Of all the buildings in the world, some are our safe homes, while others exist to evoke our imagination with their nature-defying design. Take a look at the world's 10 most dangerous buildings and experience the thrill of visiting them in person if you get the chance.
1. Capital Gate, UAE
Featuring a striking 18° lean, the 520-foot-tall Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi is a mixed-use skyscraper that includes branded hotels, residential apartments, and office buildings. Since its completion, it's become the city's focal point for its nature-defying design.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Leaning at a 3.99° angle, the tower is well-known for its unintended tilt caused by the inadequate ground foundation on one side. During the 1990s, extensive work was done to stabilize the structure. Now you can experience the thrill of standing on top of the tower, but only for 30 minutes per visit.
3. The Hanging Temple, China
The 1,400-year-old monastery, skillfully built into a cliff 246 feet above the ground, is the only existing temple honoring three Chinese traditional philosophies: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. At such a tremendous height, people's spirituality is drawn closer to their chosen God.
4. Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
With an altitude of 2,680 feet, the Neo-Gothic-style castle stands on a staggering cliff in the Swabian Alb, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. As dangerous as it might seem, the 180-year-old castle is a popular tourist attraction, exhibiting a large collection of armor and weapons.
5. Takasugi-an, Japan
Located in Nagano, Japan, Takasugi-an ("a teahouse built too high" in Japanese) was designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori for his own use. It is supported by two thin chestnut trees and can only be accessed via a free-standing ladder. One can relax on the bamboo mat inside the structure and enjoy the breathtaking views down the hill.
6. WoZoCo Apartments, Holland
Boasting a bold but attractive aesthetic design, WoZoCo Apartments in Amsterdam have been home to private residents for over 5 decades. But fun fact: the building wasn't originally constructed like this. The extra units protruding from the main structure were added simply to avoid occupying more land.
7. Meteora Monasteries, Greece
Built atop towering rock pillars in the 15th century, the Meteora ("hovering in the air" in Greek) Monasteries are one of the most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. It wasn't until a century ago that visitors could access the sacred structure through bridges and roads. Be extra cautious if you wish to enjoy the spectacle in person.
8. Puerta de Europa, Spain
Puerta de Europa (''Gate of Europe'' in Spanish) towers are two twin office buildings in Madrid. Completed in 1996, the buildings stand 374 feet high with a 15° incline towards each other. If you stand near the bottom of the buildings, you might get a feeling that they're falling down on top of you.
9. Sutyagin House, Russia
This 144-foot-high whimsical wooden house resembles the lair of a wicked fictional character. And it was actually built by a local crime lord! Though it still stands, neighbors are fearful of the potential fire hazard. You can get a closer look on the outskirts of Arkhangelsk, the European part of northern Russia.
10. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany
Believe it or not, this medieval steeple out leans the famous Pisa Tower with its 5.19° lean! If you ever get the chance to visit the 800-year-old church, make sure to take a picture of you holding up the tower to get a laugh from your friends!
