The Apostle St Paul was imprisoned several times on his journey from Israel to Rome to await justice for preaching the "Good News" or the gospel of Christ. This was his final prison and he was beheaded in this small spot between an abbey and a (now) church. πΌπ»
This ancient church was built over top St Stephan’s Catacombs. π The catacombs buried ancient Romans & then Christian Saints who had been martyered in the coliseum. ✝️ It was also used as secret church for the early Christians who didn’t want to end up in the coliseum like their saints. ⛪️
The Santa Scale was quite the experience! ππAccording to Catholic tradition, these are the Holy Stairs from Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. They are the stairs Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion. ✝️⛪