The door to the far right of the main entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica is called the Porta Santa or Holy Door. This door is not only locked but it is also walled up and is only opened during Holy Years, also known as Jubilee Years. The Holy Years originally occurred every 100 years and later were changed to every 25 years. The Holy Door is also occasionally opened on other proclaimed special occasions. For more information on the Holy Door and for details of how this door is opened, click here.
In 2007, I was at the Basilica late in the afternoon after the crowds left and was able to take a couple of photos of the Holy Door without the usual crowds.
The walled up Holy Door from the inside:
In 2000, during the Jubiliee Year, I was very fortunate, honored, and excited to walk through the Holy Door while it was open. It was very crowded. This was the best photo I could get with my cheap film camera before I was ushered through the door.
Close up views of the panels of the door. These panels are from a cropped photo I took of the door.
shave ice & gelato 
Nice. I’ve never really studied the door. Just passed by in the throng, you know.
So, I’ve enjoyed your closeups.
Also, LOVE the countdown clock on your side bar!
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Great shots! Those door panels are amazing. Have a great weekend
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I remember seeing that amazing door; how lucky that you were there at a time when it was open! Your photos are beautiful.
Have a great weekend!
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Those are gorgeous! Thank you for the backstory on the doors too. Beautiful, simply beautiful.
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I love the detail and history you have posted on the door. How lucky to be there during the Jubilee Year and get an opportunity to walk through it. The panels are beautiful also.
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Great photos, girasoli. And lucky you to have walked through the Holy Door!
Great take on the theme.
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There are similar carved panels on the Duomo in Florence. I wonder if the same artist did them? If it is walled up on the inside, where does the door lead? Is it a very small space inside? I visited St. Peter’s in 2003.. it is so lovely!
Mine is up here.
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What a beautiful door and interesting post. Great take on the lock theme.
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I was there also in 2000 and walked through the Holy Door! My photographs are not as good as yours so I’m very happy that you selected these wonderful images for the theme.
It was an incredibly spiritual experience. I tried to walk through the Holy Doors of the four Basilicas to get the plenary indulgence but missed one. Rome was packed on the Jubilee Year!
Oh my gosh, you’re leaving in nine days. I’m so excited for you!
Happy weekend!
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Really fabulous photos today!! :)
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Beautiful photos and wonderful post! So many “locks”.
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Hi Girasoli, beautiful take on this week’s theme! I loved the close-ups of the door. I had not heard about the jubilee before. How wonderful that you were able to experience it.
I had not seen your countdown clock yet! Whoo hoo, only 8 more days! So are you ready? :) Love the photo on your clock.
Enjoy your Sunday and your countdown to Italy!
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Great post on the lock theme! And the history behind the Holy Door was very interesting and something I didn’t know.
You must be SO excited about your trip!
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Great take on the topic this week – how fortunate you were there at that time. menehune
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