Nepala's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Frunze Museum

Dedicated to a Bolshevik revolutionary, this museum is a true time capsule of the Soviet era.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek Circus

This retro, UFO-like structure is a remnant of the Soviet-era circus.
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Beatles Statue of Almaty

Beatlemania is still going strong... at least in Kazakhstan.
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Statue of Panfilov's 28 Guardsmen

This Soviet statue is based on a piece of propaganda that's been elevated to national myth.
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Ascension Cathedral

In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Zelionyj Bazaar

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.
Astana, Kazakhstan

Bayterek Tower

A modern tower, symbolizing the legend of a golden egg on top of the tree of life.
Astana, Kazakhstan

Khan Shatyr

An entertainment center in a huge transparent tent.
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Mooning Gargoyle of Freiburg Minster

A stonemason's hilarious revenge came in the form of this peculiarly positioned gargoyle.
Xiva, Uzbekistan

Walls of Itchan Kala

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Tomb of Daniel at Samarkand

18m long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.
Stockholm, Sweden

Arlanda Airport Runestone

An 11th-century runestone decorates the halls of Terminal 2 of this Scandinavian travel hub.
Riga, Latvia

Statue of Prince Mikhail Andreas Barclay de Tolly

The former Field Marshall and Minister of War to the Russian Imperial Army.
Ventspils, Latvia

The Cows of Ventspils

The Latvian city of Ventspils is filled with dozens of cow statues showcasing unique themes.
Jelgava, Latvia

The Family Vault of the Dukes of Courland

The Jelgava Palace holds one of the few burial places of governor’s dynasties that is open to the public.
Riga, Latvia

Victory Memorial to Soviet Army

This controversial monument was designed to lionize the Red Army, but also disheartened the Latvian people.
Jelgava, Latvia

Jelgava Palace

This ducal residence was once home to a future Russian empress and a French king in exile.
Riga, Latvia

Freedom Monument

This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.
Jūrmala, Latvia

Dzintaru Forest Park Watchtower

This seaside pine grove features an exclusive watchtower that presents amazing views.
Riga, Latvia

'Sam'

This statue is dedicated to the animal cosmonauts that perished during space flight experiments.
Riga, Latvia

Jauniela (New Street)

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.
Naudītes Pagasts, Latvia

Pokaini Forest

Mysterious heaps of stones dot these otherworldly woods.
Irlavas pagasts, Latvia

Bridge to Nowhere

A railway bridge leading nowhere stands lonely in the middle of a meadow.