The Steps of Indulgence.The Holy Staircase of Veroli
Veroli, an ancient town in the province of Frosinone, captivates visitors with its millennia-old history and profound spirituality. At the heart of the town stands the Basilica of Santa Salome, a place of worship dedicated to the mother of the apostles James the Greater and John the Evangelist, and a testament to Christ’s martyrdom. Veroli’s Holy Staircase is located within this church, attracting numerous visitors and faithful each year.
The Basilica of Santa Salome
The Basilica of Santa Salome, Veroli’s spiritual heart, majestically rises above the sacred site where the saint’s remains were discovered in 1209. Today, this site corresponds to the evocative crypt, which houses a 13th-century fresco depicting Christ Pantocrator alongside Salome and her sons, the apostles John and James. A stone urn, originally intended to hold the relics after their discovery, stands as a testament to the devotion surrounding this sacred figure.
The basilica, destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century, was faithfully reconstructed in 1492. Despite the earthquake’s devastation, the relics were temporarily transferred to the Cathedral, only to return to the basilica in 1742.
Inside, the three naves welcome visitors with stunning frescoes of great artistic value. The central apse houses a 16th-century painting of Santa Salome by Cavaliere d’Arpino, flanked by sacred figures of John and James.
In front of the main altar, the Confession, a marble mausoleum erected by Bishop Tartagni in 1742, preserves the relics of Saint Salome, along with those of her companions Blaise and Demetrius. In the second chapel of the right nave, Bishop Tartagni commissioned the construction of a Holy Staircase with twelve steps, granting devotees the opportunity to obtain indulgence, following the directives of Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century. A remarkable fusion of art, devotion, and history envelops this sacred site, making it an essential destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Veroli’s deep spirituality.
The Holy Staircase of Veroli and the Crypt of the Innocents
In the early 18th century, Bishop Lorenzo Tartagni commissioned the construction of the Holy Staircase, consisting of twelve marble steps. This staircase offers visitors the chance to gain indulgence, following a tradition dating back to Pope Sixtus V. By ascending the steps on their knees, the faithful receive a daily indulgence of one hundred days. Even more remarkable is the fact that once a month, this act grants the same plenary indulgence that Sixtus V associated with the renowned Holy Staircase in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
This tradition has thus created a profound link between local faith and the centuries-old Catholic heritage. On the eleventh step, a relic of the Cross of Calvary is preserved.
A semicircular staircase leads to the Crypt of the Innocents, which hides a narrow passage to an underground chamber containing a stone slab tied to the discovery of Santa Salome’s remains. At the far end of the small central chapel, visitors can admire the painting The Deposition by Antonio Cavallucci of Sermoneta (1752–1795).
A Brief History of Veroli
This ancient medieval town, founded in the 1st millennium BC by the Hernici, a branch of the Sabine people, was part of the Hernician League alongside Ferentino, Alatri, and Anagni. An ally of Rome against the Aequi and Volsci, the town was recognized as a municipium. Tradition speaks of Saint Benedict’s passage in 529 AD, marked by the foundation of the Basilica of Sant’Erasmo. Veroli became an episcopal seat in the 8th century and played a crucial role within the Patrimonium Sancti Petri.
With its rich history and deep spirituality, Veroli stands as a fascinating destination for those eager to explore millennia-old culture and art.
The village of Veroli is a historical gem, with the Basilica of Santa Salome and its Holy Staircase standing as powerful symbols of the deep bond between faith and tradition. This town invites visitors on a journey through centuries of history, amidst ancient walls and artistic treasures.
Immerse yourself in this unique experience and be enchanted by its beauty and cultural heritage. Beyond its sacred dimension, Veroli also offers an authentic culinary scene, blending tradition and modernity, as seen in the work of Chef Mario Quattrociocchi at his restaurant Domus Hernica.
Veroli awaits you, ready to offer unforgettable moments in a warm and welcoming embrace.