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https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thebes-historical-courthouse

Built by Henry Ernst Barkhausen, who is buried in nearby Thebes Cemetery, this courthouse was built of local limestone on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

It was dedicated in 1848, and served as the courthouse until 1861, when the county seat was moved to Cairo, Illinois. The basement features two jail cells, in one of which Dred Scott was long rumoured to have been incarcerated. 

The seat of Alexander County was moved from America, Illinois (now in Pulaski County), then to Unity, then to Thebes, then to Cairo. The Thebes courthouse is the oldest remaining of the various courthouses which served the county. 

The building served as a WPA library from the 1930s until the WPA was dissolved in 1943, and then continued as a city library until the 1950s. 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/thebes-historical-courthouse

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/darcy-ribeiro-memorial-beijodromo-the-kissing-hall

Starting with its architecture full of symbolism, the Beijódromo stands out for its striking circular design resembling a flying saucer; an expression of Darcy Ribeiro’s wish for a space that united memory, social life, and culture. Darcy, a renowned Brazilian anthropologist, envisioned what became known as the Darcy Ribeiro Memorial, affectionately nicknamed the Beijódromo.

The building’s external form features circular, axial lines—almost like a “disc” or “UFO” in appearance, with a central raised dome that allows zenithal light to flood the space. It is surrounded by a reflecting pool filled with Victoria amazonica water lilies, shallow waters and aquatic plants that reinforce the atmosphere of contemplation and give the impression that the structure floats above the surface.

Its design also emphasizes natural ventilation. At its core lies a spacious hall illuminated by a skylight, where narrow upper slits filter soft, indirect light. The space includes a large social area, a restaurant, several classrooms, an auditorium, and a library. Its flowing architecture invites movement, dialogue, and coexistence.

The name Beijódromo (“Kissing Hall”) was coined by Darcy Ribeiro himself to evoke romance, social encounters, and musical serenades. Sadly, he passed away before the Beijódromo was completed.

A beautiful spot for photography, cultural visits, lunch, or simply for wandering aimlessly through the green expanses of the University of Brasília.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/darcy-ribeiro-memorial-beijodromo-the-kissing-hall

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/quartier-exentric

Situated only 13km from the Belgian border, Dunkerque is the northernmost city in France. The region is best known for its red brick houses. However, on the outskirts of the city, one neighbourhood stands out for its colourful, unusual houses: the 'Quartier Excentric' (Eccentric district).

The history of these thirty or so houses is as unique as their architecture. This district was not supposed to exist at the beginning of the 20th century. Although it was located in the neighbouring municipality of Rosendael, it was situated in front of the city of Dunkirk's fortifications. Only wooden structures, which could easily be dismantled, were permitted there. In 1926, François Reynaert, an interior designer, purchased a plot of land there. He built his own house – l'Escargot, No. 147 Rue Carnot – without having studied architecture, instead improvising as an architect.

The permit was logically refused by the military authorities. But that didn't matter. He built his house in 1927. He received a fine and paid it. However, this legal mishap did not stop him: he did the same thing for the neighbouring house — Les Roses, No. 143 Rue Carnot — and, unsurprisingly, the authorities fined him a second time.

This time, he set the machine in motion: he sold the plots of land he had created behind his house, on the condition that he would design the houses that would be built on them. For each house, he created a unique design that was tailored to the tastes and financial means of the future owner.

Each house had a name that generally influenced its appearance. The result was a wide variety of shapes, colours, and materials. The last building added to this complex was the 'Excentric Moulin' dance hall. After World War II, only qualified architects were permitted to construct buildings. In total, Reynaert built 35 houses in the district.

Seven houses were listed as Historic Monuments in 1988, followed by an eighth in 2016. These classifications recognise the importance of this unique and colourful complex. A century after they were built, the quality and originality of the complex are finally being recognised, and this is a source of pride for the neighbourhood's residents.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/quartier-exentric

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wesley-memorial-monument

Directly across the street from the entrance to the Fort Frederica National Monument which is maintained by the National Park Service, is the Wesley Church at Frederica. The church, along with the Episcopal Church, Christ Church Frederica, which is located down the street, was donated 20 acres of land, divided equally, by Alfred W. Jones, Jr., in 1984.

The two churches created the Wesley Memorial Garden where the Wesley Memorial Monument is located. The monument was erected in honor of John and Charles Wesley who served as clergymen at Fort Frederica for 2 years.

John Wesley, who is said to have coined the phrase, "Agree to disagree," is best known as the creator of Methodism. His brother, Charles Wesley, is the writer of hymns still sung today, including the Christmas song, "Hark! The Harold Angels Sing."

The memorial is a Celtic cross that is 18 feet high, weighs 15 tons, and was built with granite from Georgia.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/wesley-memorial-monument