Stairs can be aesthetical wonders if they are designed meticulously. History has proven that by producing some very gorgeous staircases that leave people wondering and gasping in awe. These staircases around the world that leave tourists astounded are mentioned in this article by Surfaces Reporter (SR).
These wonder places will surely excite the travel bug in you and also tease the architectural brain that resides in there. Are you ready? Let’s dive right in.
1. Spanish Steps
These steps were introduced as a gateway to the Trinitàdei Monti church. Inaugurated by Pope Benedict XIII in 1725, this tourist attraction is an elegant staircase of 135 steps. The spot has been in limelight for years. It has hosted fashion runway shows and featured in several films. The steps are marvellously covered with pots of azaleas in spring and a 19th-century nativity scene during the holidays.
2. Lion Rock
If you are visiting Sri Lanka these 1200 steps climb to the 660 ft tall and the over 1,500 years old preserved ancient palace is a must. Towards the end of the stairs to reach the top, visitors need to climb steep, narrow, slippery limestone stairs, and a vertical winding staircase (enclosed within a wire cage).
3. Chand Baori
Located in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan this stepwell has 3500 narrow steps in perfect symmetry. The stepwell is India’s largest and steepest one. It is also one of the most unusual ones in the world. The steps lead to the 65 feet,13 storied water storage facility. On three sides the stairs surround the water and on the fourth, a pavilion contains overhanging enclosed balcony known as jharokhas.
4.Bom Jesus do Monte
It is located in Braga, Portugal. The outdoor Baroque is a staircase that climbs 381 feet enclosing the pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte. The stairs lead to the 18th-century sanctuary of Bom Jesus (Good Jesus) on top of the hill. The staircase is covered in white plaster and dark granite. A fountain representing each sense is present along with the 577 steps.
5. Umschreibung
All staircases do not lead to somewhere, some are just meant for a mesmerising view and some distraction from work. Umschreibung is located within an office building complex in Munich. It is made of steel and is 30 feet tall shaped like a double helix.
6. Canyon Staircase, Baños, Ecuador
This one is for those who are afraid of heights, Canyon Staircase in Ecuador are only 80 metres in height. The staircase is located beside the mighty Paílón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall. The best time to visit is during rainfall, as the view is spectacular.
7. Batu Cave
These majestic 272 steps at the Batu Caves, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, lead to a popular Hindu shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity. A guardian statue of 140 feet dedicated to Lord Murugan is covered in 66 gallons of gold paint.
8.16th Avenue Tiles Steps
The largest mosaic staircase in the world of 163 steps and 2000 handmade tiles with 75,000 tiles, mirror, and stained-glass fragments forming a sea-to-stars themed mosaic. Located in, San Francisco, USA.
9. El Peñón de Guatapé
The rock of Guatapé, Columbia is a 200-metre worshipped monolith. The Tahami Indians worshipped this rock which is topped with at three storeys viewing tower and convenience store. The staircase comprises 740 steps.
10. The Inca Staircase
Made up of 3,000 steps carved to the Huayna Picchu, Peru these steps enable the visitors to reach the Moon Temple and spectacular view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The path isn’t an easy one as the Urubamba River is located just below the steps which make them slippery. But the view makes it worth.
11. Spiral Staircase Linzhou
Located near the Taihang Mountains with a height of 300 Feet. As daredevil it sounds, it is a fairly tiresome journey hence only people under 60 are allowed here. The Spiral Staircase is located in China.
12. Stairs Above the Sea
These man-made staircases connect the Gaztelugatxe island to the mainland. A chappel present on the top dates back to the 9th century. The staircase has a total of 230 steps located in Spain. Along the way, several other stairs are leading to the water. At the entrance of the chapel, you need to ring three bells to make a wish.
13. Baroque Spiral Staircase of Melk Abbey
These are spiral staircases that have Roccoco grates that lead from one small library room to another library room. Located in Austria, these Melk Abbey was founded in 1089. The staircase sits on an outcrop with a view of the Danube River. The place is one of the most alluring monarchic sites.
14. Tulip Stairs
What can be more royal than the queen’s house itself? These stairs are located in the queen’s house in Greenwich. The stairs are an original feature from the 17th century. These were the first geometric self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain. The wrought iron is covered with bright blue paint made of crushed glass.
These staircases are examples that prove that creativity has no limits. Witnessing these places will mesmerize with their beauty. Are you ready to mark them on your to-do-list for the next trip?
