The home of the Bramante staircase in the Pio-Clementino Museum was built in 1505. The Bramante Staircase is one of the world’s most extensive archaeological built. It was founded by Donato Bramante in the late 16th century. This Vatican Museum displays a collection of sculptures started initially by Pope Julius II.
There are, in fact, two staircases with the same name in the Vatican Museums. The original Bramante’s Staircase was built in 1505, while the modern one was built in 1932 and was based on the original. It was also seen as a revolutionary architectural wonder of that time, with the iconic spiralling structure that gained popularity in past and present times.
The Original Bramante Staircase Designed by the famous architect of Tuscany, Donato Bramante, the original staircase was commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. The stairs feature herringbone paving and have granite columns lining the innermost side of the spirals. It was built in a square tower designed to link the Belvedere Palace to the streets of Rome.
It also allowed Pope Julius II to travel directly to his private residence by carriage. This was possible that the original staircase didn’t have stairs but was more of a paved ramp. What’s more, is that this fascinating architectural marvel displays the double helix shape. This is the shape we most commonly relate to a strand of DNA today. Naturally, this was not where the architect drew inspiration, as DNA was only discovered and observed centuries later. The real reason for this design was convenience.
It allowed traffic to travel up on one path and down on the other to ensure that there were never any interruptions. The original staircase is an exclusive destination, making it very difficult to visit. However, to see this master craftsmanship on such an ancient structure is fantastic.
Giuseppe Momo’s Spiral Staircase (The Modern Bramante Staircase)
Fortunately, the modern Bramante’s Staircase is entirely open to the public. Also located in the Pio-Clementino Museum, this staircase marks the end of a museum visit and is the route all visitors take when leaving the building.
The Bramante Staircase is entirely something to stand at the very top of this enormous staircase and watch as streams of people descend to the ground floor. This staircase was designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932 and displayed very similar features to the original. It replicates the double helix shape, although, in this instance, it just allows two separate groups of people to descend together.
However, it is not a ramp like the original and has low-profile steps for everyone visiting. Its beautiful spiral shape and fabulous art-deco metalwork details make it the museum’s last must-see highlight.
Source: Vatican City Tours
