They still have something to surprise tourists.
Many of the most famous landmarks in the world are iconic symbols of times past, and think they know everything already. However, despite their popularity, there are some unique but little known facts about these world-famous landmarks that attract tourists from all corners of the globe.
1. Ravens of the tower of London
Tower of London, one of the most famous landmarks in London, was built by William the Conqueror in the year 1078 as a new Royal residence. However, from 1100 to 1952 it was used as a prison, which contained some of the most notorious criminals in the country, such as ranulf Flambard and the Kray twins.
The historic castle now open to the public. Visitors can learn more about its history, exploring the different prison cells, and also in the tower you can see the famous crown jewels. However, not everyone knows that the castle is constantly “under the protection” of six ravens. Local superstition says that if the ravens leave the tower the Kingdom will fall. For this reason, in the tower of London today, there are caretakers who care for a family crows six “regular” and one “spare”. It’s a superstition, according to historians, traces its history from Charles II, who ordered to protect the ravens, warning that London, and the British Crown will fall if the birds ever fly away.
2. The crack in the Liberty Bell
The Liberty bell, originally known as, became famous when ringing from the tower of independence Hall called residents to the reading of the Declaration of independence. The original bell was ordered in 1751 from the Whitechapel foundry in London. However, it cracked during the first test.
After that, local steelmakers John stow and John Pass, he melted down the original bell, creating its current cult option. After 90 years of regular use in the early 1840s, years in the Liberty Bell appeared a narrow fissure. Only in 1846 was an attempt made to repair. Metallurgists decided to use the technique of “stop drilling” to extend the crack, thereby preventing further damage and restoring the bell. Unfortunately, the attempted repair resulted in a second crack. After that, the bell was silent forever.
3. The color of the statue of Liberty
The statue of Liberty was gifted to America by France in 1886, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet (it is visited annually by more than four million tourists). However, some may be surprised to learn that the iconic statue was not originally green. When it was installed, it was copper color. But the combination of rain, wind and sea spray led to the fact that the statue has oxidized. First, she acquired a dull chocolate brown shade, and then became blue-green, which everyone knows today. The coating of the oxide did not remove because it naturally prevents further destruction and damage to statues.
4. The Parthenon
Some archaeologists believe that many of the most significant stone ruins in Athens today look very different than in the days when they were built. For example, it is widely believed that the Parthenon was colorful. During the recent tests carried out by Greek archaeologist and chemical engineer evi Papakonstantinou-Site on the walls of the ruins found traces of blue, red and green paint. It is believed that the weather erosion is the cause of the fading world-famous temple, which was built in the year 432 BC.
5. The chimney tower bridge
Tower bridge is a suspension bascule bridge in London, built in 1886 – 1894 to cross the Thames to the tower of London. Thus, it is one of the most iconic London attractions, with a breathtaking view of the English capital. However on the bridge there is one feature about which no one knows. If you look closely, you can find a chimney, painted in the same blue color that the lampposts along the bridge. It leads to the old fireplace in the guardroom of the tower of London. Once the fireplace stoked in the winter, so the guards did not freeze.
6. A hidden time capsule in the arch of the gate
The arch in St. Louis (Gateway Arch) was built over 50 years ago. It is not only the highest monument in the United States, but also the tallest arch in the world. Tourists who love to visit the observation deck on top of it, not even aware that there is a hidden little piece of history. In October 1965 there was a hidden time capsule from 762 000 signatures, mostly students, who attended various schools in St. Louis. However, it is unlikely that the time capsule will be opened in the near future. She Valentinovna inside the structure of the arch, so it will be kept there until, until you stand the whole structure.
7. Hidden cave at the Lincoln memorial
If anyone has ever visited the Lincoln memorial in Washington, he probably missed the barely visible door. Behind her a number of stairs lead to an underground room full of graffiti, dust and debris. It is believed that builders have painted the cave walls during the construction of the iconic monument in the early 1900’s. Since then, the national Park Service calls it “historical graffiti”.
8. The true color of the Golden gate bridge
The Golden Gate bridge is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United States. However, despite its name, a suspension bridge is not actually Golden. Paint color according to the international standards is considered to be orange. In fact, the Golden Gate bridge did not get its name because of its paint colors, as it is believed by many, and was named after the Golden Gate Strait, through which it was built.
9. Secret tour of big Ben
Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks of London that everyone can see during a tour of Westminster. However, many people do not know that tourists can tour the Elizabeth tower, which houses big Ben. There is one “but” – you need to be a resident of the United Kingdom to enter inside. Despite the fact that the tour is free for each visitor who enters the place of worship, in fact, paid members of Parliament or the house of lords. Those who have enough privilege in order to get inside, you can count on hour tour that big Ben staff. In connection with the maintenance, this option is now missing, but the secret tours are expected to resume in 2021.
10. Hollywood Sign
Many people may be surprised to know that the Hollywood sign would not exist without the late Hugh Hefner. On the sign, originally installed in 1923, was written by “Hollywoodland”, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city of Tinseltown. By 1978, the sign already seriously decayed. After learning that the chamber of Commerce took $ 250,000 to restore the sign, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner announced the collection of funds. For example, 27 000 dollars donated rock star Alice Cooper and actor gene Autry.
Thanks to the efforts of Hefner fundraising, the sign was restored. But it was not the only time Hefner has saved the signature Hollywood sign. In 2010, the environmental group “The Trust for Public Land” decided to protect 55 acres of land around the Hollywood sign because there were going to build luxury homes. It was necessary to collect $ 1 million, and Hefner donated $ 900,000 needed to save the sign.
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