Much of the Atlas Obscura is created by intrepid users around the world, out exploring the places no one else is noticing, or jumping into historical research that’s been all but forgotten. In appreciation, we are highlighting three of our favorite recent additions to the Atlas. Have a place we’ve missed? Create an account and become a part of our community. 

KHOR VIRAP MONASTERY
Lusarat, Armenia

article-imagephotograph by Andrew Behesnilian

In Armenia, the Khor Virap Monastery is not only gorgeous up with its view of Mount Ararat, it also has a quite curious history. Brought to us by user hoppdanson, is the story of a saint kept at the bottom of a pit for 13 years. Spoiler alert: he may have gotten out by curing the king from having the head of a boar. 

YOUR RAINBOW PANORAMA
Aarhus, Denmark

article-imagephotograph by Karitxa

From user Karitxa we discovered the otherworldly “Your Rainbow Panorama.” Artist Olafur Eliasson has been regularly making our world a more magical place, from waterfalls tumbling off the New York City bridges to a perpetual sunset in the Tate Modern. Here in Denmark his permanent installation at the top of the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum offers a walk through a 150-foot ring that brings a rainbow down to Earth. 

WILLIAM VANDERBILT’S ABANDONED SALTWATER POOL
Centerport, New York

article-imagephotograph by Luke J. Spencer

We see a lot of ruins, from abandoned santa parks to derelict water slides, but this once-glamorous saltwater swimming pool filled in with grass has an exceptional lost beauty. Explored by Luke J. Spencer, the Long Island pool was once the 70,000-gallon center of William Kissam Vanderbilt II’s lavish Eagle’s Nest. As summer settles in, it’s fascinating to get this glimpse back at the sunny excess of the Gilded Age.

Thanks to our intrepid users for uncovering these wondrous places, and we look forward to more! Help us show that the world is still a place of mystery by adding your own discoveries.