15 MOST AMAZING Clifftop Buildings
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00:00Hey everyone, today we're counting down the 15 most stunning clifftop buildings that are perched dramatically on the edges of cliffs around the world.
00:07Starting with number 15, the Fang Weng restaurant.
00:10All right, perched dramatically on the cliffs near the Happy Valley of Xilin Gorge in Hubei Province, China,
00:16the Fang Weng restaurant offers a dining experience unlike any other.
00:20Approaching the restaurant, visitors cross a narrow concrete bridge leading to an unassuming gray brick building, which serves as the entrance.
00:27Beyond this facade lies the real marvel. The restaurant itself caves into the cliffside, offering diners a unique perspective over the gorge.
00:34For thrill-seekers, there's even a nearby bungee-jumping platform.
00:38Descending down the steps in what can only be described as a natural cave lobby,
00:42guests are greeted by warm golden-yellow lighting that enhances the rustic charm.
00:47A 30-meter long plank road skirts along the cliff face, leading to another cavernous dining hall that's been ingeniously
00:53transformed into a cozy space for enjoying local cuisine.
00:57Inside the dining hall, some tables are positioned at the very edge of the cliff, offering diners an experience like no other,
01:04suspended in midair with the rushing waters of the Yangtze River visible below.
01:08Oh, and the restaurant derives its name from Lu Yu, a renowned poet from the Southern Song Dynasty,
01:13who was said to have brewed tea in a cave on those very mountainsides, adding a touch of history to the already magical setting.
01:21Number 14, Roque Madure.
01:24In southwestern France is one of the most striking and precariously situated communes in the world.
01:30Nestled in the Lot department within the historic province of Kersee, this village has captivated visitors for centuries.
01:37The allure of Roque Madure begins with its dramatic setting, a series of monastic buildings and pilgrimage churches clinging to the gorge above a
01:45tributary. The village itself cascades down the cliffs in a display of medieval architecture.
01:50Now, the origins here are steeped in legend. According to tradition, the village is named after Saint Amador, a hermit believed to have lived in
01:57a cave within the cliffs. Now, the natural landscape surrounding here is captivating. Lush forests, verdant meadows, and imposing limestone cliffs
02:06create an amazing backdrop.
02:08The view at sunrise or sunset when the golden and ochre hues of the village's stones are illuminated is really mesmerizing.
02:15Now, the cliffs themselves have played a vital role in the history and development of Roque Madure.
02:20Their presence provided a natural defense, safeguarding the village through tumultuous periods.
02:25Though the Dordogne River doesn't flow directly through this place, its tributaries and surrounding valley have historically facilitated trade and communication.
02:33The river's gorges add an aquatic dimension to the landscape, enhancing an array of activities.
02:40Number 13. Amangiri.
02:42Built within the cliffs of southern Utah,
02:45exudes an air of seclusion that makes it look like the perfect layer for a bond villain.
02:50The moment you begin the bumpy journey along the dusting road leading to Amangiri, the real scenery starts to unfold.
02:56Orange promontories like skyscrapers above barren stretches of a 180-million-year-old desert, a
03:02coyote silhouetted against a swollen pink sky adds to the otherworldly vibe.
03:07Located about four-hour drive from Las Vegas, Amangiri is a world away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
03:13It epitomizes the essence of seclusion.
03:16This hotel serves as a portal to its destination, focusing on architecture, service, food, and spa.
03:23Its design is spartan and minimalistic, yet exceptionally well-appointed. The 34 rooms,
03:29contemporary interpretations of Native American shelters, each with panoramic windows that frame the breathtaking views, have terraces that feature
03:36outdoor fireplaces and the desert pool suite.
03:39Amangiri's location is part of the allure. There is no neighborhood here,
03:44no downtown to disturb the peace, and Lake Powell, with its sleepy, almost comatose town, is a 20-minute drive away.
03:51The Navajo Reservation is nearby, too, offering some opportunities to explore slot canyons like national parks like Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Zion,
03:59and colossal rocks for climbing, making it a haven for adrenaline junkies and some adventure seekers.
04:05Number 12. The Sphinx Observatory.
