45 of the Strangest and Most Unique Buildings From All Over the World

This article appeared in instantlymodern.com and has been published here with permission.

Buildings and houses around the world don’t always follow traditional designs. Sometimes, the architects decide to take a different route and end up creating bizarre structures that delight and puzzle the onlookers, all at once. Some of these buildings are innovative and decorative, while some actually have people living in them. Here are some such wacky and unusual buildings that'll make you scratch your head.

King Alfred’s Tower

King Alfred's Tower in Somerset, England is more decorative than anything. The structure is named after Alfred the Great, who won a battle there.

Giving off serious Rapunzel vibes, the castle's topmost level can be reached through a spiral staircase. With stunning views to feast your eyes on, this castle is a must-visit for all tourists. It's also a testament to how some buildings serve no purpose other than just being a mark of success and victory.

The Crooked House

Built in 1765, the crooked house is a building that's - as the name suggests - crooked. Standing on a mine shaft, it has slightly sunk to one side over time due to mining practices and it now appears lopsided.

The crooked house is actually a place where people can socialize in the UK and is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Be careful though, if you suffer from vertigo, this building might not be the one you want to step in.

Hằng Nga Guesthouse, Vietnam

Also known as Dalat Crazy House, the Hang Nga Guesthouse resembles a giant tree and is as bizarre a guesthouse as it could be. The place was designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga and is marketed as a fairy-tale-themed house.

The house has a lot of twists and turns, nooks and crannies, and other things that make it mysterious and magical. With handcrafted furniture and numerous sculptures, it truly is an experience you'll never forget.

Monsanto Houses, Monsanto, Portugal

The houses in Monsanto, which are in use even today, are a huge tourist draw for people visiting Portugal. These buildings are highly unique as they are built around, between, and under gigantic boulders that are scattered around the tiny village.

The boulders become everything, from the walls to the roofs of these bizarre and truly one-of-a-kind houses. Some of these boulders even have doors fitted into them! The village has been given heritage status, so it's here to stay!