For 60 days pilgrims in Rome can climb original marble stairs on their knees. Rome's Scala Santa or Holy Stairs - a sacred staircase which Christ is said to have ascended to be sentenced to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate - has been restored to its original state after almost 300 years.

The marble steps have been exposed for the first time since being encased in wood in the early 18th century and can be ascended by pilgrims on their knees, until 9 June, the feast of Pentecost. The Holy Stairs are believed by the faithful to be those which led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. According to tradition, the steps were brought to Rome in 326 AD by St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.