It’s no surprise that travelers have much different interpretations and experiences of the world’s many landmarks than the locals who live around those landmarks do. Most often, the locals merely come to hate the landmarks due to the volume of tourists they attract. In some certain cases, though, there are much deeper reasons why locals might actually hate a landmark. What are the seven landmarks that are most despised by locals in the world? Let’s take a look…
1. Mount Rushmore
A stunning tribute to some of America’s greatest leaders, sure… But, did you know that Mount Rushmore was literally built on land held sacred by the Sioux? You may not have known that, but the Sioux definitely do.
2. The African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal
In Senegal, the name of former president Abdoulaye Wade is synonymous with ineptitude and corruption. Unsurprisingly, the locals regard this $27-million statue that he had constructed with disdain.
3. Nathan Bedford Forrest Statue in Memphis
What if we told you there’s a Confederate-era statue in Memphis that pays homage to one of the instrumental people in the founding of the KKK? Well there is, and you can bet what people think of it…
4. The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
Although this building is something to behold, to the locals it’s merely a reminder of the communist government that ruled until 1989. Many don’t want to be reminded up that period in history.
5. The Peter the Great Statue in Moscow
Muscovites hate this statue for two reasons. First, they remember that Peter the Great didn’t want Moscow to be the capital of Russia. Second, just look at this thing! What an eyesore!
6. Valley of the Fallen in Madrid
To tourists, it’s a beautiful compound with a 500-foot cross soaring overhead. To locals it’s the resting place of General Francisco Franco and a place that was constructed by de facto slave labor.
7. The Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo
Ostensibly the resting place of Christopher Columbus’ bones, this dramatic lighthouse was built on land that was usurped from Dominican people who had previously lived there…
