Bramante Staircase
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| Bramante Staircase | |
|---|---|
 The "Momo", modern evolution of 'Bramante' spiral stairs of 1932. | |
 Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Location | Vatican Museums |
| 41°54′23″N 12°27′16″E / 41.9064°N 12.4544°E | |
Bramante Staircase is the name given to two staircases in the Vatican Museums in the Vatican City State: the original stair, built in 1505, and a modern equivalent from 1932.
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The original Bramante staircase, in the Pio-Clementine Museum, was built in 1505 to a double helix design by Donato Bramante. It connects the Belvedere palace of Pope Innocent VIII to the outside and stands in a square tower of that building.[1]
The Bramante Staircase is supported by 36 granite columns along the inner side. These columns progressively diminish in diameter toward the top (roughly halving over the full height while maintaining similar heights), creating a natural perspectival effect of increasing lightness. A key feature is the fluid sequence of the five classical orders, changing with each full turn of the spiral: Tuscan (base), Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite (top). This superposition demonstrates Renaissance mastery of classical architecture in one continuous, “organic” structure.
The pavement has a herringbone paving pattern, and was designed as a double helix, to allow people and pack animals to ascend and descend without interruption.[1] The stair is cited as the inspiration for Antonio da Sangallo the Younger's design for the double helix passageway at the well of San Patrizio in Orvieto, to solve a similar logistical problem. The staircase was built to allow Pope Julius II to enter his private residence while still in his carriage, since walking up the several flights in heavy papal vestments would have been onerous.[citation needed]
It is not generally open to the public, though specialist tours do visit.[1]
