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![Nancy, France]()
A staircase in the Hotel de Ville, located in Nancy, France. The hotel was built in 1755 and features ornate wrought-iron balustrades.![Senftenberg, Germany]()
A detailed shot of the steps to an observatory in Senftenberg, Germany. Built by Architektur und Landschaft group in 2008, the observatory overlooks a former industrial wasteland.![Des Moines, Iowa]()
One of many spiral staircases in the State Law Library of Iowa in Des Moines. Built in 1884, this staircase was made from cast iron, which was a relatively new material in architectural design at the time.![Sri Lanka]()
Ancient rock steps lead to a fortress in Sri Lanka.![Northumberland, North East England]()
Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built in the 1720s, this austere, vertigo-inducing staircase is located at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, North East England.![Brussels]()
A perfect example of the art nouveau style, this staircase was part of a house designed by architect Victor Horta for a prominent family in Brussels, circa 1892.![Bavaria]()
Ornate stairs that lead to the private apartments of Ludwig II of Bavaria, built around 1881.![Strasbourg, France]()
Well worn, this staircase has been in the Oeuvre Notre-Dame since 1585, when the building was completed.![Brandenburg, Germany]()
Built in 1745 for Frederick the Great of Prussia, these steps lead to his palace of Sanssouci in Brandenburg, Germany.![Mantua, Italy]()
Barouque figures greet guests at the Palazzo Canossa in Mantua, Italy.Upstairs, Downstairs: The World's Most Amazing Staircases
A useful piece of architecture that transcends cultures and location, staircases have been around almost as long as humans have. READ: Easy Autumnal Centerpieces You Can Make Yourself A new book, "Staircases: The Architecture of Ascent" ($48, originally $75), presents a dizzying array of staircases across the globe and throughout history. Some are primitive, others are grand, but all of them share the ultimate utilitarian purpose of getting people from one vantage point to another! Below, a few of our favorites from the newly released tome:
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- Upstairs, Downstairs: The World's Most Amazing Staircases
