Escalier central du château de Chambord, Renaissance double helix staircase in Château de Chambord, France
The central staircase of Chambord features two intertwining spiral staircases that rotate around a hollow central column from the ground to the roof.
King Francis I commissioned this architectural masterwork in 1519 as part of his grand hunting lodge, marking the height of French Renaissance construction.
The central staircase reflects the mathematical precision and architectural innovations of the Renaissance period, connecting four levels of the château.
Visitors can climb the double spiral structure to reach different floors while observing other guests through openings without crossing their paths.
The two separate helical paths allow people to ascend and descend simultaneously on different spirals, maintaining complete separation throughout the journey.
Location: Chambord
Part of: Château de Chambord
GPS coordinates: 47.61625,1.51700
Latest update: March 2, 2025 19:45
Stairs serve not only to overcome elevation changes but often rank among the notable structures of their cities. The Spanish Steps in Rome with its 135 steps has connected two districts since 1725 and became a meeting point for locals and visitors. In Montmartre, 222 steps lead to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, while Jacob's Ladder on Saint Helena with 699 steps forms one of the longest straight stairways in the world. The selection includes various construction types: spiral staircases in medieval towers, rock-carved ascents to temples and fortresses, and modern outdoor stairs made of concrete and steel. Some stairs were built for practical reasons like the steps to Table Mountain in Cape Town, others as part of religious sites like the stairs to the Golden Rock in Myanmar. Each staircase tells the story of the engineering skills of its era and the people who use it daily.
Château de Chambord
22 m
Château de Villesavin
7.8 km
Parc de Chambord
2 km
Chapelle du château de Chambord
88 m
Surrounding wall of the national domain of Chambord
5.5 km
Chapelle du château de Villesavin de Tour-en-Sologne
7.7 km
Église Saint-Louis de Chambord
153 m
Château de Colliers
5.5 km
Vieille halle de Bracieux
7.7 km
Pont de Muides-sur-Loire
6.6 km
Château de Cour-sur-Loire
7.8 km
Château de Montlivault
6.1 km
Château de Muides-sur-Loire
5.7 km
Château de la Cressonnière
5.9 km
Église Saint-Vincent-et-Sainte-Radegonde de Cour-sur-Loire
7.8 km
Église Saint-Christophe de Suèvres
7.1 km
Pont Saint-Michel
237 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Montlivault
6.1 km
Église Saint-Lubin de Suèvres
6.8 km
Église Saint-Dyé de Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire
5 km
Église Saint-Lubin de Muides-sur-Loire
6.1 km
Église Saint-Claude de Saint-Claude-de-Diray
7.7 km
Église Saint-Étienne de Huisseau-sur-Cosson
5.3 km
Chapelle Saint-My de Huisseau-sur-Cosson
5.4 km
Église de Saint-Nicaise de Bracieux
7.4 km
Château des Forges
6.9 km
Moulin de l'Écuelle
5 km
Château de Nozieux
7.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes