Archives: Atlas Obscuras

Doris Duke’s Pet Cemetery

Discover Doris Duke's Pet Cemetery in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey: A billionaire heiress' menagerie of animals were lovingly laid to rest on the grounds of her former estate.

The Weeks Estate

Discover The Weeks Estate in Lancaster, New Hampshire: The summer estate of John Weeks offers dazzling views and a moose captured by Theodore Roosevelt.

Pink Dolphin Monument

Discover Pink Dolphin Monument in Galveston, Texas: This little dolphin is the first monument dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community in the southern United States.

The Roman Bath

Discover The Roman Bath in York, England: The remains of an ancient bathhouse sit inside this aptly-named pub.

Holmes Mill

Discover Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, England: This historic former textile mill now houses a brewery, hotel, and what's believed to be the longest bar in the United Kingdom.

The Tower of Wisdom

Discover Torre della Sapienza (Tower of Wisdom) in Averara, Italy: This enigmatic piece of art is a mnemonic device from the early Renaissance.

Ojo de la Vaca

Discover Ojo de la Vaca in Santa Fe, New Mexico: An old water station with a few abandoned structures from the early 1900s.

‘Pollution’

Discover 'Pollution' in Kingston, Ontario: This sculpture was made in 1973 for the city's 300th-anniversary celebrations and was largely considered an eyesore at the time.

The Cows of Ventspils

Discover The Cows of Ventspils in Ventspils, Latvia: The Latvian city of Ventspils is filled with dozens of cow statues showcasing unique themes.

Joslyn Castle

Discover Joslyn Castle in Omaha, Nebraska: This once rural mansion now sits in the heart of the city.

Wolf Rock Cave

Discover Wolf Rock Cave in Leesville, Louisiana: The only cave in Louisiana has played host to a state's-worth of clandestine activities.

Noor

Discover Noor in Córdoba, Spain: This Michelin-starred restaurant sheds light on a rare period of cultural and culinary tolerance in Cordoba’s past.

9/11 Spirit of America Memorial

Discover 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial in Cashmere, Washington: A heartfelt tribute to all of the victims of one of the greatest tragedies in United States history.

Stones of Frederica

Discover Stones of Frederica in Athens, Greece: Elaborate stone houses constructed from the ruins of war.

Lake Agnes Teahouse

Discover Lake Agnes Teahouse in Lake Louise, Alberta: Take a hike to this remote, scenic tea stop in the Canadian Rockies.

Flying Horse Carousel

Discover Flying Horse Carousel in Westerly, Rhode Island: One of the oldest carousels in the United States is still running in the coastal village of Watch Hill.

Backpackers Memorial

Discover Backpackers Memorial in Belanglo, Australia: A somber memorial to the seven victims of a horrible crime.

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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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