maryellen1997's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Lyon, France

Astronomical Clock of Lyon

For hundreds of years, automatons moving to metallic music have been marking the passage of time.
Geneva, Switzerland

United Nations Ceiling

This colorful but controversial ceiling has been likened to a 21st-century Sistine Chapel.
Geneva, Switzerland

L’horloge Fleurie (The Flower Clock)

The world's largest second-hand graces a clock surrounded by constantly changing flower beds. 
Geneva, Switzerland

Treille Promenade

One of the longest wooden benches in the world snakes around Geneva's Treille Promenade.
Milan, Italy

Bosco Verticale

Two very green residential towers cleaning the air in one of Europe's most polluted cities.
Milan, Italy

The Bronze Ear of Casa Sola-Busca

Before there were doorbells this bronze ear was installed for visitors to announce their arrival.
Rome, Italy

Mausoleum of Augustus

This large, circular tomb is the final resting place of the first emperor of Rome.
Rome, Italy

Il Facchino

A statue representing a lost Roman profession that was vandalized for centuries.
Rome, Italy

The Dome Illusion

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

Galleria Sciarra

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.
Rome, Italy

San Nicola in Carcere

This small church was constructed over the ruins of three temples dating to the Roman Republic.
Rome, Italy

Tarpeian Rock

In the early Roman Empire, people deemed traitors and criminals were tossed to their deaths from this rock.
Rome, Italy

Mamertine Prison

This ancient Roman prison is decorated with an upside-down cross not as blasphemy but as saintly tribute.
Rome, Italy

The Globe of the Vatican Obelisk

Legend has it that this bronze orb, which sat atop an ancient Egyptian obelisk, once held the ashes of Julius Caesar.
Rome, Italy

Saint Victoria's Incorruptible Body

The martyr's wax-enhanced skeletal remains lie preserved in a glass case in the Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.
Rome, Italy

Fontana dell'Acqua Felice

A monumental fountain in Rome features a large statue of Moses that has been criticized for centuries.
Rome, Italy

Zuccari Palace

Architectural monsters are devouring this palace's every door and window.
Rome, Italy

Palazzo Malta

Inside this building is another country within Rome, a sovereign entity without a physical territory.
Rome, Italy

'Res Gestae Divi Augusti' ('The Deeds of the Divine Augustus')

A large replica of a monumental Roman inscription is located on the side of this museum.
Rome, Italy

Porto di Ripetta

An 18th century fountain and two columns are all that remains of Rome's forgotten river harbor.
Vatican City

Gallery of Maps - Galleria delle Carte Geografiche

Breathtaking and huge 430 year old maps of Italy.
Vatican City

Vatican City Walls

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.
Rome, Italy

Santa Maria sopra Minerva Flood Markers

Plaques on its facade commemorate the Tiber's most destructive deluges.
Rome, Italy

Elephant and Obelisk

A detailed pachyderm supports Rome's smallest Egyptian obelisk.