A list of the most stunning staircases in the world!
**Sigiriya Lion Rock, Sri Lanka**
Climbing Sigiriya Lion Rock is a must-do activity in Sri Lanka. The rock stands at about 200 meters high, and the ruins of the ancient palace at its summit, dating back 1500 years, can only be reached by climbing stairs. There are 1,200 limestone steps leading to the top, which are steep, narrow, and winding. However, the breathtaking views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
**Spanish Steps, Italy**
One of the most beautiful staircases in the world, the Spanish Steps, was built on a steep hill to connect the Trinità dei Monti Church to Piazza di Spagna. Though it consists of only 135 steps, this elegant staircase has appeared in numerous films. Sitting on the steps to enjoy Italian gelato has become a popular activity when visiting Rome.
**Canyon Staircase, Ecuador**
This staircase may be considered one of the most magnificent attractions in the world. The Canyon Staircase in Ecuador reaches a height of 80 meters and rises alongside the magnificent Paílón del Diablo waterfall. Visiting the site on rainy days when the Pastaza River flows with full force is an extraordinary experience.
**Chand Baori, India**
Chand Baori is a stepwell built in the 9th century in the village of Abhaneri in Rajasthan, India. It features 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect harmony, making it one of the largest and most stunning staircases in India and one of the most unique in the world. The steps descend 13 stories to reservoirs designed for water storage. Water surrounds the steps on three sides, while on the fourth side, there is a pavilion comprising three storied alcoves adorned with beautifully carved balconies.
**Batu Caves, Malaysia**
The 272 steps in Batu Caves, located near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, lead to the most famous Hindu shrine outside India dedicated to Lord Murugan. The site includes three caves: the Temple Cave, the Dark Cave, and the Art Gallery Cave. What stands out the most while climbing the stairs is the enormous statue of Murugan, covered with a significant amount of golden paint.
**Mosaic Steps on 16th Street, USA**
The tiled staircase located on Moraga Street in San Francisco, between 15th and 16th Streets, was previously ordinary and unremarkable. However, after Irish ceramist Aileen Barr and mosaic artist Colette Crutcher transformed it into the largest mosaic-covered staircase in the world, the place has taken on a special charm. The 163 steps feature 2,000 hand-made tiles and 75,000 pieces of tile, glass, and mirrors forming a mosaic depicting flowers, the sea, and stars.
**Momo Staircase, Vatican**
Designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Momo in 1932, the Momo Staircase, also known as the Snail Staircase or Simonetti Staircase, features a spiral design. This design allows people to ascend and descend without encountering one another, preventing congestion among visitors at the famous Vatican Museums. It has become one of the most photographed staircases in the world.
**El Peñon de Guatapé, Colombia**
The towering El Peñon de Guatapé rock in Colombia offers opportunities to enjoy the unique natural scenery of the area. The site can be accessed via a staircase carved into a wide crack in the rock, consisting of 740 steps. At the summit, there are tourist huts selling gifts and souvenirs, as well as many restaurants serving local dishes, fruit juices, and desserts, in addition to a three-story observation tower.
**Inca Steps, Peru**
Every morning, 400 people climb the steps, consisting of over 3,000 carved stone steps, to visit the ruins of Machu Picchu. This staircase provides access to the Temple of the Moon and offers stunning views of the site where the Urubamba River flows.
**Taihang Mountain Spiral Staircase, China**
To promote tourism, a spiral staircase known as the "Stairway to Heaven" has been installed in the Taihang Mountains. This staircase, which stands 300 feet tall, offers climbers the thrill of mountain climbing without the risks. However, just looking at these narrow stairs may cause anxiety due to the views they provide, which are not suitable for the faint-hearted or those over 60 years old.
