This is part 6 of a 10 part series that focuses on 100 unusual and fascinating tourist attractions from around the globe.
Some we have been lucky enough to visit, yet some we yearn to set foot. From the weird and wacky, freaky to wondrous… Take a stroll through the series.
Orange County Government Center, New York
The Orange County Government Center rose between 1967 and 1971 and served as the county’s main office. The geometric, three-story structure, designed by prominent architect Paul Rudolph, is a notable example of Brutalist architecture, a style characterized by its emphasis on functionality and angular shapes.
The government center has been praised and reviled since its completion, and it now faces demolition, though local groups are calling for its preservation. Due to damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the building has been closed since September.
Spire of Dublin, Ireland
The Spire of Dublin is a stainless-steel monument that stands over 393 feet high. Composed of steel tubes of varying thickness, it weighs over 126 tons. The spire rose in 2002 in an effort to revitalize the O’Connell Street area of Dublin. The revitalization project also included a new plaza and renovated storefronts.
Gullfoss Falls, Iceland
Visitors approaching Gullfoss, whose name translates as “Golden Falls” in English, might think it empties into an abyss given its unusual drop. The glacier-fed falls, about 70 miles east of Reykjavik, plunge abruptly into a wide and narrow canyon at a perpendicular angle, creating a striking scene.
Tavarua Island
This 29-acre island resort known for its surfing is located west of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. It features 16 bures, a spa, restaurant and tennis court. Guests also have access to aquatic sports equipment.
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River, Philippines
The next time you are in the Philippines, take a pump boat trip from Sabang Beach down the clear waters of an underground river that flows through caves filled with interesting formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Calif.
In the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop, Calif., stand some of the world’s oldest trees. When the most senior of these were sprouting up, the great Pyramids of Giza were being built. Among the gnarled bunch is the Methuselah Tree, said to be the world’s oldest. Named after the aged biblical figure, it is believed to be nearly 5,000 years old.
Remote monasteries of Metéora, Greece
The six monasteries of Metéora are perched on rock pinnacles (in Greek, “Metéora” means “suspended in the air”), some built as high as 1,800 feet. The monasteries date as far back as the 14th century, when monastic living was embraced by the surrounding region. Though six remain, 24 were originally built.
Bay of Fundy, Canada
The bay is a picturesque body of water with impressive rock formations, marine diversity and fossil deposits. But what makes it unique are its remarkably high tides: More than 100 billion tons of water rush in and out every day. The tides measure 53 feet, the highest in the world, according to Terri McCulloch, executive director of the Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you’ll find Komodo dragons, the world’s largest extant lizard species. They’re about as close as you’ll get to living dinosaurs.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park, the country’s first national park and one of its most breathtaking. The UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its waterfalls, uniquely colored lakes (grey, blue and green) and caves.
