Watts Towers - a hymn to perseverance and a masterpiece of underground art created by one person (14 photos)
In an inconspicuous corner of Los Angeles, where three streets meet, bizarre structures reminiscent of fairytale castles rise into the sky. 
These are the Watts Towers, an astonishing monument to one man's tenacity, created without plans, sponsors, or formal training. 
The author of this architectural phenomenon is the Italian immigrant Sabbato (Simon) Rodia, who came to the States in search of a better life. Born in 1879 in the small village of Ribottoli, he changed many professions, was a builder, a miner, a railroad worker. These skills later came in handy for him to implement a grandiose plan.
33 years of hard work 
In 1921, Rodia bought a small plot of land and began building what he called "Nuestro Pueblo" ("Our Town"). Working alone, he used scrap materials: steel reinforcement, wire mesh, and concrete, and decorated the structures with whatever he could find: broken dishes, glass, shells, and even bottle caps. 
He often walked tens of kilometers a day in search of suitable elements for his mosaic. 
Local children were happy to help him, bringing him the "treasures" they found, and in return they were given the opportunity to be the first to see the new elements of this unusual structure.
Technical Features 
The main tower of the complex reaches a height of 30 meters, which makes it a record holder among thin reinforced concrete structures. The territory also includes a cozy gazebo with a round bench, elegant bird baths, a central column with a spire 11.5 meters high. 
There is also an amazing "Marco Polo Ship" with an 8-meter spire and a 42-meter wall completely covered with intricate mosaics.
Fight for preservation 
In 1954, after an accident (falling from a height), 75-year-old Rodia left his creation and moved in with his sister. When city authorities decided to demolish the "dangerous buildings," a group of enthusiasts organized an unusual experiment: they attached cables to the towers and tried to topple them over with a truck. 
The structures withstood the test, proving their strength. 
Today, the Watts Towers are recognized as a national historic monument, the most important cultural heritage of California and, of course, are an object that inspires artists and architects from all over the world. 
This unique complex is not just a collection of buildings, but a symbol of human perseverance, proof that one determined person is capable of creating something truly grandiose. 
