Architectural Oddities

A pink sandstone column once used in ancient times to measure one's belly after a night of debauchery.

A Route 66 filling station that was designed to resemble the Hagia Sophia, and is now the symbol of an arts district.

Newfoundland's last remaining granite lighthouse.

A recently-abandoned international exhibition center.

Contrasting the old concrete courthouse beneath, a modern and colorful residential marvel has emerged, stirring both acclaim and controversy.

Over 140 boathouses built by miners from the Soudan Iron Mine in the early 20th century overlook Stuntz Bay on Lake Vermilion.

A historic hotel with many stories of haunted activity.

The "floating factory" was a highlight in the career of the Italian architect known for his unusual use of reinforced concrete.

Inspired by a piece of concrete, these three pyramid-shaped buildings have been beloved Indianapolis landmarks for over 50 years.

After local authorities changed the design, the building's architect, Le Corbusier, wanted nothing to do with it.

The largest underground pedestrian tunnel system in the U.S. mostly caters to the people working in the offices above, but provides a great, air-conditioned way to traverse the city.

A unique collection of old miners' cave homes carved in to the hillside cliffs near Death Valley.

The eccentricities of a former lord include painted pigeons of his manor house, a series of pointless plaques, and a folly built simply to peeve the public.

A Soviet era flat that refused to conform to the dull gray standards.

According to local legend, this church was built with two doors, so that residents of two rival villages had their own entrances.