There are a lot of staircases that catch the eye of tourists. They are pieces of art and provide a different view of the world. The structures are sometimes so beautifully sculpted and constructed that it takes our breath away – each element of a staircase can be attractive, including Staircase Railings That Can Really Change How Spaces Look!
1. Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Sigiria is an ancient rock fortress near Dambulla in Sri Lanka. It sits atop a rock nearly 200 metres high and is reached by climbing 1,200 steps. Halfway up the rock, on a small plateau two giant lion’s paws mark the start of the final ascent. Ancient frescoes adorn the rock walls and the view from the top is spectacular.
2. Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
One of the most beautiful staircases in the world, the Spanish Steps were built up a steep hill to link the Trinità dei Monti church in Piazza Trinità dei Mont with the Piazza di Spagna below. Although it only consists of 135 steps, the elegant staircase has featured in countless movies, including the 1953 classic, Roman Holiday. Sitting on the steps to eat gelato has become something of a rite of passage for any visitor to Rome.
3. Canyon Staircase, Baños, Ecuador
Only 80 metres in height, the Canyon Staircase in Ecuador is arguably one of the most spectacular in the world, winding its way down beside the mighty Paílón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall. When it has been raining and the Pastaza River is running at full force, it is one hell of an experience.
4. Chand Baori, Abhaneri, India
Both a staircase and a well, Chand Baori is a geometric wonder and one of the strangest sights on the planet. Built in the 9th century in the tiny Rjasthani village of Abhaneri, it features over 3,500 steps, descending 16 storeys, making it the largest and deepest step well in India.
5. 16th Avenue Tiles Steps, San Francisco, USA
The tiled staircase located on Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Ave was drab and unremarkable when it was first built. But a community project led by Irish ceramicist Aileen Barr and San Francisco mosaic artist Colette Crutche transformed it into the largest mosaic staircase in the world. The 163 steps contain 2,000 handmade tiles, with 75,000 tile, mirror, and stained glass fragments forming a sea-to-stars themed mosaic. Set in quite a wealthy residential area, tourists are asked to visit between 9am and 7pm.
6. Momo Staircase, The Vatican
Stunning and practical, the Momo Staircase in the Vatican uses an ingenious double helix design to facilitate the smooth flow of people in the busy Vatican museums. One wrought iron stairway goes up, another goes down, twisting to ensure uninterrupted traffic in both directions. Designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Simonetti in 1932, it has become one of the most photographed staircases in the world.
7. The Inca Staircase, Machu Picchu, Peru
Each morning 400 hardy souls climb over 100 flights of stairs made up of over 3,000 steps, carved into the side of Huayna Picchu to reach the Moon Temple and its spectacular views over the Machu Picchu ruins. The steps are slippery and treacherous, with added chains to hold in the worst parts where there is a sheer drop to the Urubamba River below. The view, of course, is worth it. But at 2,400 metres above sea level, the altitude is guaranteed to take your breath away.
