Centuries-old culture and modern military psychology intertwined at Observation Point Rock.
Atlas Obscura
@atlasobscura
The definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders. Order our latest book "Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide" today! books.atlasobscura.com
Atlas Obscura’s Tweets
Can Charles III’s recipe live up to his mother’s curried chicken?
2
5
14
Kellogg put his fame to use in a way much more common to the 21st-century celebrity than those of his time: saving the environment.
10
What would the perfect fantasy treat look like? Depending on where you’re from, probably not this.
4
13
35
A bezoar stone is a hardened mass of chewed hair formed in a ruminant animal’s stomach. Since medieval times, people have believed that these stones were endowed with healing properties, and they were used mainly as an antidote to poison.
10
40
The charm of centuries-old ruins and a unique ecosystem face the perverse incentives of the modern tourist economy.
3
26
The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.
2
4
26
Scientists monitoring the big cats in northwestern Mexico see potential paths to reintroduction across the border.
2
16
40
Before refrigeration, New York’s ice-delivery men inspired raunchy jokes.
1
15
50
One of the steepest streets in the United States makes an intriguing challenge for cyclists.
7
27
Every color in the rainbow awaits.
1
17
63
A 30-acre garden inspired by the principles of modern physics.
12
49
Once an indicator of social class, the color blue has come to define this city on the edge of the Thar Desert.
4
27
The so-called "Father of Las Vegas" had the city's first telephone installed in his office in 1907.
3
5
20
A book collector's dream, this Toronto bookstore has the world's first "Biblio-Mat," a random book vending machine.
3
28
88
Like most human-fowl relationships, it’s complicated.
4
17
A dilapidated dock tells the story of Titanic's missed arrival.
3
27
It’s a major turnaround from the longhorn’s close call with extinction a century ago.
12
48
Just announced: Join mystic poet and performer in his hometown for an immersive, multidisciplinary performance of his book Ascend Ascend at Boston’s The Vilna Shul on 5/25! Tickets on sale now. bit.ly/3HFGpkl
1
2
This overgrown Illinois water park offers a whole new type of adventure.
2
5
A seemingly silly gesture is done for the sake of safety.
1
10
37
The seaside town is known for both its history and its artistry.
2
11
A perilous medieval road leading right into the sea.
4
8
48
An incredibly well-preserved piece of ninth-century Viking poop.
6
16
38
This grove of ghostly cedars was killed in 1700 by an enormous tsunami, felt from the United States to Japan.
3
9
46
The humble nuts were once a staple food.
5
34
Tequila's ancient, fermented cousin is making a comeback in Mexico City.
6
35
These secluded and abandoned anti-aircraft defenses have become one the most scenic viewpoints in Barcelona.
2
20
The Costa Rican animal shelter sponsors hiking events where visitors can frolic in the mountains with hundreds of pups.
3
7
47
Age-old cuisine, from soup to sweets.
6
26
George Martin's Caribbean recording studio now rots within the shadow of an active volcano.
1
11
25
How a fusion of at least four cuisines created a beloved and misunderstood dish.
1
20
55
This picturesque abandoned home is rumored to be a spite house.
2
9
31
During the 19th century, and especially in America during and after the Civil War, supposedly, tear catchers were used as a measure of grieving time. Once the tears cried into them had evaporated, the mourning period was over. It’s a good story—too good.
1
4
21
Amigo Bob Cantisano and his team are on the hunt for “green gold.”
7
22
One of the first amphibian migration tunnels in the United States encourages a tradition that has inspired Amherst residents for decades.
5
23
A seemingly unassuming palace near Budapest hides a stupendously decorated hall.
5
16
This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.
1
8
58
Izamal’s station has been abandoned, although the rails can still be seen near it, often lost among the asphalt of the streets nearby.
2
9
