Discover 7 famous staircases from around the world that impress with their creativity, architectural beauty, and cultural significance in different countries
Submitted at Mar 27, 2026, 9:03 AM
Escadaria do The Vessel. (Clay Banks/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Staircases go far beyond simple functional elements in architecture. In different parts of the world, they become true works of art, combining aesthetics, engineering, and cultural meaning. Whether for their grandeur, the originality of their design, or the history they carry, some stairways have become tourist destinations and references in the architectural world. Below, discover seven famous staircases that impress with their creativity and visual impact.
Escadaria Selarón. (Freepik/Divulgação)
Located in the Lapa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, the Selarón Steps are among the most visited and vibrant in the world. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, they are clad with more than two thousand tiles from different countries. The project began as a tribute to the Brazilian people and ended up becoming a cultural symbol of the city. Its colorful, spontaneous aesthetic reflects the blend of cultures and the urban artistic spirit.
Escadarias da Praça da Espanha. (Yoav Aziz/Unsplash/Divulgação)
This famous staircase in Rome, known as the Spanish Steps, connects Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. Built in the 18th century, it is a Baroque landmark and a traditional meeting spot in the city. Beyond its architectural beauty, the space stands out for its integration with the urban surroundings and for its panoramic views, especially during spring, when flowers adorn its steps.
Escadaria do The Vessel. (Noriely Fernandez/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Located in the Hudson Yards neighborhood in New York, the Vessel is one of the most iconic contemporary stairways in the world. Designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, the monument features a honeycomb-shaped structure with dozens of interconnected flights. Its sculptural, interactive design allows multiple routes and viewpoints, turning the experience of climbing stairs into something dynamic and immersive.
Escadaria Niesen. (The Manitou Incline/Facebook/Divulgação)
Considered one of the longest staircases in the world, this impressive structure runs alongside a funicular on Mount Niesen, in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. There are more than 11,000 steps that climb the steep slope, tracing an almost perfect line across the landscape. Although it is not open to the public daily, it has become famous for athletic challenges and for its monumental scale, standing as a true symbol of endurance and grandeur.
Escadaria Potemkin. (Julian Nyča/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
With more than 190 steps, the monumental Potemkin Stairs connect the port to the city of Odessa. In addition to its imposing presence, it is known for its optical effect: seen from below, it appears endless; from above, the landings disappear. It became world-famous after appearing in Sergei Eisenstein’s film Battleship Potemkin.
Escadaria na Chand Baori. (Damini/Unsplash/Divulgação)
This impressive set of steps is located in the village of Abhaneri, in the state of Rajasthan, India. Built more than a thousand years ago, Chand Baori is one of the largest and deepest stepwells in the world. Its perfectly symmetrical geometry creates a hypnotic visual effect, making it one of the most fascinating examples of traditional Indian architecture.
Escadaria escultórica Tiger and Turtle – Magic Mountain. (Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash/Divulgação)
Located in the city of Duisburg, Germany, Tiger and Turtle, a contemporary staircase-sculpture, is one of the most creative in the world. Designed by artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth, the structure resembles a roller coaster, with curves, loops, and sinuous paths. Despite its radical appearance, it is possible to walk through almost the entire work — except for the full loop —, which turns the route into a playful, surprising architectural experience.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
