Pity the Postman!

This is taken from 1/4 way down Christmas Steps - it used to be a steep muddy path but was eventually paved and stepped. The arched seats at either side were for porters carrying heavy loads to stop and rest. There are many independent shops here but in the days of yore (don't you love that word) it was a hot bed of brothels (excuse the pun). There is a wiki link for history buffs here