04:08Perched on a shockingly steep precipice in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland,
04:12the Sphinx Observatory stands as an example of human ingenuity and curiosity.
04:18This remarkable structure, situated at the so-called top of Europe, offers an environment like no other for scientific research.
04:24Scientists have long sought out the world's most remote and harsh environments to conduct their studies,
04:29and mountaintops are among some of the best and most rewarding.
04:33The Jungfraujoch Station, which opened in 1912, became the highest railway stop in Europe, providing unprecedented access to high altitudes.
04:41The Sphinx Observatory, completed in 1937, emerged from this influx of scientific activity.
04:47The observatory is more than just an observatory.
04:50It's a hub of scientific exploration. It houses multiple labs, a weather observation station,
04:56astronomical and meteorological domes, and a 76-centimeter telescope.
05:00Researchers in fields such as glaciology, medicine, cosmic ray physics, and astronomy have all utilized the Sphinx for decades.
05:07Now beyond the scientific contributions, the Sphinx Observatory offers visitors vertigo-inducing panoramic views of the snowy Alps,
05:14lush green valleys, and the sprawling Great Alps Glacier.
05:17The metal grating terrace that surrounds the observatory also allows for some unobstructed views, stretching over
05:2311,000 feet below and extending as far as Germany and Italy.
05:28It's a sight that inspires you and reminds you of the vastness and beauty of our planet.
05:34Number 11. Pike's Peak Summit House.
05:37Perched at 14,115 feet above sea level, the Pike's Peak Summit House offers a culinary experience as unique as its location.
05:46Pike's Peak, known to Spanish explorers as El Capitan, and first documented by Zebulon Pike during his 1806 expedition,
05:53has long been a site of fascination.
05:56Edwin James made the Pike's first recorded ascent in 1820. Today, reaching the summit is far more accessible,
06:02whether by driving up the Pike's Peak Highway, riding the Pike's Peak Cog Railway, or hiking the 12.6-mile Bar Trail from Manitou Springs.
06:10Upon reaching the summit, visitors are greeted by the Pike's Peak Summit House, a combination restaurant and gift shop.
06:15The thinner air here and lower atmospheric pressure at this elevation significantly affect the boiling point of water, which alters how food is cooked.
06:23Since 1916, though, the summit house has utilized a special recipe to produce uniquely fried donuts, leveraging the unique atmospheric conditions.
06:32The lower air pressure here means water boils at a much lower temperature, requiring adjustments in cooking methods.
06:38This has led to the creation of summit house-renowned donuts, which have a distinct texture and flavor that can't be replicated at lower elevations.
06:46While the breathtaking views from Pike's Peak are a spectacle in their own right, many visitors find themselves entranced by the magical mountain donuts.
06:5510. FALL HOUSE IN CALIFORNIA
06:59Perched on the rugged cliffs of Big Sur's south coast, the Fall House is a stunning three-bedroom home that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings.
07:08Anchored to the natural power of this iconic California landscape, the Fall House epitomizes eco-forward design.
07:15The design strategy for the Fall House embeds the structure within the land, making it an inseparable part of its context.
07:22The site has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with a 250-foot drop, both along the bluff and the western exposure.
07:29And instead of a simple giant picture window, the house's long, thin volume conforms and deforms to the natural contours of the land.
07:37The house is cantilevered 12 feet back from the bluff to protect the cliff and ensure the structure's integrity and safety.
07:43The house's south facade is clad in copper, which wraps up the wall and over the roof with overhang,
07:49protecting the windows and front door from the sun and ocean winds.
07:52The north facade is made entirely of glass, opening the house to the view while ensuring natural daylight in all rooms.
07:58Low-east solar control glazing is insulated and set into a thermally broken custom steel frame,
08:04reducing solar gain, improving winter comfort, and offering superior performance without sacrificing any of those views.
08:129. PUENTE NUEVO
08:14Looking like something straight out of Game of Thrones, the Puente Nuevo bridges a dramatic chasm in the historic city of Ronda in Spain.
08:22This architectural marvel was born from tragedy. The initial construction collapsed, killing 50 people.
