gain, pumping traffic to your website, or other marketing intent is prohibited."

While I'm sure the link was meant to be helpful, if they allow one person to do it, the forums would be flooded with others doing the same with their websites and blogs,as some other forums out there are. Unfortunately, a lot of those websites/blogs are not helpful at all, can contain incorrect/outdated information, and/or be tied to advertising for personal financial gain, not to say that necessarily applied to yours, Mountain Butorac.

Thanks, Mountain. Yes, it sure DOES help. Fabulous. I appreciate your kind assistance!

I can guess but that's a discussion you should have privately with the staff, if you need to know, and not one that should be addressed on the open forum.

Mountain Butorac, since you say you keep abreast of these closings of churches of Rome in your work, do you think there is even the tiniest possibility Santa Scala will be open the first week of January, 2019? The closing info I read said it was closing for a year, and it was dated about January 21 of this year. I was wondering whether they ever open up again a little in advance, or if it states it will be closed for a year, do they keep to that, not opening it again for one FULL year. I'm so in hopes hubby and I might get to scale the real stairs of it? We'll be there as late as January 6, 2019. Who could tell me whether it is possible it might be reopened that early? Can you think of anyone? We are already planning our trip and stops.

"Sancta", not santa

EDIT-- my apologies--- I had not seen it as 'santa' before--- interesting how the 'c' comes and goes

Joe,
I use the Italian spelling and pronunciation, "Scala Santa," not "Sancta," as I'm learning Italian, and that is how it is spelled on my map and in my guidebooks. I found that when I pronounced common words in Rome in English, the locals didn't have a clue what I was talking about. They didn't understand that "Rome" meant "Roma," or "Vatican" meant "Vaticano," so now I concentrate on using the terms they understand. LOL. Officially, the edifice is titled the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Pontificio Santuario della Scala Santa).

Re sancta vs santa
The official website for the steps is entitled Scala Sancta, not Santa. With my limited Italian, to me “sancta” means holy, while santa is feminine of saint. I await correction.

While I am at it, it is more than surprising that the OP met “locals” in Rome who did not comprehend the English words Rome and Vatican.

While I am at it, it is more than surprising that the OP met “locals”
in Rome who did not comprehend the English words Rome and Vatican.

That would astonish me too, Norma. The differences are too minor, and it's certainly not an issue we'd run across.

You are right, Sandra, I hadn’t noticed that in the text.

Thanks to those of you who are careful and detail-oriented in your research. I appreciate you. The fabulous handbook to the most important churches in Rome that one of the members of this forum recommended I buy (and I did), entitled THE CHURCHES AND CATACOMBS OF EARLY ROME: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE, by Matilda Webb, spells it "Scala SANTA," as does my wonderful National Geographic map of Rome. That's good enough for me...

And, yes, Kathy, I recall quite clearly one bus driver. We said we wanted the bus into downtown Rome at least 15 times, and he couldn't understand what we meant. I caught on and said, "Roma!" "Ahhh, ROMA," he smiled, motioning us aboard. This kind of thing happened several times, and I remember the Italian man near the Vatican, when we were asking how to get to the Vatican, and he shrugged and walked away. When I said, "Vaticano," pronouncing it in Italian, he turned around, pleased to understand, and showed us the way. Simple little things like using the local pronunciation can make a big difference and make one's trip a whole lot smoother.

Sandra, your posts are always so helpful. Thank you! Good tips you shared there. I am currently taking on a Fitness Challenge for the month of February, at my local Fitness Center, trying to get in tip-top shape for my upcoming trips. This week we have to do 3 hours of Cardio (pump, cycle, etc.), and 2 hours of weight training... I think the cycling will be helpful for Amsterdam. I love your knee pads idea... Now, that is something I would not have thought to pack... Simple little tips like this can make trips run so much more smoothly. Bless You!

Hi gracialynne. I am at the Scala Santa nearly every day, even while the frescos are being renovated. They closed at the beginning of January and said it would be one year. But, it is Rome, so who knows! Feel free to contact me closer to the date and I'll let you know. I hope it's open for you!

But, it is Rome, so who knows!

That made me chuckle, and I could cheerfully say that about Italy in general! The good thing is that when thrown a curveball, there's usually something interesting just around the next corner. Curveballs can be a good way of having to discover those things.

Thanks for the wonderful and encouraging info, Mountain B. My fitness teacher at the gym is encouraging me to practice climbing stairs on my knees before I go and had me a bit scared, so I shall relay your positive message to her. But I'll still practice in advance and bring along knee pads, cuz I'm on the wimpish side...

And I LOVE that you are there nearly every day at the Scala Santa, and that you spell it "S-a-n-t-a," not "S-a-n-c-t-a."

Yes, Kathy, the Scalla Santa is now deeply processed in my mind, from these fun discussions, and I'll NEVER forget it. Can't wait to climb those stairs, Mountain B. What a special and meaningful experience that will be! Maybe we will even get to meet YOU! That would be so neat!

Where would you recommend dining near the Scala Santa? Any suggestions?

Thank you for making my day.

Can contact St Patrick's Catholic American Community is Rome, Paulist Fathers, for good information

Thanks for the great tip, Dgwoodz. Will do.