Architectural Oddities - Atlas Obscura
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Architectural Oddities

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Blue Dome

A Route 66 filling station that was designed to resemble the Hagia Sophia, and is now the symbol of an arts district.
Rose Blanche-Harbour le Cou, Newfoundland and Labrador

Rose Blanche Lighthouse

Newfoundland's last remaining granite lighthouse.
Antalya, Turkey

Expo 2016 Antalya

A recently-abandoned international exhibition center.
Örnsköldsvik, Sweden

Ting1

Contrasting the old concrete courthouse beneath, a modern and colorful residential marvel has emerged, stirring both acclaim and controversy.
Soudan, Minnesota

Stuntz Bay Boathouses

Over 140 boathouses built by miners from the Soudan Iron Mine in the early 20th century overlook Stuntz Bay on Lake Vermilion.
Port Townsend, Washington

Manresa Castle

A historic hotel with many stories of haunted activity.
Mantua, Italy

Cartiera Burgo (Burgo Paper Mill)

The "floating factory" was a highlight in the career of the Italian architect known for his unusual use of reinforced concrete.
Indianapolis, Indiana

The Pyramids

Inspired by a piece of concrete, these three pyramid-shaped buildings have been beloved Indianapolis landmarks for over 50 years.
A colorful apartment building behind green trees shown at an angle.
Berlin, Germany

Unité d'Habitation of Berlin

After local authorities changed the design, the building's architect, Le Corbusier, wanted nothing to do with it.
Houston, Texas

Downtown Houston Tunnel System

The largest underground pedestrian tunnel system in the U.S. mostly caters to the people working in the offices above, but provides a great, air-conditioned way to traverse the city.
Shoshone, California

Dublin Gulch

A unique collection of old miners' cave homes carved in to the hillside cliffs near Death Valley.
Shingled roofs and shutters are typical <em>bod os</em> features throughout Freetown and its surrounding villages.
architecture

The Surprising Southern Roots of Sierra Leone’s Krio Homes

Freetown's Krio homes preserve an enduring legacy of resilience—but the question of how to save them looms.
Laura Kiniry August 24, 2023
Faringdon, England

The Faringdon F.U.N. and Folly Tower

The eccentricities of a former lord include painted pigeons of his manor house, a series of pointless plaques, and a folly built simply to peeve the public.
Krakow, Poland

Wieżowiec-Zamek (Castle Skyscraper)

A Soviet era flat that refused to conform to the dull gray standards.
Portnahaven, Scotland

Portnahaven Church

According to local legend, this church was built with two doors, so that residents of two rival villages had their own entrances.
The beautiful, renovated "cow chapel" at the Kruger-Rumpf winery.
architecture

The Beauty and Brilliance of Germany's 'Cow Chapels'

“The shape of the interior feels sacred, but it’s not. It’s where the cows were fed.”
Christie Dietz August 17, 2023
Did landscape architect Jens Jensen design this winding road in Wisconsin's Door County?
architecture

Wisconsin's Long and Winding Road Has a Secret Past

For decades, locals believed landscape architect Jens Jensen designed this twisty stretch of Highway 42—the real history is even more serpentine.
Tea Krulos August 15, 2023
abandoned

Podcast: Burj Al Babas

This perplexing abandoned housing development is part ghost town, part fairy tale.
The Podcast Team August 8, 2023