Jacob's Ladder, Historic staircase in Jamestown, Saint Helena.
The 699-step concrete stairway rises 600 feet along Ladder Hill, connecting Main Street in Jamestown to the remains of Ladder Hill Fort at the summit.
Built in 1829 as part of a funicular railway system, the stairs initially served alongside cable cars that transported goods between Jamestown and the hilltop settlement.
The Museum of Saint Helena awards certificates to individuals who complete the climb, making it a recognized achievement for visitors to the island.
Each step measures 11 inches in height and width, creating a 41-degree slope that requires significant physical effort to ascend the 924-foot length.
Local students developed a technique of sliding down the metal handrails to speed their journey from the upper settlement to schools in Jamestown.
Location: Jamestown
Official opening: 1829
GPS coordinates: -15.92560,-5.71920
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:46
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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