Chand Baori (Abhaneri, India)
Chand Baori is a stepwell built in the 9th century in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. With 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, it is India’s largest and steepest stepwell and one of the most unusual staircases in the world. The steps descend 13 stories (65 feet) to the bottom of the water storage facility. On three sides, the stairs encircle the water, while on the fourth side a three-stored pavilion boasts carved jharokhas (a type of overhanging enclosed balcony), galleries supported on pillars, and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures.