In the first half of the 1950ies, an overhead powerline over Messina Strait was built. For this line not only two large pylons ( http://atlasobscura.com/place/pylons-messina ) were built, but also... »

Electrical Oddities | Edited by

There is actually a real fairy tale castle in Rome. It was built under directions from its weirdo owner Giovanni Torlonia (last descendant of a noble Roman family of french descent) who... »

Architectural Oddities, Outsider Architecture | Edited by athomio, Rachel and others

Open since 1998, this purpose-built museum in Italy’s Bolzano region holds over 1,500 typewriter models in its permanent collection. The museum was built in honour of Peter Mitterhofer, one of the... »

Unique Collections, Instruments of Science, Electrical Oddities, Amazing Automata | Edited by trowel and Rachel

A skull resides in a glass reliquary in a small basilica in Rome, surrounded by flowers. Lettering painted across the forehead identify the owner as none other than of the patron saint of lovers,... »

Memento Mori, Relics and Reliquaries | Edited by Annetta, Nicholas Jackson and 2 others

Prosciutto di Parma is not just slivers of salty goodness -- It is a delicacy seeped in tradition and technique, and is the pride of the city of Parma. The fame of Parma ham goes all the way back... »

Museums and Collections, Unique Collections | Edited by Rachel and Seth Teicher

Even though Juliet Capulet is a fictional character created by Shakespeare, millions worship her as a love goddess. Every year tourists from around the globe, flock to Verona just to see the... »

Curious Places of Worship | Edited by HJHausman

In 1919, Filippo Bentivegna left the United States after only 7 years and was a changed man. According to some, he had been assaulted and sustained brain damage. Others claimed his mind had begun... »

Outsider Art | Edited by serflac and atimian

Every tile of the 142-step staircase of Caltagirone is decorated with a unique and colorful design, making the steps impressive at any point during the year. However, for two and half weeks per... »

Architectural Oddities, Outsider Architecture | Edited by serflac and atimian

Walking from the center of Rome, Via Appia, or the Appian Way seems like another small ruin, lined with cafes and restaurants looking to take the tourist dollar. In reality, it is one of the... »

Incredible Ruins | Edited by A Facebook user, atimian and others

Known as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, the Catacombs of San Sebastian have long attracted devout Christian pilgrims and curious visitors. Along the first four mile stretch of Via... »

Memento Mori, Relics and Reliquaries, Catacombs, Crypts, & Cemeteries, Subterranean Sites | Edited by atimian and Dylan