Spiral staircases and ancient walkways
 

Anybody have any great places to walk, climb, see that entails the old staircases and rooftops. For example, climbing up to the lantern on Sacre Coeur starts off with a walk down into the catacombs, up an ancient granite spiral staircase and across the roof of the basilica. Not quite like around the inside of the dome of the Duomo in Florence but very cool nonetheless. Any suggestions for similar such things?

Milan Cathedral

I enjoyed being so close to the bells on the climb up the tower at Notre Dame de Paris and also the Westerkerk in Amsterdam. These and the climb up the tower over one of the squares in Bruges afforded very nice views from above. We've also climbed for the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe and a small tower at the donjon in Provins, where you could see down into people's backyards.

How about Guinigi Tower in Lucca Italy?
We loved the view from the top.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Eur...hoto655660.htm

I agree about Milan Doumo roof but also the Cathedral in Barcelona made my blood run cold

Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik.

Cinque Terra,Vernazza @ Elizabetta's Camere
We arrived by train from Pisa to Cinque Terra enjoying the beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea then departed down the trainstation stairs through the picturesque cobblestone town. We called Elizabetta and she met and escorted us through the town up some 97 or more stairs to her house. The room had a terrace up a spiral staircase which viewed rooftops,castles,gardens and the Mediterranean Sea it was awe inspiring.

Beynac and La Roque-Gageac in the Dordogne; Passignano on Lago Trasimeno in Umbria.

The ultimate spiral staircase: Climbing to the top of the Florence Duomo on the stairs between the inner and outer domes allows you to see how the world's first large dome was built, and the views from the lantern are fantastic.

Oh, I forgot the rooftop of the Opéra Garnier in Paris where there's an apiary. You can purchase the honey - it makes a great souvenir.

I enjoyed these climbs. The Paris Arc de Triomphe, Arles Arena, Mont St Michelle at night, Roman colosseum, Oxford England Christ Church, St. Peters dome, the Effle tower, Chinon France Chateau, Chateau Ambrose France, Loches France Chateau and tower Martelet, Chateau Chambord France; all had great views. emilyandjim.info

















martelet

One of the rare triple spiral staircases at Convento de Bonaval in Santiago de Compostela, the convento houses Museo do Pobo Galego now.

St. Vitus cathedral in Prague

The incredible Gothic cathedral in Seville is unique, as the climb to the bell tower is on ramps, with a small staircase at the end. View is great.

Another climb we made on ramps was in Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. There are tables at the top and a small snack bar. We had a glass of wine and enjoyed the view.

Agree with the suggestions for the Duomo in Milan. Walking through the saints (lifesize statues atop the many spires) is a different experience.

We love lighthouses (I have one album with nothing but pictures of those we've seen). We've never climbed to the top of one in Europe, but a good many in the U.S. and one in Bermuda.

StCirq wrote, "...the rooftop of the Opéra Garnier in Paris where there's an apiary. You can purchase the honey...". Now that's a great experience. Tourism at its best. Really a fun idea.

Karlskirche in Vienna. No spiral staircase. But after taking a lift part way, you walk up about 7 flights of stairs and get so close to the restoration work that's being done on the ceiling that you feel like Michelangelo. You then exit to the wraparound observation platform to see all of Vienna. Beautiful.

Up the New Steps to Prague Castle, around the grounds and then down the Old Castle Steps.(Or vice versa) If you're lucky, you pass the relief guards marching in for the exchange. I have some incredible pictures of the colorful city taken from several vantage points along the way.

Up the teeny tiny stone spiral staircase to the sanctuary of Sainte-Chapelle with its beautiful stained glass windows.

TTT

StCirq,
Is it possible to go up to the Garnier roof?

I did it several times with my friend who is a toruguide in Paris, and it was great! Maybe you have to be with a licensed guide, though.

You could google it and maybe find out. It was a unique experience, I tell you! And the honey is very good.

Bruges, Belgium - Belfry, 366 steps to the top. The bell went off right next to me.

Delft, Holland - Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), 356 steps to the top.

Great views from both.