Centuries-old culture and modern military psychology intertwined at Observation Point Rock.
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Atlas Obscura
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The definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders. Order our latest book "Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide" today! books.atlasobscura.com
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Can Charles III’s recipe live up to his mother’s curried chicken?
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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.
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What would the perfect fantasy treat look like? Depending on where you’re from, probably not this.
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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.
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The charm of centuries-old ruins and a unique ecosystem face the perverse incentives of the modern tourist economy.
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The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.
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Scientists monitoring the big cats in northwestern Mexico see potential paths to reintroduction across the border.
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Before refrigeration, New York’s ice-delivery men inspired raunchy jokes.
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One of the steepest streets in the United States makes an intriguing challenge for cyclists.
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Every color in the rainbow awaits.
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A 30-acre garden inspired by the principles of modern physics.
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Once an indicator of social class, the color blue has come to define this city on the edge of the Thar Desert.
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The so-called "Father of Las Vegas" had the city's first telephone installed in his office in 1907.
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A book collector's dream, this Toronto bookstore has the world's first "Biblio-Mat," a random book vending machine.
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Like most human-fowl relationships, it’s complicated.
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A dilapidated dock tells the story of Titanic's missed arrival.
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It’s a major turnaround from the longhorn’s close call with extinction a century ago.
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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
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This overgrown Illinois water park offers a whole new type of adventure.
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A seemingly silly gesture is done for the sake of safety.
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The seaside town is known for both its history and its artistry.
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A perilous medieval road leading right into the sea.
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An incredibly well-preserved piece of ninth-century Viking poop.
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This grove of ghostly cedars was killed in 1700 by an enormous tsunami, felt from the United States to Japan.
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The humble nuts were once a staple food.
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Tequila's ancient, fermented cousin is making a comeback in Mexico City.
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These secluded and abandoned anti-aircraft defenses have become one the most scenic viewpoints in Barcelona.
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The Costa Rican animal shelter sponsors hiking events where visitors can frolic in the mountains with hundreds of pups.
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Age-old cuisine, from soup to sweets.
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George Martin's Caribbean recording studio now rots within the shadow of an active volcano.
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How a fusion of at least four cuisines created a beloved and misunderstood dish.
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This picturesque abandoned home is rumored to be a spite house.
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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.
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Amigo Bob Cantisano and his team are on the hunt for “green gold.”
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One of the first amphibian migration tunnels in the United States encourages a tradition that has inspired Amherst residents for decades.
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A seemingly unassuming palace near Budapest hides a stupendously decorated hall.
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This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.
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Izamal’s station has been abandoned, although the rails can still be seen near it, often lost among the asphalt of the streets nearby.
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