mariedalporto's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains

For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show.
Waipu, New Zealand

Waipu Caves

A galaxy of glowworms—larvae of a gnat—hides deep in the belly of these caves.
Helensburgh, Australia

Glowworm Tunnel

An abandoned railroad tunnel is now filled with bioluminescent bugs.
North Macedonia

Kokino Observatory

This 3,800-year-old site contains markers used to study the movement of the sun and moon and create a lunar calendar.
Iran

Radkan Tower

A sophisticated astronomical tower built by one of the greatest Persian scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.
Nageezi, New Mexico

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

A phenomenal assembly of pueblos in New Mexico is the most complete example of ancient ruins north of the border.
Alamada, Philippines

Asik-Asik Falls

This wondrous waterfall rushing down a green-covered mountain wasn't discovered until 2010.
Hinatuan, Philippines

Hinatuan Enchanted River

A magically clear, blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.
Bislig, Philippines

Tinuy-An Falls

Sometimes known as the little Niagara Falls of the Philippines.
Tagum, Philippines

Largest Rosary in the World

This massive Roman Catholic rosary is composed entirely of wood.
Logan, Ohio

The Caves of Hocking Hills State Park

Rare recess caves fill this unbelievably beautiful Ohio park.
Jerusalem, Israel

Tisch Family Zoological Park

Biblical beasts and endangered animal preservation come together in this Israeli zoo.
Hibbing, Minnesota

Hull–Rust–Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the North," this open-pit mine in Minnesota has a much shorter history.
Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Judy Garland Museum

Home to a vast collection of The Wizard of Oz memorabilia and the site of an infamous theft.
Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico

Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of Bells)

When struck, the strange stones in this park ring like bells.
Bovey, Minnesota

Marcell Experimental Forest

A futuristic climate change study is nestled deep within this public land.
Capri, Italy

Arco Naturale (Natural Arch)

This clifftop arch is a natural stunner.
Sorrento, Italy

Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills)

An Italian crevasse filled with abandoned buildings gives visitors a look at the world without humans.
Hovea, Australia

Swan View Tunnel

This 1800s former railway tunnel is now part of a heritage walking trail.
Dublin, Ireland

Marsh's Library

The oldest public library in Ireland.
Dublin, Ireland

Aungier Street Lidl Archaeology

This supermarket offers shoppers a window into the past alongside their groceries.
Temple Ewell, England

Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens

Two beautiful Victorian-era parks replete with ornamental waterfalls and lakes.
Kyoto, Japan

Okochi Sanso Gardens

This garden located inside a bamboo forest once belonged to a famous Japanese actor.
Geneva, Switzerland

L’horloge Fleurie (The Flower Clock)

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