08:28In the 1700s, Ronda faced a unique challenge. The city had expanded to perch precariously on either side of the deep El Tajo Canyon,
08:36necessitating a better connection between its two halves.
08:39Thus, in the 1730s, plans were drawn for a new bridge at the canyon's top.
08:43The first attempt, led by architects José García and Juan Camancho in 1735,
08:48aimed to span the 390-foot deep chasm with a single arch design.
08:53The bridge was completed quickly, but proved disastrously unstable, collapsing in 1741 and claiming the lives of 50 people.
09:00In the shadow of this catastrophe, the work on the new bridge began in 1759.
09:04By 1778, the lower third of the new bridge was complete, but construction halted for several years.
09:10In 1785, another top architect took over and designed a structure with three arches far sturdier than the ill-fated single arch.
09:18Completed in 1793 after 34 years, the Puente Nuevo spanned 216 feet and soared 322 feet above the canyon floor.
09:28Since then, it's occasionally served as various other functions, thanks to a chamber above the central arch.
09:32The bridge, its location, history, and uses served as the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.
09:40Number 8. Bailong Elevator
09:43So while not technically a building, the Bailong Elevator is still a worthy entry onto the list.
09:49This elevator, standing tall on a national park in Hunan, China, is a marvel of modern engineering.
09:54Rising over a thousand feet into the sky, it claims the title of one of the world's tallest outdoor lifts,
10:01offering unparalleled views of sandstone pillars and verdant landscapes.
10:05It's located within towering quartz sandstone cliffs that resemble the floating Hallelujah Mountains from Avatar.
10:11Now construction started in 1999, involving an investment of approximately 20 million dollars to carve tunnels and shafts
10:18directly into the cliff face for the installation of three glass-faced double-decked elevators.
10:23Despite engineering prowess and practical benefits, the elevator has faced a little bit of scrutiny and controversy.
10:29Concerns over safety, particularly in an earthquake-prone region, prompted a 10-month closure shortly after opening.
10:35Today, earthquake detectors are installed in the elevator cars to ensure prompt evacuation in case of seismic activity. Moreover,
10:42environmentalists raise objections to the elevator's construction within a protected national park.
10:47Proponents, however, argue that the elevator has mitigated damage to mountain trails by diverting foot traffic away from sensitive areas.
10:54It's also facilitated many day trips, reducing the need for overnight stays and the associated infrastructure, such as hotels and guest house,
11:02thus minimizing overall environmental impact.
11:05Moving on to number seven, Al Hajar.
11:09While it may not fit the typical Disney castle stereotype, Yemen's Dar Al Hajar Palace, perched atop a natural rock spire, is
11:17undeniably fantastic.
11:19This Middle Eastern-style palace, as seen today, was constructed relatively recently, in the 1930s, by an Islamic spiritual leader.
11:26However, it stands on the foundations of a pre-existing structure built in the 1700s by an Islamic scholar.
11:33Intended as the leader's summer residence, the tall castle featured various facilities, including rooms for receiving esteemed guests and spaces
11:40dedicated to cooling water and earthen jars. The Imam Yahya was assassinated in 1948,
11:45but his iconic palace endures as a symbol of Yemeni architecture.
11:49As captivating as the interior is, the exterior is what truly sets it apart.
11:54Combined with the natural rock on which it stands, the palace looks like a monumental creation straight out of a fantasy book.
12:00Situated in the Wadi Dar Valley, the palace offers vistas of the surrounding area, with stark contrast between the lush valley below and the arid terrain.
12:09This unique setting is not only underscoring the strategic importance of Dar Al Hajar, but also enhances its appeal.
12:15Dar Al Hajar is an extraordinary location, making it a must-see destination for those exploring Yemen's rich cultural heritage.
12:246. Sky Lodge
12:26On an Andean cliff overlooking a sacred valley, three ovular glass pods dangle precariously from the rock face.
12:34They're not art installations, nor UFOs. They're hotel rooms.
12:39The Sky Lodge is comprised of three transparent pods, each about the size of a tiny airplane cabin.
12:45Reaching these pods, though, is an adventure in itself.
