Ladders are an essential part of our lives, and one that we take for granted more often than we might realise. They are everywhere, and they surround our lives  appearing in places you may not have even noticed before. In fact, some ladders are so noteworthy that they have been become famous among those who admire the tool. Some are ancient, and others a little more modern. However, what they all share is their purpose and name, providing a way to reach a higher level. There are three main ladders that are considered famous around the world, and they are listed here for your enjoyment. 

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre This ladder in Jerusalem is considered to be a revelation as it is the proposed site of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  As a result, the actual site has been a popular pilgrimage site since the fourth century AD. The ladder sits below a window above the entrance of the church, and has only been moved once since it was first recorded in the 1700s. No one really knows why this ladder is here but there is some speculation. A popular theory is that it was left there by a mason who was carrying out restoration work during the 1700s, and it was never moved from that spot. Amusingly, the window and the stones that corner it belong to the Armenians and Greeks respectively, so the ladder has not been moved by either for fear of offending the other. As a result, it remains there except when it was stolen and for four weeks in the 1990s. The thief was found and the ladder returned.

Devils Tower The wooden ladder that was used to climb Devil's Tower is no longer fully intact, but its remains are still where the ladder has always been. It is a sort of symbol to the tradition of climbing this natural beauty. Situated in Wyoming, this iconic rock not only stands 1500m above sea level, but is also sacred to the Native American tribes that inhabit the area and is the central feature for several of their stories and lessons. The ladder used to climb this natural monument was created during the 1800s, with wooden stakes driven into crevices in order to secure the ladder which, in a way, is rather sad. The ladder was used until the 1920s and then fell into disrepair. In the 1970s it was restored and rebuilt, with the first 100m of the ladder removed to stop people climbing it.

The Putucusi Ladders These amazing ladders are located in the iconic Machu Picchu and are available to tourists so that they can reach the upper levels of the site. Thousands come to attempt this daring climb every year, which takes place against steep mountainsides in order to reach new parts of the city. One of the ladders involved in this difficult hike is around 100m tall, so make sure you are prepared to take on the challenge. While it may seem quite daunting, these ladders are not only a part of an ancient history, but also an opportunity to truly discover one of the most beautiful cities in existence.