The World’s Top 15 Most Amazing Elevators… #5 Will Take Your Breath Away.

The need for elevators has existed for longer than you might think. In 236 B.C., the Greek mathematician Archimedes designed a rudimentary elevator using ropes and a rotating spindle called a capstan. The Romans used a hauling device called a winch and counterweights to lift gladiators and animals up to the arena for battle.

Transporting goods, people, and livestock were some of the main reasons there was a need for these early shafts. Another reason included privacy. Louis XV had a few contraptions called the flying chair, for his mistress, and the flying table, for private dining affairs.

The modern elevator had its beginnings in the early 1800s, and by 1853, American industrialist Elisha Graves Otis introduced something spectacular at the New York Crystal Palace exposition: an elevator with a safety feature that broke the cab's fall in case the ropes broke, a common problem at the time. Four years later, the first passenger elevator was ready for use at a department store in New York City.

Scroll below to see some of the most stunning modern elevators around the world.

AquaDom, Berlin, Germany

The AquaDom is a stunning acrylic glass aquarium featuring a built-in transparent elevator. It's located in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin-Mitte. Opened in 2004, the project cost about 12.8 million euros and stands at about 82 feet.

The complex is also home to a hotel, offices, restaurants, and a Sea Life Center. It takes about 3-4 divers each day to feed the fish and clean the tank.

Bailong Elevator, Zhangjiajie, China

The Bailong Elevator, or Hundred Dragons Elevator, is situated in the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie. It is 1,070 feet high. Just last year, it was recognized as the world's tallest outdoor lift.

Construction began in October 1999, and three years later, the public was able to try it out. Some people are worried about the environmental effects of the elevator as the area has been dubbed a World Heritage Site.

Hammetschwand Elevator, Ennetbürgen, Switzerland

The highest outdoor lift in Europe is Switzerland's Hammetschwand Elevator, just over Lake Lucerne. If you're afraid of heights, you might want to avoid visiting this site (but we definitely support you facing your fears if you're up for the challenge!). At the top, visitors are 1132 meters above sea level.

A towering feat, the Hammetschwand Elevator was originally built in 1905 by a nearby hotel, and it has remained intact through the world wars.

SkyView Elevator, Stockholm, Sweden

If you're ever in Stockholm, make sure to check out Ericsson Globe, the world's largest spherical building. To get to the top, take the SkyView elevator.

The top center puts you at 425 feet above sea level, and there, you can see a panoramic view of the city.

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

You've seen this landmark million of times in photos, but you've got to see it in person. St. Louis's stainless steel Gateway Arch stands at 530 feet tall and holds the record as the world's tallest arch.

The structure was originally designed by Finnish American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947. It was completed in 1965 and opened for public exploration in 1967. There are three ways to get to the top: emergency stairs, a 372-ft elevator, and trams.

Eiffel Tower Lift, Paris, France

We couldn't forget this iconic tower. There are three lifts altogether at the North, East, and West pillars, but to ascend to the top, you must change lifts at the 2nd floor. You can also take the stairs for a unique perspective.

Louvre Lift, Paris, France

When in Paris, you must visit I.M. Pei's iconic pyramid at the Louvre. A great accessibility option is located inside for your convenience.

The unenclosed elevator blends in cleverly with the spiral staircase. How imaginative!

Elevador Lacerda, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

In just 20 seconds, you can go from the Praca Tome de Souza in Cidade Alta, the Upper City, to the Praca Cairu in Cidade Baixa, the Lower City via Elevador Lacerda.

This elevator is lauded as an Art Deco masterpiece and the most significant landmark in Salvador. Check out the sparkling views of the surrounding sea.

Mercedes-Benz Museum Elevator, Stuttgart, Germany

If you're planning on visiting the Mercedes-Benz Museum, make sure to allot a large chunk of time for it. Many visitors said they've spent the whole day there. To start the tour, you can take the elevator up to the 8th floor and walk down from there.

According to European Traveler, visitors walk for at least 1.5 km, some up to 5 km just inside the museum.

Luxor's Inclinators, Las Vegas

Looking to head in another direction? Look no further and visit the Luxor in Las Vegas, were you can ride one of its "inclinators." You'll be taken up the pyramid at a sharp 39-degree angle.

Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei 101 used to hold the title as the world's tallest skyscraper in 2004, that is until Dubai surpassed it with the completion of Burj Khalifa five years later. Still, this LEED platinum certified building is still pretty special. Reach the 89th floor in a mere 37 seconds, where you'll be 1,000 feet above ground level. Everything will look so tiny from there, like little stars.