The Scala Santa of Campli

Campli is an Abruzzo village in the province of Teramo; located 393 meters above sea level, it has about 7,000 inhabitants. It has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Campli had its most shining period, of growth, expansion and greatest splendor under the Farnese, noble family and feudal lord of the city from 1538 to 1731. Medieval village rich in art, certainly includes the Scala Santa among its peculiarities. It is a religious building built in the Abruzzo town in the 18th century and consecrated in 1770; according to the Christian religion it is possible to obtain indulgence by praying and climbing on your knees the 28 steps of olive wood that make up the staircase up to the chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, sincerely repenting of one's sins. Closed for many decades, it was reopened only after a careful conservative restoration. In 2002 Pope John Paul the Second promulgated a papal bull which reconfirmed and recognized the validity of the said indulgence.