I have had a long fascination with stairs and staircases. As I’ve photographed my travels around the world, I find some stairs and staircases irresistible. From the bottom of a stair you can typically see your destination. But as often as not, the staircase winds out of sight to a mysterious destination that holds dozens of possibilities. Spiral staircases are particularly intriguing as they circle up or down with a symmetry all their own—no matter where you stand on them.

Staircases feature in the entrance hall of many grand buildings. See, for instance, these staircases close to the entrance of the Kunsthistoriches Museum in Vienna. As the eye is drawn up the stairs, the view continues upward to carved statues, intricate arches, and a superb Michelangelo-worthy ceiling.

All one can do is marvel at the craftsmanship and design of such a breathtaking entrance. By the way, Vienna’s Kunsthistoriches is one of the world’s three most renowned art museums. The other two are the Louvre in Paris, France and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia.

As a side note, should you be able to visit the Kunsthistoriches in Vienna, make a reservation for lunch at their stunning restaurant. Here, the museum unfolds all around you as you dine. The restaurant’s coffees and desserts are particularly tasty. I doubt you will find a more splendid place to enjoy a memorable museum meal. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the belly!

Overlooking the cafe / restaurant at the kunsthistoriches Museum, vienna

On a smaller scale are simple staircases that lead to someone’s much-loved front door. The photograph (below) was taken on the Greek Island of Naxos in the old town of Chora. Naxos is one of my favorite places in the world to visit. It’s the largest of the Cyclades island groups that includes Santorini and Mykonos. However, in contrast to those two locales that are often bloated with tourists, Naxos receives very few cruise ships and is relatively uncrowded. It provides a more authentic Greek experience than the more-visited islands. In addition, prices are fairly reasonable and frankly the food is better!

The Naxos old town called Chora is a marvel to walk through. It has adorable steps, quirky stairs, and ancient stone staircases like this one leading to homes, shops, and tavernas from all angles. You’ll notice that the steps in the photo go up, down, and around. So which way will you go???

Old town chora on the greek island of naxos

Other stairs are more strait forward. But always there is color contrasting with the white walls so characteristic of Greek architecture.

Crayon-colored doors atop well-worn steps in Old town chora on naxos

The worn steps leading to this bright blue door in Naxos (above) speak to the generations of families that have lived in this home. These are steps that have led to an abode full of joys, sadnesses, and passings perhaps over generations. Even centuries.

The old town of Chora is perfect for wandering day or night. There is much to discover. Bakeries pull hot loves of Greek pita, Eliopsome (Greek olive bread), and fancy braided breads out of ancient ovens. Tavernas offer souvlaki and taramasalata dip with pita to be washed down with greek beer or ouzo. Gift shops sell artisanal Greek goods at reasonable prices.

But something fascinating happens when the sun sets. At night, the windy streets and stone staircases begin to glow with funky lamps, fairy lights, and flickering candles. In fact, many of the quaint stairs and walkways become entertainment and dining alcoves! They come alive with nighttime revelry and Greek music playing sometimes from someone’s balcony, while the Aegean Sea laps at the edges of the walkways. You’ll often descend on some staircases to a sprawling plaza set with pretty tables laden with sizzling meats, spiced fish, pungent cheese, and warm bread. All of this entices you to stay awhile—perhaps all night!

Nighttime Stairs under pretty bougainvilla

Continuing the theme of well-trod staircases, the photograph below is a shot upward from the cellar of Chateau Chillon in Switzerland. This medieval fortress sits on the banks of Lake Geneva just a short walk from Montreaux. The chateau was a stronghold of the Savoy dynasty for many years. It makes an interesting visit—and offers a very palatable red wine. As before, stairs go any which way to match the functionality of the day. Notice how these ancient stone stairs were made to last. And indeed they have!

Staircase in cheatau chillon, switzerland

Paris and the other capitals of Europe have visually more impressive staircases as they were often built to impress as well as function. The spiral staircase below is in the Mini Palais in Paris. And, occasionally, you find someone on the staircase that you know!

PJ Adams on the Spiral staircase in the Mini Palais, Paris, France

Occasionally someone walks up stairs—and simply disappears! In this photograph at Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island in Canada., the crooked wooden stairs seem to have a life of their own. And maybe they are an alluring passageway. A passageway to a mystical world that only intrepid travelers—and staircase enthusiasts—will ever see. Just remember: All Roads (may) lead to Rome. But a staircase may lead to anywhere…