helenaimees's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Rome, Italy

The Water Clock

This hydrochronometer was invented by a Dominican monk and is a prime feature in this garden.
Rome, Italy

Mausoleum of Augustus

This large, circular tomb is the final resting place of the first emperor of Rome.
Seaview, England

No Man's Land

This foolish Victorian sea fort was converted to a deluxe hotel.
Shanklin, England

Shanklin Chine

This stream-carved gorge has inspired poets, hidden smugglers, and trained soldiers, all without losing its beauty.
Isle of Wight, England

St. Catherine's Oratory

This lighthouse was crafted as penitence for the theft of wine bound for a monastery.
Ryde, England

1930s London Underground Trains at Ryde

The Isle of Wight’s “Island Line” serviced by former London Underground trains from the 1930s.
Newport, England

Carisbrooke Castle

The Last Home of an Executed King.
Isle of Wight, England

Blackgang Chine

The UK's oldest theme park slowly slips away.
Falkirk, Scotland

Falkirk Wheel

Old-fashioned knowledge and modern engineering create the world's only rotating boatlift.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Greyfriars Bobby

The most loyal of little dogs, or a Victorian era publicity stunt?
Edinburgh, Scotland

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.
Grangemouth, Scotland

The Kelpies

The heads of two giant mythological water horses honor Scotland's horselord past.
Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Callanish Stones

The mysterious megaliths have enchanted and intrigued visitors for thousands of years.
Edinburgh, Scotland

World's End Close

This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Dark Sky Project

Home to some of the world’s darkest skies, this project blends ancient Māori culture with world-class astro tourism.
Wanaka, New Zealand

That Wanaka Tree

A solitary tree has grown up all alone on Lake Wānaka, backdropped by the beautiful Southern Alps.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Takapō (Lake Tekapo)

A perfect turquoise lake colored with glacier dust.
Milford Sound, New Zealand

Milford Sound

Dolphins, ancient clams and hundreds of waterfalls make this one of the world's top tourist destinations.
Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington Airport Runway

High winds can make this one scary landing.
Wellington, New Zealand

Quasi

The 16-foot sculpture of a hand looks out from his perch on top of an art gallery.
Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington Cable Car

New Zealand's only running funicular railway.
Portsmouth, England

Spinnaker Tower

This striking observation tower shaped like a spinnaker sail is the newest icon in historic Portsmouth.
Cambridge, England

Mathematical Bridge

Local legend says Isaac Newton built this footbridge without any screws, bolts, or nails.
Chichester, England

Weald and Downland Living Museum

This open-air heritage museum illuminates centuries of historic English life from a West Sussex village.