12:48Guests have to hike up 1,200 feet of Via Ferrata or opt for a zipline journey at an extra cost.
12:54Once they're there, though, they're rewarded with a bird's-eye view of the sacred valley and the surrounding Andes.
12:59At night, the view gets even better, and it transforms into a stunning panorama of the Milky Way.
13:05So, would you sleep in a transparent capsule hanging off the side of a mountain?
13:09Well, this is the idea behind the Sky Lodge Adventure Suites.
13:13The pods offer views of the valley below, and at night, guests can enjoy the spectacle of a star-filled sky through the transparent walls.
13:21Downed pillows and quilts ensure a cozy sleep that is if you can catch your breath.
13:25Constructing these unique lodges was no easy feat. Getting things up there was pretty hard, and to withstand the winds, there were significant challenges.
13:33According to Nature Vive, the pods, made from aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate, are secure and safe for guests.
13:41So they say.
13:44Number 5. Ben Abeba
13:46Lalibela, Ethiopia, renowned for its 12th-century rock-hewn churches and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
13:54now hosts a modern marvel that contrasts sharply with its ancient surroundings.
13:58Ben Abeba, this unique restaurant, perched high on a hill in the north side of town, resembles a snail shell or a bouquet of flowers,
14:06appearing almost otherworldly.
14:08The restaurant's location provides patrons with a panoramic view of the breathtaking river valley below,
14:13thanks to its curved decks that jut out from the central spiraling staircase.
14:17The restaurant was the brainchild of Susan Atchison, a retired home economics professor from Scotland.
14:23Initially visiting Ethiopia to help a friend set up a school, she fell in love with the country and decided to stay.
14:29Ben Abeba's menu is a fusion of traditional Ethiopian dishes and western cuisine, sometimes creatively combining elements of both.
14:37Despite the challenges of running a restaurant in an area with an unreliable electricity infrastructure and refrigeration,
14:43they've managed to create a successful and popular dining destination.
14:47The geological setting of Ben Abeba is fascinating as its design. A restaurant situated in the Ethiopian highlands,
14:54a region characterized by its dramatic landscapes. The high elevation provides cooler temperatures and stunning vistas,
15:00making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy a meal while taking in the natural beauty.
15:07Number four, Hearst Castle.
15:10William Randolph Hearst, the sensationalist newspaper magnate who shaped the course of journalism in the 20th century,
15:16and served as an inspiration for a citizen Kane, was showy and flamboyant in his personal life,
15:22and his magnificent castle on the central California coast was no exception.
15:27Though it was originally conceived as a modest bungalow atop the hilly ranchland his father purchased in the 1860s,
15:34W.R. Hearst's home grew into a mansion of epic proportions.
15:38La Cuesta Encantada, the Enchanted Hill, was informally known as The Ranch,
15:44an almost comical understatement of the house's size. By the time it was finished, it contained over
15:49165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens and terraces.
15:54There were multiple libraries, an exotic zoo, tennis courts, numerous guest cottages, and stables where Arabian horses were bred.
16:01The outdoor Neptune pool was built and remodeled three times to suit the authentic Roman temple facade Hearst had shipped in from Italy.
16:09Hearst did live in the home, hosting lavish parties throughout its construction until his failing health forced him to relocate in 1947.
16:16He died in 1951, and in 58 the palatial estate was designated a California State Park.
16:22Today, just as then, people are eager to catch a glimpse of how the world's most notorious newspaper magnate lived in glamour,
16:28while the rest of the country suffered the economic devastation of the 1930s.
16:34Number 3. Huatfazoncao
16:36Hidden away high up in the hills of north-central Thailand,
16:40Huatfazoncao is a Dharma retreat for monks and Buddhists. This mountaintop sanctuary with a preaching hall, pagoda, and surrounding gardens
16:48has a stunning design that reflects its youthfulness. The site's location at Khao Kho was chosen for its natural beauty
16:55intended to inspire meditation.
16:57The Buddhas are nested together in the meditation pose, looking out over the valley. Each one is slightly larger than the one before,
17:04forming a modern and refreshing design with a few hints of traditional Thai architecture.
