jmvernace's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Hama, Syria

Norias of Hama

Only a handful of these gorgeous historic waterwheels remain but even those are in danger from local unrest.
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

Lion Tombs of Dadan

Lions carved into the rockface adorn these two tombs built into the mountains of Dadan.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Tuwaiq Palace Heart Tent

This mesmerizing, colorful structure looks like a tent made from stained glass.
Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek Trilithon

The largest hewn stone in history.
Be'er Sheva, Israel

Ben-Gurion National Solar Energy Center

Israel's premiere solar energy research facility provides energy to nomads.
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Sarona Templer Colony Clock

This clock is an architectural flourish that stands out as a landmark among a unique Israeli German community.
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Tel Aviv Central Bus Station

The maze-like transportation hub contains abandoned areas, derelict stores, and a resident bat colony.
Kiryat Tiv'on, Israel

Beit She'arim Necropolis

A sprawling ancient Jewish cemetery with over 30 rock-hewn burial caves.
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Gan HaGat (Wine Press Garden)

A 2,000-year-old wine press hidden in an overlooked park in Tel Aviv.
Almon, Israel

Wadi Qelt

A serene desert oasis speckled with ancient artifacts.
Florence, Italy

Studiolo Francesco I de’ Medici

Secret refuge and museum of the Duke of Florence.
Milan, Italy

BackDoor 43

One of the world’s smallest bars, just 13 square feet, is brimming with speakeasy flair.
Rome, Italy

Galleria Sciarra

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.
Edmonton, Alberta

'Let's Heal the Divide'

A 30-foot neon sign that embraces community togetherness.
Medicine Hat, Alberta

Saamis Tepee

A standalone wonder amid the prairie badlands of southeastern Alberta.
Kingston, Ontario

'Pollution'

This sculpture was made in 1973 for the city's 300th-anniversary celebrations and was largely considered an eyesore at the time.
Lloydminster, Alberta

Lloydminster

This Canadian city is actually two-in-one, even if they only respect the timezone of one side.
Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador

Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery & Heritage Centre

This quirky museum celebrates the history of a local cod fishing industry.
Regina, Saskatchewan

Reginald the Grasshopper

This bushy bug is one of the unsanctioned public sculptures that have survived in Regina.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Louis Riel's Gravestone

Canada's accused-traitor-turned-folk-hero is buried under a red stone in a ring of his own.
Victoria, British Columbia

Pterosaur Jaw Bone

First flying reptile discovered in British Columbia was for years forgotten in a cabinet.
Montreal, Québec

La Sala Rossa

From lefty Jewish gathering site to hip cultural site in just 80 years.
Osoyoos, British Columbia

Nk'Mip Cellars

North America's first Indigenous-owned winery is located within Canada's only desert-like ecosystem.
Paris, France

Cabinet of Joseph Bonnier de La Mosson

Hidden away in a modern library are the remains of one of the 18th century's most celebrated wunderkammers.