Explore the The original staircase of this artwork, Bramante Staircase.
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.The Bramante Staircase features granite Doric columns and a herringbone paving pattern, and was designed to allow people and pack animals to ascend and descend without interruption.
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.It is not generally open to the public, though specialist tours do visit.
Donato Bramante Antonio da Sangallo the Younger double helix Doric column herringbone paving pattern Belvedere palace Pio-Clementine Museum Pope Julius II Orvieto Pope Innocent VIII well of San Patrizio Pope double helix design