10 Famous Landmarks with Bizarre Secret Stories
There are hidden secrets all around the world and now you can find out a little bit more about them! Uncover the mysteries behind these iconic structures and take a deeper look into the hidden stories that make these landmarks truly extraordinary.
Windsor Castle, England
The clocks in the Great Kitchen are deliberately set 5 minutes fast. This clever strategy ensures the timely delivery of meals for the royal family and esteemed guests. By doing this, the castle staff is able to stick to a strict schedule and ensure prompt preparation and delivery of meals.
The Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
These churches are an extraordinary testimony to ancient craftsmanship and religious devotion. Carved out of solid rock in the 12th century, these structures represent different holy sites in Jerusalem. Some of the churches are interconnected by tunnels and narrow passageways, while their roofs, covered in grass, blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The Famous Hollywood Sign, USA
The famous Hollywood sign was erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement. It was designed to read “Hollywoodland” to promote a housing development in the area, but as it became a more popular structure, it also became a permanent fixture. The part “land” fell away, and we were left with the Hollywood sign as we know it today.
Taj Mahal, India
The foundation of the Taj Mahal relied on an elaborate system of wells, arches, and piers, ensuring stability and preventing cracks. To create an illusion of perfect symmetry, slight adjustments were made to the building, such as the slight adjustments made to the building, such as the slight outward tilt of the four minarets surrounding the building, to give the illusion of perfect alignment. The most captivating aspect of this landmark is the way the marble on the building changes color throughout the day, depending on the sunlight.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
The statue has a height of 98 feet, and coupled with its location on top of the 2,300-foot-tall Corcovado Mountain, it is inevitable that it will be struck by lightning at some stage. In 2014, the statue was struck, a thumb was broken off, and the head was damaged. In 2023, another large bolt struck the head as if directly from the heavens. The National Institute of Space Research has said that the statue is struck between 3 to 5 times a year. So much for lightning never striking the same place more than once.
The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China has many uses. It was used for defensive purposes, it was a crucial transportation route, fostering trade, enabling communication, and facilitating the movement of troops. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a singular continuous wall but a complex network of interconnected sections, towers, and fortifications.
Macha Pichu, Peru
Macha Pichu, this ancient Incan city nestled in the Peruvian Andes, was constructed with stones that were precisely cut and fitted together without mortar, a technique called “ashlar.” Despite being situated in an earthquake-prone region, this technique has allowed Macha Pichu to withstand seismic activity for centuries.
Mount Rushmore, USA
Did you know that on Mount Rushmore, behind Abraham Lincoln’s head, is a secret room? It is called the “Hall of Records,” or the “Secret Room,” and there is a 70-foot passage leading to this chamber. The purpose of this chamber was initially envisioned by the sculptor Gutzon Borglum as a repository for important historical documents, but due to budgetary constraints and Gutzon’s death, the Hall of Records was never fully realized as planned.
The Statue of Liberty, USA
The face of the Statue of Liberty was sculpted in the likeness of the sculptor’s own mother. At the feet of the statue, which can only be seen from a distance, are the broken chains symbolizing freedom from oppression and servitude. In addition, to explore the crown, visitors need to purchase an additional ticket and climb a spiral staircase of 354 steps before arriving and being able to take in the breathtaking views of New York City.
The White House, USA
Under the East Wing of the White House lies a hidden underground bunker known as the “Presidential Emergency Operations Center,” or PEOC. This secure and fortified facility serves as a command center for the President and key officials during times of national emergencies or threats. Due to the nature of its construction, the President can continue governing and making critical decisions from here.
