Pittsburgh’s Public Staircases: A Unique Legacy in the Steel City’s Landscape
Pittsburgh is known for its iconic bridges, historic buildings, and stunning skyline, but one of its most unique features is its network of public staircases. With a staggering 739 sets of public steps, Pittsburgh holds the distinction of having more public staircases than any other city in the United States. These staircases aren’t just pedestrian pathways—they are living pieces of history, each with its own story to tell.
The reason behind Pittsburgh’s vast network of staircases is simple: geography. Built on steep hills and valleys carved by the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh’s terrain posed a significant challenge for early residents who needed to travel between neighborhoods. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before automobiles became widespread, the city constructed staircases as a practical solution to connect communities to workplaces, schools, and streetcar lines. These steps became essential lifelines for the working-class residents of Pittsburgh, many of whom were employed in the city’s booming steel industry.
Today, while modern transportation has reduced reliance on public staircases, many of them are still actively used by pedestrians, runners, and tourists eager to explore the city’s unique topography. Local organizations, initiatives, and community-driven restoration projects, continue to preserve these staircases as a testament to Pittsburgh’s resilience and ingenuity.
Over the years, Pittsburgh’s staircases have become more than just functional—they have gained cultural significance and even cinematic fame. Some of the most well-known staircases include:
The Steps at Canton Avenue – Located in Beechview, Canton Avenue holds the title of the steepest public street in the United States with a 37% grade. The adjacent staircases are a must-see for urban explorers.
The South Side Slopes Steps – With more than 70 staircases crisscrossing the hills of the South Side Slopes, these steps offer stunning panoramic views of the city.
Fineview’s Rising Main Staircase – With over 370 steps, this staircase leads to one of the best scenic overlooks in the city.
The 18th Street Steps – These steps in the South Side have been featured in multiple films and provide a dramatic climb with rewarding views at the top.
Speaking of films, some of Pittsburgh’s staircases have made their way onto the big screen! One of the most famous examples is the staircase featured in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), which was filmed in the city’s Mexican War Streets neighborhood. Additionally, The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) features scenes set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain, incorporating the city’s staircases into the film’s atmosphere.
For those looking to experience a piece of Pittsburgh history firsthand, a walk up one of these staircases is more than just a climb—it’s a journey through time, connecting past generations to the present.
Are you ready to take the next step? You can join DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh through our Virtual Storytelling series and explore the hidden gems of our city’s landscape, one staircase at a time with City Stairs: Stepping Back into Pittsburgh’s History One Staircase at a Time.