Tulip Stairs, Self-supporting spiral stairs in Queen's House, Greenwich, United Kingdom
The Tulip Stairs in Queen's House form a spiral staircase with wrought iron railings decorated in floral designs, spiraling around an open central void. The structure features white walls paired with blue metalwork that winds upward in a self-contained geometric form.
Built in 1635 by architect Inigo Jones, this was Britain's first self-supporting spiral staircase without a central post, using advanced wall-anchored cantilever engineering. The innovation in structural design marked a turning point in how staircases could be constructed.
The ornamental flowers in the metalwork were once thought to be tulips, but actually represent fleurs-de-lys, reflecting Queen Henrietta Maria's French background. Visitors today see these details as a reminder of royal taste and connections between British and Continental courts.
The stairs are located on the ground floor of Queen's House and are accessible to visitors daily at no charge. Entry is straightforward since they occupy a central position in the building and are easily reached from the main areas.
The blue metalwork gets its color from crushed cobalt glass powder mixed into the finish, creating a distinctive shade against the white surroundings. Many visitors walk past without noticing this crafted detail that makes the structure stand out.
Location: Greenwich
GPS coordinates: 51.48120,-0.00380
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
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.
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