Architectural Oddities - Atlas Obscura
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Architectural Oddities

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Chicago, Illinois

300 South Wacker Drive

A 400-foot-tall tall map of Chicago makes this once-ignored building stand out.
timstafford78 Added by timstafford78
Lindsborg, Kansas

Fitz Overalls Ghost Sign

This century-old painting of a portly 10-foot-tall man spent years hidden behind plaster.
Lindsborger Added by Lindsborger
Catacol, Scotland

Twelve Apostles

These quaint cottages feature built-in signaling devices for fishermen.
Jonny Keen Added by Jonny Keen
Geneva, Switzerland

United Nations Ceiling

This colorful but controversial ceiling has been likened to a 21st-century Sistine Chapel.
Tony Dunnell Added by Tony Dunnell
Edinburgh, Scotland

Netherbow Bell

The bell that once tolled atop a lost Edinburgh gate now hangs for all to see.
SEANETTA Added by SEANETTA
Three Rivers, California

Tharp’s Log

A 19th-century cabin built into a hollowed-out Sequoia tree.
Added by cynthiaphung
London, England

Carting Lane Sewer Lamp

The pretty iron lamp is a reminder of the architecture underneath London's streets.
jessicahester1 Added by jessicahester1
Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow City Chambers' Staircase

The ornate structure is part of a building boasting more marble than the Vatican.
Added by ssm67alba
Providence, Rhode Island

Turk's Head Building

The stone sculpture of an Ottoman soldier is an homage to a lost Providence landmark.
Johnmeszaros Added by Johnmeszaros
Oban, Scotland

McCaig’s Tower

Looking strangely like Rome's Colosseum, this unfinished tower has dominated the skyline for over 100 years.
Wudster Added by Wudster
Copenhagen, Denmark

Church of Our Saviour

Climb to the top of its spiral spire for spectacular views of Copenhagen.
Luis Morato Added by Luis Morato
Normanton, England

Normanton Church

The sanctuary seems to either float atop the water or sink into the dirt, depending on the water level.
Added by daryleconners
East Hampton, New York

Hayground Windmill

This 19th-century Hamptons windmill was once home to modernist painter Agnes Pelton.
Added by Rachel Gould
London, England

10 Adam Street

England's most famous front door has an accidental doppelganger.
Juliejoolz Added by Juliejoolz
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast Botanic Gardens Palm House

For part of the year, this innovative greenhouse is painted white to keep the plants from getting scorched.
jbartlett2000 Added by jbartlett2000
Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

Rathlin West Lighthouse

A beloved upside-down beacon off the coast of Northern Ireland.
Added by Rachel Gould
Vals, France

Église Notre-Dame de Vals (Church of Our Lady of Vals)

A medieval church built into an ancient cave.
Added by slatonanthony
Greenback, Tennessee

Fortress of Faith (Greenback Castle)

One man has spent decades faithfully constructing this unique brick and cinderblock castle.
Campbell Pack Added by Campbell Pack