Mule ramp
Mule ramp in the White Tower of Thessaloniki
A mule ramp or horse ramp is a very gently sloping ramp, usually with steps, that can be negotiated by pack animals. Originally mule ramps were used in steep terrain in the open countryside.
Use indoors
Mule ramps were later constructed within large buildings, either as spiral, curved or straight ramps which sometimes had regular level platforms. These are found in churches, castles and other buildings. Later, the very similar equestrian staircases were built as showpieces in palaces, for riders to climb to the upper floors on horseback.
See also
- Equestrian staircase
- Spiral staircase
Literature
- Roswitha Beyer: Eselstreppe, in: Reallexikon zur Deutschen Kunstgeschichte, Vol. 6, 1968, Cols. 21–22