In this week's mini-episode, Tiffany recounts her visit to the Scala Santa and the Sancta Sanctorum. The so-called Holy Staircase is believed to be made up of the actual 28 steps that Christ climbed on his way to his trial, shortly before the crucifixion. Transported to Rome in the early 4th century by St. Helena, the stairs are now part of a monumental complex that also includes the jewel of medieval art, the Sancta Sanctorum chapel. The stairs are usually covered with a layer of wood to protect them from being worn away by the knees of the millions of pilgrims who climb them every year, but on occasion of a recent restoration, they are now uncovered for the short period for the first time in 300 years. Tiffany takes the inspiring (and painful) trip up the stairs (on her knees) and lives to tell the tale. -------------------------------------------- SPONSOR THE SHOW: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. DONATE: Click here to send financial support to The Bittersweet Life via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email at bittersweetlife@mail.com. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram – Better yet, tag #thebittersweetlife with your story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!