Channel: Great Big Story.
A Colorful Castle Sits Empty in Italy - In the middle of Tuscany sits an empty technicolor palace. Castello di Sammezzano, a resplendent Moorish revival castle with an intricate, wildly-colored interior, was erected in the early 17th century by a Spanish nobleman. More than 200 years later, the 365-room palace was remodeled. After World War II, Sammezzano became a luxury hotel, but was closed in the 1990s. Now, a preservation committee is working to restore and preserve the colorful castle. Peek inside; you won't be disappointed.
Dive into This Museum Under the Waves - Cancun, Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula are a vacationer’s paradise. But the picturesque Caribbean waters that surround these destinations are under considerable environmental stress. Enter the Museo Subacuatico de Arte, a museum of underwater sculptures built from concrete that is hospitable to coral and algae growth. Over time, these works of art will slowly transform into a thriving reef ecosystem.
Salt of the Earth: Sicily's Holy Mine - Deep under the bedrock in Realmonte, Sicily, one of Europe's largest salt mines holds more than a few surprises. Twisting through 62 miles of tunnels, this mine produces around 500,000 tons of salt every year. Naturally occurring rings that date back millions of years give color and pattern to the walls. It even boasts a cathedral carved into the earth that is big enough to fit 800 worshipers.
This Magnificent Library Holds Treasured Irish History - The Library of Trinity College Dublin is the largest in Ireland. In addition to its impressive collection, the library features stunning architecture and treasures of the Irish Republic. The famous “long room,” which measures 213 feet in length, houses 200,000 of the collection’s oldest books. Join us as we explore this magical library’s nooks and crannies.
Behold the Marble Caves of Patagonia - The marble caves along General Carrera Lake in Patagonia, Chile, are over 6,000 years old. The smooth intricate shapes inside of the caves are the result of lake currents that have carved through the rock over the millennia. Join us as we tour the incredible, natural beauty of this breathtaking part of southern Chile.
Paint the Town Peaceful: The Mural That Stopped Violence - In Mexico, the Ministry of the Interior launched an art project as a way of promoting peace in Las Palmitas, Pachuca, a city that has been plagued by violence. The project, “Pachuca Paints Itself,” brought residents together, including gang members, who painted more than 200 homes side by side. The swirly, colorful mural is an homage to Pachuca’s nickname, “la bella airosa” (the beautiful, breezy city).
The Mystery of Shell Grotto - Less than six feet beneath a residential neighborhood in the English seaside town of Margate lies a mysterious underground cavern. Nicknamed Shell Grotto, the subterranean passages wind for 70 feet and are adorned by millions of seashells. Who built the cavern and for what purpose remain a mystery.
Journey Inside the Ghostly Temple of Trees - In the northwest region of Cambodia, there’s a 12th century Buddhist temple that's been left almost untouched. As trees and giant roots have reclaimed their space, the temple has become one with the surrounding jungle. You might even recognize this mystical spot as the place where Angelina Jolie raided a tomb or two.
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