Archives: Atlas Obscuras

Numismatic Museum of Athens

Discover Numismatic Museum of Athens in Athens, Greece: One of the greatest collections of coins in the world is housed in the former mansion of an archeological pioneer.

Chichibu Chinsekikan (Hall of Curious Rocks)

Discover Chichibu Chinsekikan (Hall of Curious Rocks) in Chichibu, Japan: This quirky little private museum is home to more than a thousand stones, carved by nature, that resemble human faces.

The Leviathan

Discover The Leviathan in Plymouth, England: Overlooking the spot where the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower stands Devon's answer to the Colossus of Rhodes.

Zenigata Sunae

Discover Zenigata Sunae in Kanonji, Japan: This massive, Edo Period, coin-shaped sand painting is believed to be a source of great luck.

Florida Keys Memorial

Discover Florida Keys Memorial in Islamorada, Florida: Dedicated to the victims of one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the United States in recorded history.

The Fan Museum

Discover The Fan Museum in London, England: This museum is dedicated solely to this millennia-old handheld cooling device.

Carl XII’s Oak

Discover Carl XII's Oak in Stockholm, Sweden: An ancient tree that was once the favorite of a young Swedish royal.

Ponti della Valle di Maddaloni

Discover Ponti della Valle di Maddaloni in Maddaloni, Italy: A massive bridge forms part of an aqueduct that was deemed an architectural wonder of its time.

Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings

Discover Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings in Jääkäri, Finland: These 5,000-year-old cave paintings provide a glimpse into prehistoric Finnish life.

Shorbulak Observatory

Discover Shorbulak Observatory in Tajikistan: This remote, abandoned Soviet observatory promises spectacular views for those who can reach it.

Hatley Castle

Discover Hatley Castle in Victoria, British Columbia: This castle was once considered as an option for the Royal Family's alternate residence, but you may know it better from the 'X-Men' movie.

‘Muzikanti’

Discover 'Muzikanti' in Kragujevac, Serbia: These unique sculptures form a musical ensemble of recycled metal.

Bay Mills Old Indian Burial Ground

Discover Bay Mills Old Indian Burial Ground in Brimley, Michigan: This Native American cemetery features decades-old spirit house hidden behind pine trees and moss.

Towers of Rovigo

Discover Towers of Rovigo in Rovigo, Italy: All that is left of this medieval castle is two towers, both of which now display a visible tilt.

Providence Biltmore

Discover Providence Biltmore in Providence, Rhode Island: Rumors of the occult haunt this upscale 1920s hotel.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Discover Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery in Singapore: The largest monastery in Singapore is home to a crematorium, a college, and one of Asia’s largest indoor Buddha statues.

West Terrace at the Cloisters

Discover West Terrace at the Cloisters in New York, New York: This hidden oasis features a stunning view of the Hudson River and the Palisades from a castle-like museum.

Saint Margaret’s Well

Discover Saint Margaret's Well in Oxford, England: The medieval legend behind this holy well was one of the inspirations behind "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.".

Elfde Gebod

Discover Elfde Gebod in Antwerp, Belgium: According to this bar, God gave an “11th commandment” to Antwerp: Thou shalt drink beer.

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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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