Philippe
Holy Stairs
Bastia hides a rarity that few people know, and to find it, you can´t be afraid to climb. This pontifical staircase is situated on a hill, in a small church and its history quite interesting. The staircase was a privilege offered by the Pope and there are only a few in the world (in Lourdes, Fatima, ...) in very religious cities. The stairs were granted to the people of Bastia in gratitude for hosting religious exiles (in deplorable living conditions) that refused to take an oath to Napoleon I. The city, not knowing where to put it, hid it while he searched for a place to put this "gift." The Monserato Chapel, on top of the city, was the chosen place.
The exterior of the chapel is simple and unextraordinary but this beautiful staircase is covered in red velvet, with a marble statue of the Virgin and a beautiful altar To ask for the forgiveness of your sins, the tradition is to climb the stairs in faith on your knees.
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