There are hundreds of places around the world which exude a sense of mystery. Whether it is, “who built this?” or “what could this be used for?” these sites stimulate our imaginations and intrigue us. They leave us with an unsettling sense of wonder and bewilderment. They show us the reality that man has much to learn.

    Here are a few of these sites. Most of these places are surrounded with mystery, and there are many theories about the origins or circumstances. Take, for instance, one of the all-time mysterious places, Stonehenge (see ETE #61). No one is sure who built  the giant circle, or why. We are befuddled about how these huge stones reached their final destination, as well.

Stonehenge

 Another of the world’s eeriest places is Loch Ness. There have been numerous sightings of “Nessie,” the Loch Ness Monster, over the years. But is there really a monster hidden in the murky depths of the lake? Just ask any Scot.

Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness

 What ever happened to the builders of Mesa Verde and similar sites in the Southwest? No one really knows. It appears that they simply abandoned these cliff dwellings and vanished.

Mesa Verde

In Rhode Island, no one is sure who built the Old Stone Mill, in Newport. Perhaps it was the Vikings.

Old Stone Mill, Newport, RI

   Even though geologists are sure about the origin of Devil’s Tower, in Wyoming, the Native Indian culture has interesting legends about it. The striations are thought to be caused by a bear who was trying to get at Native children, but the structure kept rising fast enough to prevent the bear from reaching them.

Devil's Tower

There are many mysteries associated with the infamous Tower of London.

Tower of London

Knossos Palace, on the island of Crete, is another mysterious place. The Minoan culture which seemed to thrive there for hundreds of years vanished all of a sudden. Was it because of the eruption of the volcano which devastated Santorini Island?

Knossos Palace

What mysteries do the ancient Mayan sites hold? What, actually, was society like back then? Did they really believe in human sacrifice? These and other mysteries are associated with Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza

In Santa Fe, the remarkable Loretto Staircase was built by a mysterious carpenter who came and left the city without leaving his name. The staircase is an architectural and engineering marvel.

Loretto Chapel Staircase

Another vanishing population is dramatized by the play, “The Lost Colony,” performed each summer at an outdoor venue, shown below, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The Lost Colony