Chichén Itzá
The Mayan archaeological zone Chichén Itzá in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a set of astonishing staircases. The Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo pyramid, is named after the Mayan god of wind, sky and sun. One of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the pyramid is a calendar and is astronomically aligned. The stairs are carved into each side of the pyramid. Ninety-one steps are on each side, representing the days of each season. During the equinox, rays from the sun make the rails along the stairs appear like a serpent, which is how Kukulkan is often depicted.
Learn the stories of the most mysterious places in the world.
The Vessel
One of the newest stand-out structures seen along the Manhattan skyline is The Vessel. The New York landmark is the centre piece of the Hudson Yards mega shopping centre. The gigantic bronze-hued spiral staircase has 154 flights of stairs that interconnect and feature nearly 2500 individual steps. The stairs are an interactive work of art that can be climbed for epic views of The Big Apple and the Hudson River from 80 different landings.
If you prefer to explore places with fewer tourists check out these 12 abandoned mansions you can still visit.
The Vatican
The Bramante staircase within the Vatican Museum in the Vatican City State isn’t usually open to the public – you’ll have to get special privileged access to climb up the fascinating historic stairway.
The original Bramante staircase is located in the Pio-Clementine Museum. It was built in 1505 and features granite Doric columns and a double helix design which allows visitors to ascend and descend without interruption. It features a direct exit to the street which was used by Pope Julius II so he could remove his heavy papal vestments privately before climbing up the stairs to his private residence.
Find out how you can virtually tour 10 of the world’s greatest landmarks.
Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories sent to your inbox!
Source: RD.com
