Exploring the 6 Hidden Secrets Behind Iconic Buildings
ICONIC BUILDINGS – Discover the hidden secrets behind these six renowned structures.
While we often think we have a profound understanding of the world’s renowned structures, some of these architectural wonders conceal fascinating secrets in plain sight. Some hidden features are intentionally crafted for the affluent or elite, while others remain beneath the surface, both figuratively and literally.
A few of these enigmas are particularly peculiar, such as a European monument functioning as a concealed, massive telescope. Are you familiar with the intriguing tales surrounding these six iconic buildings? Even if these peculiarities may elude observation during your next visit, contemplating them can serve as a captivating mental exercise.
The Eiffel Tower Has a Secret Apartment on Top
While apartments boasting Eiffel Tower views are highly sought after, having an apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower is exceptionally rare. The iconic Parisian landmark, created by Gustave Eiffel’s engineering firm for the 1889 International Exhibition, harbors a 1,076-square-foot apartment with a wrap-around balcony at its pinnacle. Eiffel, the visionary behind the tower, reserved this space for himself, utilizing it as a workspace for scientific endeavors rather than a residence. Today, the public can explore this area, adorned with wax figures of Eiffel, his daughter, and Thomas Edison.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel Has a Secret Train Station
Beneath the Waldorf Astoria, one of New York City’s renowned luxury hotels lies a concealed train station. This covert station has accommodated numerous high-profile figures, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it to avoid public scrutiny of his wheelchair. The hidden station remains accessible for visiting dignitaries seeking a discreet departure, adding an air of mystery to the hotel.
The Washington Monument Has a Tiny, Underground Twin
In the late 1880s, as the Washington Monument neared completion, a peculiar miniature structure emerged at its base, standing a mere 12.5 feet tall. This miniature replica facilitated the calibration of surveying equipment, ensuring precise measurements of the surrounding topography. Despite not being common knowledge, the mini monument serves as a crucial geodetic control point used by government surveyors, concealed beneath the monument’s graded surroundings.
The Real Taj Mahal Sarcophagi Are Hidden
Despite the elaborate optical illusions and color transformations of the Taj Mahal, the actual sarcophagi of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahān and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, remain hidden beneath two ornate structures within the monument. While the visible cenotaphs may seem like tombs, the emperor and his wife are laid to rest below, cleverly tucked away from public view.
The Monument in London Is Secretly a Telescope
The Monument in London, ostensibly a 202-foot tower commemorating the Great London Fire of 1666, serves a dual purpose as a colossal telescope—a secret known to few. Initially attributed to renowned architect Christopher Wren, the structure’s design was conceived by Robert Hooke, who infused his passion for science into the monument’s concept. The top end of the telescope opens to the night sky, while the bottom end is accessible through a hatch in Hooke’s former physics laboratory.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa Is a Big, Empty Tube
Constructed over centuries, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as a testament to stability despite its noticeable tilt. Contrary to its external appearance, the tower’s interior consists of a vast empty tube without floors, embellishments, or windows. Originally serving as a bell tower, the removal of bells was essential to maintain stability, leaving the interior an empty shell. Visitors can ascend the spiral staircase to the top deck, appreciating the view without any interior exploration.
