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Out of five Sacred mountains in China, Mt. Heng (Heng shan) is one of them. It is located in Shanxi province. this fabulous state of the art locality was built in 491 AD. The art of Engg. that was used at that time is still offers a lots of attraction to modern engineers. It may be the first recorded instance of deliberate over engineering.The depth of the holes and the hardness of the rock provided a strong base. There are sufficient supports to ensure that if the crossbeams ever need to be replaced then one can be removed at a time without impacting on the structural integrity of the monastery.
2. Cappadocia – Turkey
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the ancient region of Anatolia. It was built during Roman Empire. It is an incredible example of how people have shaped and modified the already unusual geology and yet retained the natural mystery of its rocky spires and eye-twisting landscapes. Today Turkey may be one of the oldest examples of continuous human habitation in the world. it is believed that the area of Cappadocia and Göreme has been inhabited by people for many centuries it was during the Roman period that it was significantly expanded by new settlers and Christianity became the dominant religion of the region for the next several hundred years.
3. Matmata – Tunisia
It was not generally known until 1967 that there were regular settlements in this area besides wandering nomadic tribes. That year, intensive rains that lasted for 22 days inundated the troglodyte homes and caused many of them to collapse. In order to get help from the authorities, help was sent to the town of Gabes. The deligates were surprised to see people living there, but help was provided. However, most of the people continued their lives in re-built underground homes, and only a few of the families moved to the new surface dwellings. Today Matmata is a popular touist attraction and most of its population earns their living from exhibition of their homes and houses to tourist. The major source of income is the tourism. (http://en.wikipedia.org/)
4. Al Hajarah – Yemen
The unbelievable multistory houses of Al Hajarah was built in the 12th century and been rebuilt over the centuries slowly and completely covering the upper section of the outcrop. This has meant that by necessity the streets are narrow and some buildings seem to balance dangerously on the edge of steep cliffs. Its populace are said to be passionate with music and dancing.
5. The Roussanou Monastery
The monastery consists of three levels which include the church, cells, guest quarters, reception halls and a display hall. It is truly a remarkable place that has to be seen to be appreciated. Sadly, the new road at the base does detract from the mystery. Since 1988 Roussanou Monastery has been the home of a small group of nuns
6. Casa Do Penedo – Portugal
It is not fake it is real as it was been featured on Portuguese television, in the British Daily Mail Newspaper and on countless architecture websites. It is situated near the village of Pereira which is 1.3 kilometres to the south
7. Setenil De Las Bodegas
It is one the beautiful and breathe taking site to watch. A small but wonderfully built city there are houses built in a very unusual way under the mountains they are not in the caves but literally underneath heavy rocks and part of mountains. The village is a settlement that has slowly extended along the route of the Trejo River. It is indeed a place one should visit to admire the work done.
8. Principality Of Sealand
One of the strangest thing about The Principality of Sealand is the it is currently the home of several caretakers. while its de facto ruler, His Highness, Prince Michael (Bates) Regent of Sealand doesn’t live there any longer. The people of Sealand have been represented in various international sporting events, in the past, they have their own passports and currency too isn’t it strange?
9. Ponte Vecchio – Italy
Another strange but beautiful site to see. It was once the practice for people to live above their shops this has largely ceased although it is rumoured that some of the Ponte Vecchio shops still have small apartments hidden out of site of the many tourists and inhabitants of Firenze, Italy.
10. John O Groats
Around 1486 (John the Big) after he was awarded the right to operate the ferry to the nearby Orkney Islands, It is believed that the town’s strange name, John o’ Groats, came from Jan de Groot. It was roughly seven pounds in today’s money that he used to charge to for a journey to the outer islands.]]>
