madswiller's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Ponce, Puerto Rico

El Ponce

The abandoned remains of this once-thriving hotel looms over the city, awaiting an uncertain future.
Los Angeles, California

Thompson Home

Nancy Thompson's Home from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."
Los Angeles, California

Chemosphere

This ultra-modern home clings to the slope of the Hollywood Hills on a precarious stilt.
Los Angeles, California

No Vacancy

A prohibition-style speakeasy takes up residence in the last Victorian residence in Hollywood.
Porto, Portugal

Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

A hidden three-foot-wide house separates these two regal churches.
Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.
Sintra, Portugal

Quinta da Regaleira

This eccentrically decorated palace is replete with grottoes, fountains, tunnels, and caves.
Salé, Morocco

Borj Adoumoue

The city walls of Salé lead to the ruins of this seaside "bastion of tears."
Fez, Morocco

Al-Attarine Madrasa

The courtyard of this small Marinid madrasa is a dazzling example of intricate Islamic architecture.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Hỏa Lò Prison

The notorious "Hanoi Hilton" where Vietnamese colonial subjects and later American POWs, including John McCain, were imprisoned.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama's Dinner Table

The spot where the two men ate together now stands enclosed in glass.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi's Train Street

Twice a day a speeding train passes only inches from the homes of this residential neighborhood.
Marrakesh, Morocco

Cactus Thiemann

The largest cactus farm in Africa.
Hội An, Vietnam

Japanese Covered Bridge

One of Vietnam's most iconic landmarks was built by Japanese traders and is now in danger of sinking.
Vĩnh Thạch, Vietnam

Vịnh Mốc Tunnel Complex

This network of tunnels housed an entire village for years, and even had a hall for screening movies.
Uppsala, Sweden

Tomb of Anders Celsius

A small church in Uppsala hides the grave of a renowned 18th-century astronomer.
Uppsala, Sweden

Rune Staff Collection

The second-largest collection of runic calendar staffs in Sweden.
Växjö, Sweden

Växjö Echo Tower

The dome-shaped reservoir of this old water tower produces unique acoustic effects.
Uppsala, Sweden

Urdar's Well and Yggdrasil

Legend says this fabled well held part of a mythical Norse tree.
Uppsala, Sweden

'Thing of all Swedes' Mound

The official meeting point for the oddly named governing assembly of ancient Sweden.
Stockholm, Sweden

Stortorget Cannonball

Several cannonballs of mysterious origins decorate two buildings in Stortoget's main square.
Uppsala, Sweden

Runestone in Gamla Uppsala Church

This mysterious runestone embedded in a church wall is linked to the medieval cult of Saint Erik.
Uppsala, Sweden

Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala

Ancient burial grounds of the wealthy.
Stockholm, Sweden

Kastellet Stockholm

The Swedish flag over this small naval fort signals that the nation is at peace.