Stairs are one of those things we often take for granted. We walk up and down them every day, without paying too much mind to their history or the ways in which they can be innovative.

Do stairs really have to be boring? This article will highlight some notable stairs of the world. It’s time to demonstrate that stairs can actually be quite fun. You need not dismiss the subject next time it comes up in conversation.

You never know, this trivia may come in useful in a pub quiz.

The longest in the world

The longest set of stairs in the world is the service stairway for the Neisenbahn funicular railway in Switzerland. This set of stairs measure in at 1669 meters. Prepare yourself for 11,674 steps if you want to get to the top.

Optical illusion stairs

A famous example of stairs as an optical illusion are the Penrose staits. Careful when you look at these stairs, they may give you a headache. The stairs form a continuous loop meaning they cannot be ascended or descended. The staircase would be impossible in the third dimension.

Spiral stairs

Spiral stairs are stairs that wind around a newel, which is also called the central pole. These staircases are aesthetically pleasing and a perceived to be among the classiest in the world. A notable spiral staircase is the external spiral staircase of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo in Venice.

Similar to spiral stars are helical stairs. They have a handrail on both sides and have the advantage of having a more uniformed tread width.

Regulations

Stairs are regulated in different ways in different countries. This is usually to do with construction of the stairs to ensure they are completely safe.

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