Wednesday, September 24, 2008

a NOT so modern stair

Yesterday's post got me thinking about stairs. Like I've mentioned before they are my favorite part of any building. My favorite stair I've seen is the main staircase of the Palazzo Reale (the spanish palace) in Naples. It is referred to as the 'Scalone d'Onore' or ceremonial stairway. You can see why I'm sure! Beautiful space, lots of natural light, beautiful carving and imposing!Designed by Domenico Fontana (by the bequest of Viceroy Fernandez Ruiz de Castro), contruction began in 1600 but didn't finish till 1843 (by Gaetano Genovese)!!
door to the main entrance courtyard
This ceiling reminds me of wedgewood
Is anything not carved?
The stairs must be 15' wide at least!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow wonderful photo's. Thank you for sharing. Brilliant just brilliant

Pigtown*Design said...

The original building at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore has two amazing staircases.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I was there years ago but don't remember it, pd. I will need to check it out when I'm there, hopefully this month!

Julio Muao said...

You are so right! what beautiful work. There is no denying those stairs are up to code. Europe is just filled with palaces that have grand staircases. This is the perfect example. Although it isn't on the same level, one of my favorite staircases in the U.S. is of all places in San Francisco at city hall. It is one of the city's most ideal locations for photo shoots. Thanks for sharing.

Zelda said...

absolutly beautifull pictures .

Topsy Turvy said...

Stefan - This building alone might be worthy of a trip to Naples. The interiors look like they are carved out of marble. Beautiful.

-Lana

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Lana, the palace is probably the most beautiful place in Naples. I took LOTS Of photos! The staircase takes the cake though, for sure!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

How I'd love to sweep down those stairs in a red dress.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Like Audrey Hepburn at the Louvre from funny face, PTE? I love that fashion shoot sequence at the Louvre scene!

Things That Inspire said...

Oh, the craftsmanship! Does anyone do things today like this? This post is truly inspiring.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

not as ornate or on this scale, but I think that craftsman ship of this type is still produced -just in private hands that you may not see everyday.

katiedid said...

Hello! I have been noticing you around blogland lately and it seems we have very similiar taste in blogs. Yours is really quite wonderful! I especially like this post. I have put together a post on beautiful staircaes and hope you don't mind my using a photo from this post and linking it back. I think people would enjoy reading your post, as I have!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Katiedid, Thanks so much for the compliments! Of course, I 'borrowed' the photos so to speak myself - so help yourself :-)