Old Warsaw: Old Town streets
ul. Kamienne Schodki / Jarosław Pocztarski / Flickr
Warsaw Old Town street - ul. Kamienne Schodki, non-standard line
The quaint stepped passageway running from the Old Square to a small gate in the defensive walls and on to the Vistula was formed in the late 15th century. Its importance arose from the fact that water was carried up it from the river. The lane had had a number of names before the present-day one ("Stone Steps") eventually caught on in the late 18th century, most likely having something to do with the modernization of the old wooden steps. In the 19th century the lane declined considerably, as did the entire Old Town, but it became a favourite setting for artists: painters, draughtsmen and then the pioneer photographers. It was also notorious as a prostitutes' hang-out. Following the post-war restoration, the upper section between Krzywe Koło and ul. Brzozowa regained a pleasant historical character.