https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/monument-als-castellers

In the plazas of Catalonia, a centuries-old tradition continues to defy gravity and unite communities: the castells, or human towers. These awe-inspiring structures—reaching up to ten levels high—are built not with scaffolding or steel, but with the synchronized strength of people climbing atop one another, forming a living monument to balance, teamwork, and daring. Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010, castells remain a vital part of Catalan cultural identity.

While the tradition is practiced across the region, the city of Tarragona holds a special place in its history. Every two years, thousands gather in its grand Tarraco Arena Plaça for the Concurs de Castells, the most prestigious human tower competition in the world. Teams—called colles—train year-round to perfect their technique, hoping to achieve the elusive tres de deu amb folre i manilles, a ten-level tower requiring extraordinary coordination and courage.

In Tarragona, castells are more than a spectacle—they're part of the city’s heartbeat. The tradition is deeply woven into local festivals, schools, and neighborhoods, bringing together people of all ages, from toddlers who climb to the top as the agile enxaneta, to seasoned veterans forming the sturdy base. The communal spirit behind each tower is a reflection of Catalonia’s resilience and solidarity.

At the center of Rambla Nova, Tarragona’s main boulevard, stands a striking tribute to this tradition: a bronze monument capturing a frozen moment of ascent. Created by artist Francesc Anglès in 1999, the sculpture immortalizes the unity and tension of a castell that has just been crowned. Look closely and you’ll see individual expressions rendered in vivid detail—straining muscles, clasped hands, and upward gazes—each one part of a collective reaching higher, together.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/monument-als-castellers

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/copii-pe-banca-children-on-a-bench

In central Chișinău, two bronze children sit side by side on a bench, caught in a moment of innocent curiosity. The boy points excitedly toward a rooftop where a group of bronze animals—a cat ready to pounce and pigeons fluttering just out of reach—belong to the same sculpture group and could be easily missed without his gesture. Though many people call it the Cat Chasing Pigeons Sculpture, its real name is Copii pe bancă—Children on a Bench.

The artist behind the sculpture is Veaceslav Jiglițchi, who was made an honorary citizen of the Moldovan capital for his work around the city. He makes the figures look real but adds a playful, slightly kitschy touch. They feel like characters from a storybook, which makes people want to sit down and be part of the scene. This mix of real and fun is why locals like the sculpture so much.

The city hasn’t had an easy history—war, earthquakes, and years of tight budgets have left their mark. It’s not a place people usually call beautiful. Lately, though, local leaders have been adding public art to brighten things up and give residents something to connect with. Copii pe bancă is part of that effort, bringing a small moment of warmth and playfulness to a community still working on its future.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/copii-pe-banca-children-on-a-bench

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/equestrian-statue-of-viscount-gough

In the grounds of Chillingham Castle lies an intriguing sight. An equestrian statue, complete with plinth. It's a sight that is sure to raise questions. Who is it? Why is it here? The answers are both interesting and unexpected.

The statue is of Field Marshal Hugh Gough, Lord Gough, a noted officer in the British army whose service lasted over half a century. Born near Limerick in 1779, he joined the army as a teenager. After fighting in the Peninsular War, serving with Wellington and being twice wounded, he travelled to India in 1837. When the First Opium War broke out in 1839, he was chosen to command the British forces in China. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of the forces in India in 1843, he saw active service in the Anglo-Sikh Wars. Becoming Viscount Gough in 1849, he left active service later that year. He was promoted to Field Marshal in 1862, and died in 1869, aged 89.

A statue was first proposed as early as 1869, eventually being placed in Phoenix Park in 1878, sculpted by John Henry Foley, also known for his statues of Daniel O'Connell on Dublin and of Prince Albert in London's Albert Memorial. After Ireland gained its independence in the 1920s, statues of figures like Gough were destroyed/removed. After past attempts damaged the statue, in 1957, a blast destroyed it, and for nearly 30 years was kept in storage. A charming 1967 RTÉ news report shows footage of Gough in his sorry state being kept company by a statue of Queen Victoria, now located over 10,000 miles (17,000km) away in Sydney, Australia, and Lord Carlisle, who now resides in the gardens of Castle Howard in Yorkshire.

Sold to Robert Guinness in 1986, two years later the statue came into the possession of architecture and antiques expert Sir Humphry Wakefield, who embarked on a painstaking effort to restore it to its former glory, which was successful. In 1990 he had Gough relocated to his home at Chillingham Castle, complete once again.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/equestrian-statue-of-viscount-gough