WZA's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Winnetka, Illinois

The 'Home Alone' House

Recognized the world over as the home of the McCallisters in the 1990 movie "Home Alone."
Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.
Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Sign

Hollywood's most famous landmark, the "temporary" sign that has stood for decades longer than intended.
Los Angeles, California

Watts Towers

America's most famous piece of self-built architecture.
San Francisco, California

Alcatraz Island

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.
Los Angeles, California

The Last Bookstore

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.
Quito, Ecuador

Teleférico Quito

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.
Quito, Ecuador

Virgen de El Panecillo

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.
Quito, Ecuador

La Virgen de Quito

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.
Quito, Ecuador

Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.
Quito, Ecuador

Palacio de Carondelet

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.
Quito, Ecuador

La Plaza Grande

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.
Quito, Ecuador

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.
San Antonio de Pichincha, Ecuador

Middle of the World

An elaborate shrine dedicated to the four corners of the world unfortunately misses its mark.
Quito, Ecuador

La Carolina Park

This huge green space packed with activities will make you forget you're in the middle of the Ecuadorian capital.
Lincolnshire, Illinois

Par-King Skill Golf

This sprawling mini-golf empire is an impressive testament to a disappearing attraction.
Johannesburg, South Africa

Neighbourgoods Market

A growing popular hipster market with over 100 local specialties and live music.
Chicago, Illinois

Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures

This surprising gem is a world-class archeological museum hidden at the University of Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois

U-505

The unluckiest U-boat in the entire German fleet is now on display in a Chicago museum.
Chicago, Illinois

Great Train Story Diorama

This $3 million model train takes you through Chicago, Seattle, and the thousands of miles in between.
Wilmette, Illinois

Bahá'í Temple

The only Bahá'í house of worship in North America and one of only a handful worldwide.
Chicago, Illinois

Alinea Restaurant

The subtle science of a master molecular gastronomist.
Chicago, Illinois

Myopic Books

A Bibliophile's Dream.
Los Angeles, California

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart

Non-profit time travel mart sells goods you would need for a trip through the fourth dimension.