Four Surprisingly Beautiful Spots

From old bunkers in Barcelona to a Norwegian furniture factory – these non-attractions are surprisingly stunning.

Bunkers del Carmel, Barcelona

The idea of “Bunkers” doesn’t exact conjure up beauty but these anti-aircraft fortifications, built in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War and left to crumble, offer a spectacular panoramic view of Barcelona.

Ekornes Factory, Norway

Scandinavia's largest furniture manufacturer looks like a scene right out of Frozen. This just may be the most beautiful factory in the world. 

Warsaw University Library

Inside the library, is, well, a plain library. The roof, however, is home to one of the largest and most picturesque roof gardens in Europe with more than a hectare of sprawling green space and the best views overlooking the city and Vistula river.

Palacio Barolo office building, Buenos Aires

This is a stunning office building but its eye-catching exterior doesn’t tell the full story. Its design principles and ratios are based on Dante’s Inferno, with floors representing “hell”, “purgatory” and “heaven”. When the business day is done there is one operator who runs intimate tours that finish in the small lighthouse at the top, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city.