fmturcotte's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

When North America was covered in ice, this was an oasis in the frozen desert.
Lloydminster, Alberta

Lloydminster

This Canadian city is actually two-in-one, even if they only respect the timezone of one side.
Québec City, Québec

Château Frontenac

This lovely, if imposing, piece of Canadian gothic is possibly the most photographed hotel in the world.
Québec City, Québec

Old Québec Funicular

This steep cable railway has been hoisting passengers in the heart of Québec City for over a century.
Québec City, Québec

The Murals of Quebec City

A contemporary fresco movement illustrates the region's rich history.
Istanbul, Turkey

Serpent Column

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.
Istanbul, Turkey

Obelisk of Theodosius

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.
Istanbul, Turkey

Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.
Istanbul, Turkey

Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.
Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia Wishing Column

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.
Istanbul, Turkey

Tombs of the Sultans

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.
Istanbul, Turkey

Piri Reis Map at Topkapi Palace

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.
Istanbul, Turkey

The Spoonmaker's Diamond

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.
Istanbul, Turkey

Rumeli Hisari

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.
Dublin, Ireland

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Dublin's most modern, visually spectacular bridge is modeled after Ireland's national emblem.
Dublin, Ireland

'Meeting Place'

This statue celebrating everyday life in Dublin has a few unsavory nicknames.
Cashel, Ireland

Hore Abbey

The ruins of a medieval monastery named after a type of tree.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Charles II Statue

Edinburgh's oldest statue hides within a parking lot behind the city's iconic cathedral.
Edinburgh, Scotland

David Hume's Statue

Touching this 18th-century Scottish philosopher’s toe allegedly conjures good fortune.
Edinburgh, Scotland

William Wallace and Robert the Bruce Statues

Overlooked by many, the two famous Scottish warriors guard the main gate of Edinburgh Castle.
Wiltshire, England

The Skeletons of Stonehenge

Ancient human remains unearthed around the iconic monument.
Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge

Famously misunderstood wonder of the ancient world
Athens, Greece

Little Metropolis Church

This gem is often wrongly overshadowed by the larger, newer Metropolis church in Athens.
Athens, Greece

The Olive Tree of the Acropolis

Legend says this sacred tree was a gift from goddess Athena.