The movie “The Exorcist” is a globally renowned horror film, and its filming locations are well-known to many people. Among them, the Exorcist Steps, located in Georgetown, Washington D.C., stand out as a particularly famous site. These steps were featured in a memorable scene in the 1973 movie where a character falls down the stairs and have since become a popular tourist attraction. Let’s delve into more details about the Exorcist Steps.
What is the Exorcist Steps?
The Exorcist Steps are a set of concrete stairs located in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which gained fame as a tourist attraction after being featured in the 1973 movie “The Exorcist.” The steps begin at the corner of Prospect Street and 36th Street, extending down towards a small parking lot away from M Street, Canal Street, and the intersection of Whitehurst Freeway.
Relation with the movie “The Exorcist”
The Exorcist Steps were used as a filming location for “The Exorcist,” where the character Father Damien Karras falls down the stairs. To shoot this scene, the stairs were covered with half-inch (13 mm) thick rubber, and since the house where the scene took place was a bit back from the stairs, the film crew constructed an extension facing east with a fake front of the house for the shooting.
History as a recognized tourist spot
Previously, the Exorcist Steps were informally known as the “Hitchcock Steps,” named after the famous suspense-horror film director Alfred Hitchcock. However, as the popularity of “The Exorcist” grew, the steps became known as the Exorcist Steps. In 2015, during Halloween weekend, the Exorcist Steps were officially recognized as a Washington D.C. landmark and a popular tourist attraction during a ceremony attended by the movie’s director William Friedkin and screenwriter William Peter Blatty.
Reasons for popularity as a tourist spot
The Exorcist Steps became a famous tourist spot due to the influence of “The Exorcist” movie. Many people visit the stairs to recreate scenes from the film and enjoy the beautiful views of Washington D.C. from the location. Additionally, the historical significance of the steps and their status as a publicly accessible space since their construction add to their appeal for visitors.
Tips for visiting the Exorcist Steps
When visiting the Exorcist Steps, it’s essential to respect the privacy of the surrounding neighborhood residents. Moreover, since the stairs are steep, it’s important to check your health condition before climbing, wear appropriate footwear, and use handrails to ensure a safe ascent.
Exploring Horror Movie Locations in Washington D.C.
The Exorcist Steps gained fame as a location from “The Exorcist” movie, but they also have historical value and are beloved as a tourist spot. When visiting, be considerate of the local residents and safety concerns to create enjoyable memories.
Georgetown, located within the city of Washington D.C., offers numerou...
