elsa brante's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Riga, Latvia

Black Cat of Riga

A black cat protests the City Guild in Riga's Old Town.
Riga, Latvia

The Corner House

A former Latvian headquarters of the brutal KGB secret police is now open as a grim reminder of their atrocities.
Tallinn, Estonia

Telliskivi Creative City

Estonia's largest creative city is a vibrant bohemian hub located within a former industrial complex.
Tallinn, Estonia

Linnahall

An empty relic of the Moscow Olympics crumbles away in Estonia's capital.
Helsinki, Finland

Fortress of Suomenlinna

This irregularly shaped sea fortress has defended not one but three different sovereign states.
Helsinki, Finland

Temppeliaukio Church

A subterranean house of worship carved right out of the bedrock.
Helsinki, Finland

Pohjola Insurance Building

This insurance company building reminds customers that witches, bears, and gnomes are out there, best be insured.
Helsinki, Finland

Kamppi Chapel

An alien church provides much needed silence in the midst of a Finland shopping center.
Islas Marietas, Mexico

Hidden Beach

A lovers' beach, tucked below the surface of the island, provides a safe haven for romance.
Paris, France

I Love You Wall

Paris' linguistic guide to the international language of, yes, love.
Paris, France

Centre Pompidou

An "inside out" building in the historical center of Paris, featuring Europe’s largest modern art museum.
Ngong Ping, Hong Kong

Tian Tan Buddha

Climb to the top of the world's largest seated bronze Buddha.
Hong Kong

Quarry Bay 'Monster Building'

This hulking behemoth is actually five interconnected towers built in the 1960s.
Hong Kong

Chungking Mansions

Teeming with illegal goods and services, this towering maze of vice is also a popular tourist accommodation.
Hong Kong

Central-Mid-Levels Escalators

The world's longest outdoor covered escalator system transports commuters through Hong Kong's hilly terrain.
Hong Kong

Man Mo Temple Complex

A serene space tucked amid the skyscrapers of Hong Kong's bustling financial district.
Zipaquira, Colombia

Cathedral of Salt

Cathedral carved out of salt, located a mile below the earth's surface.
Singapore

Umbrella Trees

Colorful umbrella-covered trees in Singapore's Little India look straight out of Dr. Seuss.
Singapore

Haw Par Villa

A Buddhist theme park brings you a Buddhist version of Hell.
Singapore

Singapore's Rooftop Pool

The largest pool at its elevation sits on top of one of the most expensive resorts in the world.
Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore's landscaping project is home to 18 incredible Supertrees.
San Francisco, California

San Francisco Columbarium

The restored and active Victorian-era final resting place of San Francisco.
Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.
Vancouver, British Columbia

'Giants' on Granville Island Silos

The colorful, smiling concrete silos of Vancouver.