opelgang's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Palermo, Italy

Cappella Palatina

Every inch of this chapel is covered in craftsmanship from across the world.
Palermo, Italy

San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Behind medieval walls in a corner of bustling Palermo is a breathtaking former mosque once inhabited by a wolf-taming hermit.
Palermo, Italy

Santuario di Santa Rosalia

Cave shrine on Monte Pellegrino.
Palermo, Italy

Capuchin Monastery Catacombs

Thousands of well-dressed mummies below a monastery.
Palermo, Italy

The Martorana

This mosaic-lined medieval church was built by the world's first admiral and still holds mass in ancient Greek.
Belpasso, Italy

Mount Etna

The world's most active stratovolcano is almost always erupting.
Favara, Italy

Farm Cultural Park

This constantly evolving art space saved an Italian town from its own crippling reputation.
Realmonte, Italy

Scala dei Turchi

"Stairs of the Turks", a chalky white cliff eroded conveniently into stairs, allowing for easy pillaging.
Naples, Italy

Naples Underground

A labyrinth of ancient tunnels hidden below the city holds the ruins of 2,500 years of history.
Naples, Italy

Bourbon Tunnel

Dug as a secret royal escape route, the tunnel became a wartime bomb shelter and dumping ground for vintage cars.
Naples, Italy

Gaiola Island

This magical-looking island is notorious for the misfortunes suffered by its owners.
Naples, Italy

The Anatomical Machines of Cappella Sansevero

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.
Naples, Italy

Gabinetto Segreto

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Rome, Italy

The Mithraeum at Circus Maximus

The underground sanctuary of a mysterious ancient cult.
Rome, Italy

The Dome Illusion

A master of trompe-l'oeil creates a stunning, tourist-fooling dome out of a flat ceiling.
Rome, Italy

Quartiere Coppedè

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.
Rome, Italy

Santa Maria della Concezione Crypts

The crypts of Capuchin friars decorated with the bones of over 4,000 friars, including an entire "crypt of pelvises."
Rome, Italy

Torre Argentina (Roman Cat Sanctuary)

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered.
Sacramento, California

Eagle Theatre

A replica of the first public theater built in California.
Auburn, California

The Statues of Ken Fox

Dentist's hated concrete colossi are now beloved icons of the community.
Folsom, California

Mormon Island

This former boomtown "island" is now submerged below Folsom Lake.
Folsom, California

The Folsom Powerhouse

This 19th century hydroelectric powerhouse was the first of its kind.
Folsom, California

Folsom Prison Museum

This museum looks at the history of one of America's most famous prisons and most beloved albums.
New York, New York

Bryant Park Bathroom

The fanciest public restroom in New York City boasts fresh flowers, art, and a classical music soundtrack.