larissasmith's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Comuna Arefu, Romania

Prometheus Statue at Vidraru Dam

The ancient Greek Titan guards this massive dam holding a lightning bolt to symbolize electricity.
Cârța, Romania

Cârța Monastery

Climbing to the top of the cathedral's bell tower offers sweeping views of these medieval ruins.
Telega, Romania

Doftana Penitentiary

This enormous abandoned prison was once dubbed the "Bastille of Romania."
Constanța, Romania

Constanța Casino

Once an opulent Art Nouveau hotspot, the Constanța Casino is one of Romania's most beautiful abandoned buildings.
Bucharest, Romania

Cărturești Carusel Bookstore

This once-derelict building is now one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Sinaia, Romania

Peleș Castle

This elaborately decorated, fairytale-like Romanian royal palace is one of the most striking castles in Europe.
Bran, Romania

Bran Castle

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."
Paris, France

Paris Point Zero

The very center of Paris is surrounded by a bevy of strange good luck rituals.
Paris, France

Montmartre Cemetery

A horde of stray cats rule in this secluded Parisian cemetery under a bridge.
Paris, France

Shakespeare and Company

This iconic Parisian bookstore doubles as the "Tumbleweed Hotel" for traveling writers.
Paris, France

Père Lachaise Cemetery

France's most famous cemetery, with some of its most curious tombs.
Paris, France

Catacombes de Paris

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.
Flagstaff, Arizona

Wupatki National Monument

This historic national park is covered in the stunning ruins of red rock pueblos.
Yavapai County, Arizona

Montezuma Castle

Ninety feet off the valley floor is an ancient dwelling put under protection of the U.S. government by Teddy Roosevelt.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mill City Museum and site of "The Great Mill Disaster"

When flour explodes, it's not a pretty sight.
Bloomington, Minnesota

The Mall of America

Equal parts record-breaking temple to consumerism and bizarre fun park, it's more than you think it is...
Tacoma, Washington

Bob's Java Jive

Tacoma’s 25-foot coffee pot music spot has served up over 80 years of concrete kitsch.
Long Beach, California

The RMS Queen Mary

The awe-inspiring ship from the golden era of cruising has an incomparable history and a reputation as one of the world’s most haunted places.
San Simeon, California

Hearst Castle

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Golden Gal of Old Madison Square Garden

Golden and naked, the figure that was once the highest point in New York is all that remains of the second Madison Square Garden.
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The remains of a community that was forced to move for a dam that never materialized still rot in this Pennsylvania park.
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Longwood Gardens

This palatial botanical garden is home to one of the largest pipe organs ever installed in a private residence, and a piece of Wood's cycad.
Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright's most iconic home dangles over a Pennsylvania waterfall.
Brooklyn, New York

Morbid Anatomy Museum

A museum devoted to bringing to light forgotten or neglected histories through exhibitions, education and public programming.