BNew's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Yazd, Iran

Yazd Atash Behram

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.
Kerman, Iran

Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut)

The hottest, driest, and most scenic desert on Earth.
Iran

Deir-e Gachin Caravanserai

One of the largest and oldest caravansaries in Persia.
Isfahan, Iran

Pigeon Towers of Iran

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.
Ali Sadr, Iran

Ali Sadr Cave

This vast, water-filled underground labyrinth can only be toured by boat.
Fars Province, Iran

Naqsh-e Rustam

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.
Shooshtar, Iran

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.
Kish, Iran

Kariz-e-Kish

Hydraulic systems in an ancient underground Iranian city.
Nashtifan, Iran

Nashtifan Windmills

The vertical-axis windmills of ancient Persia have been grinding flour for 1,000 years and counting.
Nushabad, Iran

Nushabad Underground City

A 1,500-year-old, 3-story subterranean city where ancient Persians took refuge in times of war.
Roudbar Alamout, Iran

Alamut Castle

This ruined fortress was the stronghold for a persecuted medieval leader and his infamous Assassins.
Meybod, Iran

Yakhchāls

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.
Shiraz, Iran

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.
Fars Province, Iran

The Ruins of Persepolis

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.
Orost, Iran

Badab-e Surt

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.
Shiraz, Iran

Shah Cheragh

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.
Mafra, Portugal

Mafra Palace Library

At night, bats patrol this magnificent 18th-century space in search of book-eating pests.
São Miguel, Portugal

Violet Volcanic Tea

When Azorean green tea meets volcanic hot springs water, a luminous brew is born.
Porto, Portugal

Sao Bento Station

Elaborate tile work in this railway station tells the story of Portugal.
Leça da Palmeira, Portugal

Tidal Pools of Leça da Palmeira

An early work of the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, these swimming pools blend into the beach.
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.
Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.
Lisbon, Portugal

Caza das Vellas Loreto

This charming candle shop has been in business since 1789.
Portugal

Covão dos Conchos

This gaping hole in the middle of a remote mountain lake looks like a portal to another dimension.