It is of interest because the exterior staircase pictured actually goes nowhere -- it's just for show! Our guide explained that in the middle ages, one got to be leader of the town by showing off how rich and munificent you were toward the town. So there was always a competition by the town's leading citizens to outdo each other with city improvements, even if they really didn't do anything. This stair is an example, added just for show in order for some wealthy Burgher to show how well off he was!

Sounds like politics hasn't changed much in several centuries, has it?

Stairs to Nowhere