#3: The Two Towers

Does anyone else get The Lord of the Rings vibe looking at this picture? This black monstrosity is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption (Cathedral of our Lady of Assumption) in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Its gothic style is only exacerbated by the fact that it’s entirely constructed from lava rock. Construction was finished in 1248, which means it’s nearly 800 years old. A building that old has to be haunted, right?

The original building was constructed in the 400s but was destroyed three times before the final structure we see today. That said, the facade was reconstructed twice in the 1800s due to civil unrest that damaged much of the outer layout and three of the four spires. This building has a history unlike any other and is a must-see attraction when visiting this part of France.