Albala's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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New York, New York

The 'Ghostbusters' Firehouse

Try not to get slimed in Tribeca.
Colares, Portugal

Cabo da Roca

One Portuguese poet described this cape, the westernmost point in mainland Europe, as "where the land ends and the sea begins."
Porto, Portugal

Sao Bento Station

Elaborate tile work in this railway station tells the story of Portugal.
Porto, Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Ancient catacombs form the foundation for this Rococo orgy of a church.
Santa Luzia, Portugal

Cemetery of Anchors

Dead weights honor the dead of Portugal's fishing industry.
Cascais, Portugal

Boca do Inferno

A unique seaside cave where Aleister Crowley faked his own death.
Lisbon, Portugal

Santa Justa Lift

This Industrial Age architectural and engineering gem helps visitors and residents alike traverse Lisbon, “The City of Seven Hills.”
Sintra, Portugal

Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors)

An ancient and majestic fortress that played an integral role in Portugal's road to independence.
Sintra, Portugal

Pena National Palace

This unreal Portuguese palace looks as though it's made from a pile of different castles.
Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.
Rome, Italy

San Nicola in Carcere

This small church was constructed over the ruins of three temples dating to the Roman Republic.
Madrid, Spain

Ermita de San Pelayo y San Isidoro (Hermitage of Saint Pelagius and Saint Isidore)

The remains of this misplaced church were moved here stone by stone.
Madrid, Spain

Museum of Popular Art and Traditions

Strange masks and obscure costumes are housed in this old Madrid corrala.
Madrid, Spain

'Día y Noche' (Day and Night)

A pair of gigantic baby heads greet passengers at Atocha Station.
Madrid, Spain

The Well of the Miracle

An old, deep well, connected with a miraculous, divine rescue and the patron saint of Madrid.
Madrid, Spain

Salt Street Watchmaker

An automaton perched above an classic clock and watch store
Madrid, Spain

Tío Pepe Sign

For decades, Puerta del Sol has been illuminated by a giant, guitar-wielding bottle of sherry.
Madrid, Spain

The Lady of Cerro de los Santos

This enigmatic artifact is a rare depiction of an ancient Iberian noblewoman.
Madrid, Spain

Panteón de Hombres Ilustres (Pantheon of Illustrious Men)

The unfinished final resting place of some of Spain's most prominent politicians.
Madrid, Spain

Caja Madrid Obelisk

A towering monument in Spain has proven to be more labor-intensive than initially planned.
Madrid, Spain

Madrid's Walk of Fame

Just like in Hollywood, Madrid has also a forgotten walk of fame.
Madrid, Spain

The Lady of Elche

An iconic and controversial ancient Iberian funerary urn with a hauntingly penetrating gaze.
Madrid, Spain

El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree)

This sweet-toothed bear searching for snacks has been a symbol of Madrid for decades.
Madrid, Spain

Museo Lazaro Galdiano

This small and often-overlooked museum holds some of Spain's finest artistic treasures.