17:09The non-traditional designs extends to the pagoda, which is inspired by the shape of a lotus flower.
17:14The pagoda spans five levels and a large glass structure hanging down through the center to connect each floor.
17:20The surfaces here are covered with over 5 million mosaic tiles, pottery shards, and pieces of teapots and china sets with no two patterns alike.
17:28It's colorful and quirky, and sitting in the middle of the mosaics is said to bring fortune and good luck.
17:33The temple's style feels out of place in the remote hills of northern Thailand,
17:39bearing a striking resemblance to the works of Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi.
17:43Its unique design stands apart from traditional Thai temples, but the views and inspiring landscape anchor it firmly in its surrounding.
17:51It offers unparalleled vantage points over the lush valleys below. This dramatic setting not only adds to the temple's ethereal nature,
17:58but it also emphasizes the spiritual retreat's purpose to provide a serene and inspiring environment for meditation and mindfulness.
18:07Number two, Casa Malaparte.
18:10Also known as the Villa Malaparte, it stands as an example of Italian modern and contemporary
18:17architecture on the rugged eastern cliffs of Capri in Italy, overlooking the Gulf of Salerno.
18:22Designed around 1937, the architect took charge of the construction himself,
18:26collaborating closely with local stonemason Adolfo Ametrano to bring his vision to life.
18:31The house is characterized by its striking red masonry box shape, which contrasts boldly with the natural surroundings.
18:38It's perched 32 meters above sea level, and it has commanding views of rugged coastline and the azure waters.
18:45Access to Casa Malaparte is challenging, and it adds to the mystique.
18:49Visitors can reach the house either by traversing a rugged trail from the town of Capri, or by navigating the sea to a staircase carved
18:56into the cliffside. This isolated location not only enhances the house's allure, but also underscores its cinematic appeal.
19:03Casa Malaparte's interior, including its rooftop patio, has been immortalized in Jean-Luc Godard's 1963 film Contempt,
19:10adding to its cultural significance.
19:12The marble sunken bath in the bedroom, the book line study, and other historical elements were carefully restored,
19:19making the house's history and artistic legacy important. Today, it serves more than just a residence.
19:25It's a venue for serious study, cultural events, and exhibitions.
19:28In fact, it had some pretty prolific visitors over the time, from writers to architects and painters to actors,
19:34all of whom have something special to say about this dangerous little clifftop abode.
19:40Number 1. Fangjingshan Temple.
19:43High in the eastern Jizhou province of China, amidst the towering Wuling Mountains,
19:48Fangjingshan, or Mount Fangjing, emerges dramatically from its rugged pinnacle, soaring over
19:548,400 feet above sea level. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 2018.
19:59It not only captivates with its natural splendor, but also houses two ancient Buddhist temples.
20:04Visitors must conquer a daunting climb of
20:088,888 steps, or opt for a cable car journey up from the base below.
20:11The temples themselves are situated on separate peaks connected by a narrow stone bridge that spans the chasm,
20:18a symbolic crossing into the realm of enlightenment for devout pilgrims.
20:22Historical records trace Buddhism's arrival to the region as early as 639 during the Tang Dynasty,
20:28with temples likely constructed in subsequent centuries.
20:31They're not just religious icons here, but they're also examples of perseverance and spiritual devotion.
20:36They were originally built during the Ming Dynasty.
20:39Temples were pilgrimage destinations, attracting believers seeking spiritual solace.
20:44Today, this place remains a sanctuary for both religious pilgrims and curious travelers.
20:48With over 2,000 endemic plant species and a wealth of endangered animals thriving in its diverse
20:54ecosystems, from the lofty heights of the Red Clouds Golden Summit, also known as New Golden Summit, where the temples stand,
21:01visitors are treated to panoramic vistas that stretch over the undulating landscape.
21:05The journey to these sacred sites, whether by arduous footsteps or aerial cable car, offers not just a physical challenge,
21:12but also a spiritual renewal and a profound connection with nature and history.
21:17Thanks for watching everyone. I'll see you next time.
21:20Thank you to our channel members.