Spiral staircases are stairs that are arranged in a helical shape, and not only are they one of the best ways to save room when building complex structures, but are also, often, works of art in their own right. This beautiful series will introduce you to some of the most beautiful spiral staircases in the world. |
Eckmuhl Lighthouse, France |
Vatican Museum |
Spiral stairs wind around a newel (also the central pole). They typically have a handrail on the outer side only, and on the inner side just the central pole. A squared spiral stair assumes a square stairwell and expands the steps and railing to a square, resulting in unequal steps (larger where they extend into a corner of the square). |
Sagrada Familia, Spain |
Dresden, Germany |
A pure spiral assumes a circular stairwell and the steps and handrail are equal and positioned screw-symmetrically. A tight spiral stair with a central pole is very space efficient in the use of floor area. |
Cottbus University Library, Germany |
Spiral stairs have the disadvantage of being very steep. Unless the central column is very large, the circumference of the circle at the walk line will be small enough that it will be impossible to maintain a normal tread depth and a normal rise height without compromising headroom before reaching the upper floor. |
Heal’s Department Store, United Kingdom |
Spiral stairs in medieval times were generally made of stone and typically wound in a clockwise direction (from the ascender's point of view), to place attacking swordsmen (who were most often right-handed) at a disadvantage. This asymmetry forces the right-handed swordsman to engage the central pike and degrade his mobility compared with the defender who is facing down the stairs. |
San Francisco, USA |
Queen’s House, United Kingdom |
|
Germany |
Finland |
Castle Hartenfels in Torgau, Germany |
|
Tokyo, Japan |
Chinese Garden, Singapore |
Dresden, Germany |
Deutsche Kinemathek Museum, Germany |
Munich, Germany |
Dresden, Germany |
Vizcaya Museum, USA |
15 Weird, Wacky, & Unique Buildings That You’ll Love
Take a look at some of the most unusual buildings from around the world.
These Clever Photos Create Curious Optical Illusions!
These beautiful creative photographs are sure to make you smile!
These Ingenious Designs Made Us Say ‘Wow!’
Some product designers, architects, advertisers, and graphic designers are just brilliant at their job! Take a look at these brilliant and creative design ideas.
This Artist Uses Fruit and Veggies to Create Stunning Art
Witness the wonderful sculptures of Takehiro Kishimoto, who sculpts in fruit and vegetables.
Enjoy a Night at the Opera at the World's Finest Halls...
Opera houses are iconic symbols of a city's cultural & financial status. They represent the pinnacle of high society and architectural achievement. Take a look.
Fluid Wildlife Murals Breathe New Life Into Dull Buildings
The Argentinan artist Fio Silva breathes new life into dull city buildings by decorating them with massive wildlife murals.
A Different Look at the Moments that Changed the World
Incredible photos of historical events, shot from a different angl, showing a different view of the events.
The Best of South Asian Architecture - 15 Magnificent Gems
The architectural landscape of South Asia is brimming with magnificent structures - both historic and modern.
The Incredible Sights You Won't See Every Day...
20 unbelievable photos showing amazing scenes of history, science and nature, that will make you think.
19 Fairy Tale Structures You Can Find in Norway
Norway is one of the more unique countries in Europe, possessing views that rival the best fantasy books out there...
These Colorful Photos Are An Affirmation Of Life's Beauty
These photos are concrete evidence of the existence of beauty in every nook and cranny of our world. What's more, they'll fill your heart with joy and wonder.
View Amazing Animated Photos of Landscapes Past & Present
Landscapes change enormously over time, and these photos capture that fact better than ever. Here are 12 landscapes photographed in the past and present.
12 Vintage Tools That Have Stood The Test of Time
Here is a collection of some really old vintage household items that are amazingly still working properly.
Time Stood Still for These 21 Stunning Photographs
Time is a series of present moments that elapse and leave us with beautiful memories, so here are 21 such photographed moments never to be forgotten.
15 Incredible Handmade Leather Creations
Check out some of the most incredible leather creations!
The 25 Coolest Movie Posters Ever Made
Movie posters from the 1900s had a different charm. Let’s check out the best ones from that era.
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of the 1970s
Time for some good old ‘70s nostalgia…
View the World Through the Eye of a Moving Bullet
Watch in awe as you discover regular objects through the eye of a moving bullet, using an incredible new type of lens.
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
21 Jaw-Dropping Optical Illusions That Make Your Head Spin
The optical illusions will try to confuse your brain, so much so that you will think these photos are edited. But don’t be deceived...
These Images Are Among the Most Powerful Ever Seen
Images can provoke great thought and institute great changes through their power, and these 10 are no exception. Take a look at these powerful images.
Admire the World Up Close with Macro Photography
Beauty is in the details, and you can take a really close look at the world around you with these incredible professional macro photos
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
21 Historical Pics That Open a Visceral Window to the Past
Old photographs have a special value to them - they allow us to take a glimpse into the past and experience what life was like long before we came into being.
Like a Flower in Bloom, This Glasshouse Unfurls in the Sun
This diamond-shaped glasshouse can open like a flower in bloom!
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
The Universe's Greatest Photographs: 12 Contest Winners
Have a look at these stunning photograph winners from Wikipedia's tenth annual photography contest. They'll blow your mind.
10 Places of Worship That'll Leave You Utterly Speechless
These stunning places of worship will dazzle you with their architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings. Located all over the world, these beautiful buildings are bound to leave you speechless.
Ladies, This Is How You Pose For a Full-Body Photo!
These practical posing tips that will help you look graceful and elegant in every photo.
I Can't Believe the USA Looked So Different in the Fifties
Here are 20 rare photos from the golden age of the USA - the 1950s!
Some Photos Require No Explanation Whatsoever!
Here are 16 photos, all of which speak more than a thousand words by themselves.
You’ll Never Forget These Unbelievable Microscopic Photos
Take a look at the amazing winners of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Contest 2022.
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
Have You Ever Seen Giants Things & Creatures Like This?
Some things are so disproportionately large relative to others that it's enough to boggle the mind. Here are 12 very large creatures and things.
25 Pictures That Will Make You Take a Second Look
These quick photographers have managed to get some pretty nifty shots of some truly amazing and bizarre things in this world.
These Vintage Photos Show People Grew Up Faster Back Then
These 15 photos clearly seem to suggest that people in the past have matured much faster than people do these days...
This Photographer Really Captures the Beauty of the Ocean...
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov.
This Artist Has Managed to Capture Moments of Innocence
These photos truly let the innocence of this amazing photographer's subjects shine through in all their glory
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
Reviving History: AI-Generated Selfies of Iconic Figures
An AI artist has reimagined how famous historical figures would look like taking their selfies. Check out these incredible portraits.
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
These Vintage Photos Shed Light on Life in the Early 1900s
Get a glimpse of life back in the early 1900s.