10 little-known facts about the world's most popular landmarks

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Many of the most famous landmarks around the world are iconic symbols of bygone times and it seems that everything is already known about them. However, for all their popularity, there are some unique but little-known facts about these world famous landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world.

1. Ravens of the Tower of London

The Tower of London, one of the most famous landmarks in London, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a new royal residence. However, from 1100 to 1952, it was used as a prison to hold some of the country's most notorious criminals, such as Ranulf Flambard and the Cray twins.

The historic castle is now open to the public. Visitors can learn more about its history by exploring the various prison cells, and the Tower's famous crown jewels can also be seen. However, not everyone knows that the castle is constantly "under the protection" of six ravens. Local superstition says that if the crows leave the Tower, the whole kingdom will fall. For this reason, the Tower today has rangers who look after seven ravens - six "regular" and one "spare". This superstition, according to historians, traces its history back to Charles II, who ordered the protection of the ravens, warning that both the Tower of London and the British Crown would fall if the birds ever flew away.

2. Crack in the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell, originally known as "", became famous when, with its ringing from the tower of Independence Hall, it summoned residents of the city to announce the Declaration of Independence of the United States. The bell was originally ordered in 1751 from the Whitechapel foundry in London. However, it cracked already during the first tests.

Local metallurgists John Stowe and John Pass then remelted the original bell to create its current iconic version. After 90 years of regular use, a narrow crack appeared at the Liberty Bell in the early 1840s. Only in 1846 an attempt was made to renovate it. The metallurgists decided to use a "pause drilling" technique to widen the crack, thereby preventing further damage and restoring the bell. Unfortunately, a repair attempt resulted in a second crack. After that, the bell was silent forever.

3. The color of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, which was donated to America by France in 1886, is one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet (visited by over four million tourists annually). However, some may be surprised to learn that the iconic statue was not originally green. When it was installed, it was copper-colored. But a combination of rain, wind and sea spray caused the statue to oxidize. At first, she acquired a dull chocolate brown hue, after which she finally became the blue-green that everyone knows her today. The oxide plaque was not removed because it naturally prevents further destruction and damage to the statue.

4. Parthenon

Some archaeologists believe that many of Athens' iconic stone ruins look very different today than when they were built. For example, it is widely believed that the Parthenon was once multi-colored. Recent tests by the Greek archaeologist and chemical engineer Evi Papaconstantinou-Zioti revealed traces of blue, red and green paint on the walls of the ruins. Weather erosion is believed to be responsible for the fading of the world famous temple, which was built in 432 BC.

5. Tower Bridge Chimney

Tower Bridge is a suspension drawbridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894 to cross the Thames to the Tower of London. As such, it is one of London's most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views of the English capital. However, there is one peculiarity on the bridge that no one knows about. If you look closely, you can find a chimney on it, painted the same blue as the lampposts along the bridge. It leads to an old fireplace in the guardhouse of the Tower of London. Once upon a time, the fireplace was lit in the winter so that the guards would not freeze.

6. Hidden time capsule in the arch of the gate

The Gateway Arch was built over 50 years ago. It is not only the tallest monument in the United States, but also the tallest arch in the world. Tourists who love to visit the observation deck at its top have no idea that there is a small piece of history hidden there. In October 1965, a time capsule with 762,000 signatures was hidden here, mostly by students who attended various schools in St. Louis at the time. However, it is unlikely that the time capsule will be opened anytime soon. It is cemented inside the arch structure, so it will be stored there until the entire structure is idle.

7. Hidden cave at the Lincoln memorial

If anyone has visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, they have probably missed a barely visible door. Behind her, a series of stairs lead to an underground hall filled with graffiti, dust and debris. It is believed that the builders painted the walls of the cave during the construction of the iconic monument in the early 1900s. Since then, the National Park Service has called it "historic graffiti."

8. The real color of the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United States. However, contrary to its name, the suspension bridge is not actually golden. The color of the paint is considered orange by international standards. In fact, the Golden Gate Bridge did not get its name because of its paint color, as many believe, but was named after the Golden Gate Strait, through which it was built.

9. Secret tour to Big Ben

Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in London that anyone can see on a guided tour of Westminster. However, many people do not know that a tour of the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, is available for tourists. There is one "but" - you need to be a resident of the United Kingdom to get inside. Although the tour is free, members of Parliament or House of Lords actually pay for each visitor who enters the iconic building. Those with enough privileges to get inside can look forward to an hour-long guided tour from Big Ben's staff. Due to ongoing renovations, this opportunity is not currently available, but the secret tours are expected to resume in 2021.

10. Hollywood sign

Many people may be surprised to learn that the Hollywood sign would not have existed without the late Hugh Hefner. The sign, originally installed in 1923, read "Hollywoodland" and became an iconic symbol of the city of Tinseltown. By 1978, the sign was already seriously dilapidated. After learning that it took the Chamber of Commerce $ 250,000 to restore the mark, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner announced a fundraiser. For example, rock star Alice Cooper and actor Gene Autry donated $ 27,000 each.

Thanks to Hefner's fundraising efforts, the sign has been restored. But that wasn't the only time Hefner rescued Hollywood's trademark. In 2010, the conservation group The Trust for Public Land decided to protect 55 hectares of land around the Hollywood Sign, as they were going to build luxury homes there. $ 1 million had to be raised, and Hefner donated the $ 900,000 needed to save the mark.