Chichen Itza Pyramid, Mexico
A majestic ancient global wonder towers towering in the lush jungles of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula: the Chichen Itza Pyramid. The Mayans created this enormous edifice, also known as El Castillo, over a thousand years ago, and it remains one of the most awe-inspiring and well-preserved specimens of Mayan architecture and astronomy. The pyramid’s distinctive design is claimed to correspond with the movement of the sun, casting a serpent-like shadow on the equinoxes. Despite its significance, tourists are not permitted to climb to the summit of the pyramid, and several portions are off-limits to the public. Over the years, the appeal of the pyramid’s ancient past and the mystery of its purpose has inspired innumerable explorers, scholars, and artists, giving it a source of endless intrigue and wonder for people all over the world. The Chichen Itza Pyramid is a tribute to past civilizations’ brilliance and inventiveness, as well as the enduring attractiveness of human achievements.
Mount Weather, Virginia, US
Mount Weather is a top-secret subterranean complex deep in the Virginia highlands that is supposed to house one of the world’s most advanced disaster response centers. This Cold War-era federal complex was created to serve as a safe refuge for the US government in the event of a national emergency, ranging from nuclear war to natural disasters. The complex is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including its own power and water supply, and can house and sustain a small population of government leaders and workers for months at a time. Despite its importance, the facility is cloaked in mystery, with little information about its activities or layout available. The complex is strictly forbidden to enter, with high-tech security systems and armed guards patrolling the perimeter. Mount Weather’s hidden world and its role in defending the US government and its residents during times of crisis have spawned various conspiracy theories and speculation, adding to the attraction and mystery of this forbidden area.