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Many of the world’s most renowned landmarks stand as enduring symbols of past eras, offering travelers valuable insights into the history and cultural legacy of both cities and countries.
However, beyond their fame, there are lesser-known and fascinating facts about these landmarks that continue to captivate tourists from every corner of the world.
10. The Ravens of the Tower of London
The Tower of London, one of London's most iconic landmarks, was constructed by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a new royal residence. Yet, from 1100 to 1952, it functioned as a prison, housing infamous criminals like Ranulf Flambard and the Kray twins.
This historic castle is now open to the public. Visitors can explore its rich history by touring the various prison cells, and also have the opportunity to view the famous Crown Jewels.
What many don't know is that the castle is always protected by six ravens. According to superstition, should the ravens ever leave the tower, the kingdom is said to fall.
To ensure the kingdom's safety, the Tower of London now cares for seven ravens—six for protection and one extra, just in case. This superstition is often attributed to Charles II, who reportedly ordered the ravens' protection after being warned that both the Tower and the Crown would be lost if the birds ever departed.
9. The Crack in the Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell, once referred to as the State House Bell, originally rang from the tower of Pennsylvania's State House, now known as Independence Hall. The first bell was ordered in 1751 from the Whitechapel Foundry in London, but it famously cracked during its first test ring. Consequently, local metalworkers John Stow and John Pass melted down the original bell and recast it into the iconic version we recognize today.
After 90 years of regular use, the Liberty Bell began to show signs of wear in the form of a narrow crack in the early 1840s. A repair attempt wasn't made until 1846, when metalworkers used the 'stop drilling' method to widen the crack, preventing further damage and attempting to restore the bell's tone.
Unfortunately, this repair caused a second crack to form, which rendered the bell silent forever. As a result, no one alive today has ever heard the original sound of the Liberty Bell.
8. The Statue of Liberty’s Color
The Statue of Liberty, a magnificent symbol of freedom, was gifted by France to the United States in 1886. This iconic monument attracts over four million visitors annually, who come to admire its green beauty.
Interestingly, the statue wasn't always green. Initially, it had a shiny copper color when it was first built.
Over time, exposure to rain, oxygen, and sea spray caused the statue to undergo oxidization. This transformation gave it a dull brown hue before it developed the signature blue-green patina we see today. The coating is vital as it protects the statue from further wear and tear, and that's why it remains intact.
7. The Parthenon
Some archaeologists speculate that the famous ruins of Athens, including the Parthenon, may have appeared quite different when first constructed. It is widely believed that the Parthenon originally featured a variety of vibrant paint colors.
Recent research conducted by Evi Papakonstantinou-Zioti, a Greek archaeologist and chemical engineer, revealed that the monument once displayed stunning shades of blue, red, and green. Traces of these pigments were uncovered after a laser cleaning of the temple.
It is believed that weathering is to blame for the fading of the Parthenon's vivid colors, which have been gradually erased over time. Sandstorms, sun exposure, and modern pollution have all contributed to the damage of the ancient temple, which dates back to 432 BC.
6. The Tower Bridge Chimney
Tower Bridge is a famous suspension and bascule bridge in London, constructed between 1886 and 1894. It serves as a vital link across the River Thames, connecting to the historic Tower of London. The bridge has become one of London's most recognizable landmarks, offering stunning views of the city.
But there’s more to Tower Bridge than meets the eye. If you pay close attention, you’ll spot the Tower Bridge chimney, painted in the same blue as the lampposts that line the bridge.
While visitors enjoy the spectacular city views, they might overlook the cast-iron flue attached to an old fireplace in the Tower of London’s guardroom. This chimney once provided warmth to the guards during colder days with its coal fire.
5. The Hidden Time Capsule In The Gateway Arch
For over 50 years, the Gateway Arch has captivated both locals and visitors in St. Louis, Missouri. As the tallest memorial in the United States and the largest arch in the world, it is truly a marvel. Hidden inside this iconic monument, at the very top, is a time capsule placed there in October 1965.
Inside the time capsule are reportedly 762,000 signatures, most of which belong to students from various St. Louis schools during that time. However, it’s unlikely the capsule will ever be opened soon as it is permanently welded inside the arch, making it inaccessible until the structure is no longer standing.
4. A Hidden Cave In The Lincoln Memorial
If you've ever visited the Lincoln Memorial, you might have missed a hidden door. This discreet entrance leads to a series of stairs that descend into an underground chamber, which is covered in graffiti, dust, and debris. It’s believed that construction workers left their marks on the walls while building the monument in the early 1900s. The National Park Service has since dubbed it “historical graffiti.”
Some of the more memorable sketches include a woman smoking a cigarette, a man sporting a top hat, and a dog wagging its tail. However, some of the graffiti features explicit content and childish phrases, scrawled across the secret cave.
3. The Hollywood Sign
It might come as a surprise to many, but the Hollywood sign wouldn't be standing today without the late Hugh Hefner's support. Originally erected in 1923 as “Hollywoodland,” the sign has since become an enduring symbol of Hollywood’s fame and glamour.
By 1978, after years of neglect, the Hollywood sign had started to show significant wear and tear. At this time, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was a household name.
Knowing that the Chamber of Commerce needed $250,000 to restore the iconic sign, Hefner organized an extravagant fundraiser and auctioned off letters from the original sign for $27,000 each. Among the buyers were rock legend Alice Cooper and actor Gene Autry. Thanks to Hefner’s generous efforts, the Mount Lee site was refurbished with new letters.
But this wasn’t the first time Hugh Hefner came to the rescue of the Hollywood sign.
In 2010, a conservation group called The Trust for Public Land aimed to preserve the 138 acres surrounding the Hollywood sign, as developers planned to build luxury homes on Mount Lee. With only days left and a $1 million gap in funding, Hefner donated the final $900,000 needed to save the land and the iconic sign.
2. Secret Tours In Big Ben
Big Ben, one of London's most iconic landmarks, is easily visible when touring the Westminster area. However, not many know that interior tours of the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, are available—if you're a resident of the United Kingdom.
Though the tours are free, anyone wishing to visit the iconic structure must be sponsored by a member of Parliament or the House of Lords. Those fortunate enough to gain access will enjoy a one-hour presentation by a member of the Big Ben team.
Currently, the attraction is closed due to renovations, but the secret tours are expected to resume in 2021.
1. The Real Color Of The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic tourist spots in the US. However, despite its name, the famous suspension bridge is not actually gold. The official paint color is international orange. This shade, often used in the aerospace industry, beautifully complements the changing seasons, helping to create a stunning San Francisco skyline throughout the year.
In fact, the bridge’s official website even shares the precise formula for the color, so fans can replicate the exact tone. Contrary to what many believe, the Golden Gate Bridge wasn’t named for its paint color, but rather after the Golden Gate Strait, the waterway it spans.
