Archives: Atlas Obscuras

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.

St. Fidelis Basilica

Discover St. Fidelis Basilica in Victoria, Kansas: Also known as the Cathedral of the Plains, this church holds the distinction of being one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas.".

Gates of Hell Hacienda Heights

Discover Gates of Hell Hacienda Heights in Hacienda Heights, California: This mysterious and creepy location instills a strong sense of foreboding in all visitors.

Holly Mount School Tower

Discover Holly Mount School Tower in Rawtenstall, England: This tower is all that remains of a 19th-century schoolhouse that became a famous music venue before its destruction.

Fitzcarraldo

Discover Fitzcarraldo in Gwynedd, Wales: In a boatyard near Aberdyfi is a nautically inspired work of art.

West Montrose Covered Bridge

Discover West Montrose Covered Bridge in West Montrose, Ontario: Known as the "Kissing Bridge" for its privacy, it also happens to be the last covered bridge in Ontario.

Heiwa no Chikai (Oath of Peace)

Discover Heiwa no Chikai (Oath of Peace) in Tokyo, Japan: A statue meant to celebrate peace has also been interpreted as a mother taking away her son's internet privileges.

Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel

Discover Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel in Hurricane, Utah: A tunnel with windows, so you don't miss out on the impressive views.

Pfarrkirche Malta (Maria Hilf Assumptio)

Discover Pfarrkirche Malta (Maria Hilf Assumptio) in Malta, Austria: This medieval church in a small Austrian village is home to a 700-year-old Mickey Mouse lookalike.

Ben Harris Metal Sculptures

Discover Ben Harris Metal Sculptures in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina: This futuristic folk sculpture park sits along a peaceful stretch of rural North Carolina roadway.

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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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