andersonrhysburns's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Istanbul, Turkey

Nakilbent Cistern

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.
Chapayal, Belize

Caracol

This massive Maya archaeological site is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
Ambergris Caye, Belize

Shark Ray Alley

This portion of a lovely Belize beach is infested with (harmless) sharks and rays.
Orange Walk, Belize

Cuello Mayan Ruins

These enigmatic ruins continue to vex archaeologists.
Istanbul, Turkey

Taksim Mosque

One of the newest mosques in a city filled with thousands.
Istanbul, Turkey

The Spoonmaker's Diamond

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.
Istanbul, Turkey

Piri Reis Map at Topkapi Palace

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.
Istanbul, Turkey

Viking Runes at Hagia Sophia

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.
Istanbul, Turkey

Tombs of the Sultans

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.
Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia Wishing Column

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.
Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

St. Stephen Bulgarian Iron Church

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.
Istanbul, Turkey

Rumeli Hisari

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.
Çanakkale, Turkey

Troy

This famous city eluded concrete detection until the early 2000's.
Istanbul, Turkey

Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant)

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.
Istanbul, Turkey

Column of the Goths

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Serpent Column

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.
Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.
Istanbul, Turkey

Isa Yusuf Alptekin Park

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.
Istanbul, Turkey

Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.
Denver, Colorado

Blue Mustang

The Denver airport is guarded by a 32-foot-tall sculpture of a demonic horse.
Denver, Colorado

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

A multiversal transit station located right below a highway interchange.
Bailey, Colorado

Coney Island Hot Dog Stand

This hot dog-shaped diner has moved all around Colorado, never been to New York.
Moffat, Colorado

Valley View Hot Springs

Community owned and operated, this property is home to a diverse set of nudists.