patrickgaul's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Venice, Italy

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.
Henshaw, England

Sycamore Gap

Also known as "Robin Hood's tree," this tree became a famed location along Hadrian's Wall before it was cut down in an act of vandalism.
Lübeck, Germany

Astronomical Clock at St. Mary's Church

A stunning two-story timepiece within a medieval Brick Gothic church.
Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza Chirp

Clap your hands at the base of the pyramid, and the song of a sacred Mayan bird will echo through the air.
Calistoga, California

Castello di Amorosa

California's own medieval Italian castle, authentic down to the 300-year-old iron maiden in the dungeon.
London, England

Tulip Stairs

The first geometric self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain are a truly beautiful sight.
Long Beach, California

The RMS Queen Mary

The awe-inspiring ship from the golden era of cruising has an incomparable history and a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted places.
Paris, France

Gustave Eiffel's Secret Apartment

High atop the Eiffel Tower is a small apartment built exclusively to entertain the science elite and make the rest of Paris jealous.
Chester, England

Chester Rows

Mysteriously stacked storefront paths give this medieval British town an iconic style like none other.
Seattle, Washington

Fremont Troll

A giant Troll lurks under one of Seattle's oldest bridges.
London, England

The Hardy Tree

This churchyard arbor is surrounded by hundreds of gravestones placed there by author Thomas Hardy.
London, England

Two Princes Staircase

Richard III supposedly disposed of his nephews' bodies here in an effort to seal his claim to the throne.
London, England

The Tower Ravens

Six ravens are kept captive (but well-fed) at the Tower of London to prevent the fall of the Crown.
San Francisco, California

The Golden Fire Hydrant

The miraculous hydrant that saved the Mission District in 1906.
York, England

Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

One of the shortest streets in York has an especially odd name.
York, England

Shambles of York

Follow the original medieval paths that wind through this intriguing section of the city.
Vallejo, California

Mare Island

The former Naval shipyard is open for exploring - mostly.
Vallejo, California

Alden Park

The perfect spot for a picnic, right next to a giant ballistic missile.
Vallejo, California

The Alibi Clock

The timepiece that exonerated a labor radical accused of a parade bombing that killed ten people.
Vallejo, California

Mare Island Naval Cemetery

The oldest Naval cemetery on the West Coast.