Archives: Atlas Obscuras

Shuri Castle

Discover Shuri Castle in Naha, Japan: The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

‘Time and Tide Bell’ at Bosta Beach

Discover 'Time and Tide Bell' at Bosta Beach in Outer Hebrides, Scotland: One of a series of sculptures making a statement about sea-level rise in the United Kingdom.

The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)

Discover The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) in Arrochar, Scotland: This uniquely shaped rock formation is one of Scotland's most iconic mountains and gives spectacular views in all directions.

The Southernmost Source of the Nile

Discover Source du Nil in Musenyi, Burundi: For millennia, explorers were obsessed with discovering the source of the Nile—is this small mountain stream really the answer?

Pudding Lane

Discover Pudding Lane in London, England: The Great Fire of London and the regulation of one-way streets both started in this alley.

Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain

Discover Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain in Mumbai, India: A drinking water fountain in the heart of Mumbai, built by a father in memory of his son.

Scalpay Bridge

Discover Scalpay Bridge in Outer Hebrides, Scotland: An impressive piece of infrastructure that seems outsized when considering it serves an island with a population of less than 300.

Ardchattan Priory

Discover Ardchattan Priory in Ardchattan, Scotland: A private home envelops the ruins of this 13th-century priory.

‘Suitcase’

Discover 'Suitcase' in Zurich, Switzerland: Though it may look like a businessman's lost luggage, this case suspended under a highway bridge is actually a contemporary art installation.

Kilmartin Glen Prehistoric Monuments

Discover Kilmartin Glen Prehistoric Monuments in Kilmartin, Scotland: This collection of Neolithic monuments make up one of The U.K.'s richest archeological landscapes.

Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol

Discover Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol in Isulan, Philippines: This grand building inspired by classic Islamic architecture is home to a seat of provincial government.

Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge

Discover Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge in Contoocook, New Hampshire: The oldest covered railroad bridge still standing in the United States.

Louisiana Purchase State Park

Discover Louisiana Purchase State Park in Holly Grove, Arkansas: A short boardwalk through a swamp leads to the spot from which the Louisiana Purchase was surveyed.

Castello di Duino

Discover Castello di Duino in Duino, Italy: This beautiful 14th-century castle perched on a promontory overlooks the Bay of Trieste.

Pataleshwar Caves

Discover Pataleshwar Caves in Pune, India: An eighth-century rock-cut cave temple in the middle of Pune.

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i
To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius. 261 ii
To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. 480 iii
To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. 514 iv
To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. 642 ix
To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. 137 v
To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. 172 vi
To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). 256 vii
To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. 151 viii
To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features. 98 x
To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. 168

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