Archives: Atlas Obscuras

‘Twisted House’

Discover 'Twisted House' in Indianapolis, Indiana: Nature and art meet in this curvy creation.

Malbork Castle

Discover Malbork Castle in Malbork, Poland: This 13th century Gothic brick castle is the largest in the world by surface area.

Árvore dos Desejos (Wish Tree)

Discover Árvore dos Desejos (Wish Tree) in Brasília, Brazil: Brasilia's oldest newsstand is sheltered by a wish-granting tunnel-tree.

Elfin Oak

Discover Elfin Oak in London, England: This ancient oak plays host to carvings of magical elves, gnomes, witches, and other creatures prominent in local folklore.

Kuno II

Discover Kuno II in Jettingen-Scheppach, Germany: The world's first jet-powered aircraft were assembled by the Germans in this secret factory in the forest during WWII.

Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple

Discover Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple in Itoshima, Japan: A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

Huápoca

Discover Huápoca in Mexico: These cliff-dwellings might be Mexico's least visited archaeological site.

Vampire Grave of Lafayette

Discover Vampire Grave of Lafayette in Lafayette, Colorado: According to local legend, a tree grew from the stake that killed this alleged vampire. In reality, he probably died from influenza.

Pont-Aqueduc d’Ansignan

Discover Pont-Aqueduc d'Ansignan in Ansignan, France: A functioning Roman-era aqueduct and bridge in rural southwest France.

Slovenian Railway Museum

Discover Slovenian Railway Museum in Ljubljana, Slovenia: This former railway facility is the oldest in Slovenia, and now houses a museum showcasing the history of steam locomotives.

BooksActually

Discover BooksActually in Singapore: An independent bookstore and press with a large collection of local and English-language literature.

Knežev Arsenal

Discover Knežev Arsenal in Kragujevac, Serbia: The ruins of a military-industrial complex now host concerts and more.

Fasti Verolani

Discover Fasti Verolani in Veroli, Italy: A Roman calendar dating to the first century is tucked away in a small town alley.

Defense Intelligence Agency Museum

Discover Defense Intelligence Agency Museum in Washington, D.C.: Amid the sprawling Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters is one of the Smithsonian’s least accessible museums.

Porta Nolana

Discover Porta Nolana in Naples, Italy: This medieval city gate is now a blend of the past and the modern world.

Jalan Kubor Cemetery

Discover Jalan Kubor Cemetery in Singapore: The oldest Muslim cemetery in Singapore, with a strong royal connection.

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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

PP ToS