10 Unique Places With Wildly Interesting Claims to Fame

Open up a map, spin it around, and point; you’re bound to land on a town, village, or city. But not all places are created equal. Some spots boast claims to fame that set them apart. Get ready to explore ten unique places with remarkable distinctions!

Cairo’s Necropolis: City of the Dead (and Living)

In ancient Egypt, tombs were built on the Nile’s west bank, where the sun set, while the living resided on the other side. Today, Cairo’s City of the Dead blurs that line. With a population exceeding 22 million, resources are stretched thin, leading many to live among the tombs.

This 1,200-year-old cemetery is the world’s oldest Muslim burial ground still in use. Thousands of families reside among the marble tombs, caring for their departed. But even this refuge faces threats as city officials consider razing it for a highway.

Arizona Sky Village: Where Everyone’s an Astronomer

Imagine a place where everyone keeps their eyes on the stars. That’s Arizona Sky Village in remote southeast Arizona, a 450-acre haven for stargazers. Unlit houses equipped with observatories dot the landscape.

The Chiricahua Mountains shield the Sky Village from light pollution. With no outdoor lights and blackout-shaded windows, the 21 households here enjoy deep dives into the universe, far from city lights.

Giethoorn: The Dutch Venice

Giethoorn, founded in 1230, is known as “the most beautiful and fairytale village in the Netherlands.” Car-free, it’s also called the “Venice of the Netherlands” due to its canals, hand-dug for peat transport.

Life moves at a slower pace here. Small islands, connected by 176 bridges, feature farmhouses and quaint Dutch homes with thatched roofs. Despite attracting over a million tourists annually, Giethoorn preserves its unique character.

Masuleh: Ancient Iranian Village of Rooftops

Perched at a steep 60-degree incline in the Alborz mountains, Masuleh is an ancient Iranian village. Originating as an ironwork center over a thousand years ago, it moved due to misfortune.

To maximize space, the stepped structures integrate into the incline, with rooftops serving as public spaces. Cars are prohibited here! When you exit a building, you’re likely to find yourself on a rooftop plaza, a unique feature of this town.

Casey: The Little Town of Big Things

Roadside attractions are an iconic part of Americana. Casey, Illinois, takes this to another level. This town is filled with oversized objects, including (nearly) 14-foot-tall knitting needles and a 32-foot-tall measuring stick.

But the real draw? Casey boasts multiple of the world’s very biggest things, often matched with inspiring scripture quotes. Highlights include a 54-foot-tall wind chime, an 82-foot-long seesaw, and gigantic wooden shoes.

Sighișoara: The Fortified Medieval Town

Sighișoara, Romania, is a medieval marvel. This fortified town played a key role in commerce for centuries. Its idyllic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Founded by German craftspeople around 1280, Sighișoara feels like a fairy tale brought to life. Its imposing citadel, churches, and civil architecture transport visitors to the Middle Ages.

Laredo: The Old West Town (in England)

Laredo represents the American Wild West from 1865 to 1889. It features a grand hotel, saloon, blacksmith, and more, all meticulously staged. But you won’t find this Laredo in the US; it’s located 20 miles from London.

Founded in 1971, it’s England’s (and perhaps Europe’s) most accurate historical representation of its kind. Used for filming and recreations, Laredo is even being rebuilt after a fire.

Maaloula: Where They Still Speak the Language of Jesus

Maaloula, an ancient Syrian village, is one of the oldest Christian settlements. Nestled in rugged mountains northeast of Damascus, it is a truly special place.

As one of the few places where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite a turbulent history, Maaloula continues to preserve its unique linguistic heritage.

Nzulezo of the Dark Waters

The Ghanaian village of Nzulezo floats on Lake Tadane’s dark waters. This stilt village caters to visitors but faces one peculiar issue: retaining schoolteachers. Nzulezo (meaning “water surface”) houses 500 residents along with the essentials, including a bar, school, churches, and a guesthouse.

The school, with over 80 pupils, struggles with teacher shortages. Many teachers can’t swim and with the water being deep, dark, and prone to rising quickly, it makes for a scary commute!

Hum: The World’s Smallest Town

The Croatian town of Hum is considered the smallest town in the world. It measures only about 300 feet long and 100 feet wide!

Legend has it that giants building nearby cities used leftover stones to create Hum. Historically enclosed by walls in the 11th century, Hum remains a miniature walled city. Who wouldn’t want to visit this adorable little town?

From stargazing havens to floating villages, our world is brimming with unique locales. Each place carries its own special charm and captivating history.

Which of these unique destinations sparked your curiosity the most? Leave your comment below!