Top 5 Unexplained Structures in the World That Still Puzzle Experts

Most unexplained structures in the world were now given explanations, thanks to modern archeologists. However, a few were still baffling to experts. According to Google, this is largely due to ancient civilizations not leaving behind written records about how and why certain structures were built, making it difficult to understand their origins and purposes.

At the same time, Design Times noted that natural forces like natural disasters have damaged unexplained structures in the world that ended up hiding the most important details about them.

In another Design Times report, some ancient structures were not actually built using advanced construction techniques or tools. There were just able to maximize what they can do best with what they have, which is coupled with large workforce due to slavery. 

However, there are still unexplained structures in the world that are still challenging to analyze for experts-leaving key questions about their origins and purpose unanswered.

Also Read: Top 5 Impossible Ancient Structures Explained

Top 5 Unexplained Structures in the World That Still Puzzle Experts

To date, meanings of hundreds of ancient and modern unexplained structures in the world are still up for debate. These top 5 takes the upper spot.

1. Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

When it comes to religious and cultural wonders, the churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia is one of the most unexplained structures in the world. Per UNESCO World Heritage, carved entirely out of solid rock, these eleven monolithic structures were constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Lalibela. 

Now in modern age, the exact methods used to carve these churches out of the rock are still unclear since there are no more surviving records from its period to explain its construction techniques.

Several theories attempt to explain the origins and methods behind the Lalibela churches. One "highly acceptable" theory from World Monuments Fund suggests that the structures were created with the help of divine intervention, given the period's belief in their spiritual value. This theory further detailed that the churches were built as a "New Jerusalem" for Ethiopian Christians during a time when the Holy Land was under Muslim control. 

2. The Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel

Besides ancient structures, there are of those that were built in the 1900s that became a mystery to its audience. The Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of them.

Built in the early 19th century, the staircase stands out because it has a spiral design and no visible supports or nails, which challenges traditional engineering knowledge at the time. 

One theory surrounding the staircase is that it was built by a mysterious carpenter who appeared in response to the prayers of the Sisters of Loretto. According to local legend, the carpenter, whose identity remains unknown, completed the staircase and disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only the unexplained structure.

3. The Great Pyramid of Giza

As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the great pyramid of Giza remains one of the most unexplained structures in the world. There were proved theories on how it came to be, like workforce and slavery, but there are features that baffles experts. 

First, a Medium article stated that scientists are still looking to find how the pyramid aligns with the cardinal points of the stars with precise mathematical equation. This led to a theory that the pyramid served as a celestial observatory or had astronomical importance to ancient people. 

Recent scientific investigations from History also noted that researchers have discovered evidence of electromagnetic energy within the pyramid, suggesting that the structure may have had some unknown or unexplained properties. 

These recent findings has fueled possibilities that the pyramid might have been designed with energy-producing skills, possibly linked to ancient knowledge or advanced technology not yet understood. 

4. Coral Castle

Fast forward to the early 20th century, Edward Leedskainin built another unexplained structures in the world-the Coral Castle, located in Homestead, Florida.

Per History, the site features massive stone blocks, some weighing several tons, which were carved and assembled into a castle-like formation. Despite Leedskalnin's claims of having built the entire structure alone, the methods he used to move and place these massive stones made experts raise questions. 

Interestingly-Leedskalnin was known to be interested in magnetism and claimed to have discovered a method of using magnetic fields, which some believe could have aided in the construction. 

However, no evidence has been found to conclusively support Leedskainin's claim when it comes to building the structure. At the same time, the creator himself did not share the purpose of building Coral Castle.

5. Eternal Flame Falls

Eternal Flame Falls receives a spot in the list with its natural yet mysterious structure, featuring a small waterfall with a persistent flame at its base. 

Now, Discovery explained that the flame, which burns continuously despite being submerged by the waterfall, is fueled by natural methane gas that seeps through the rocks and ignites when exposed to the air. 

However, it's not the flame's consistency that makes it unexplainable, it's how it has remained lit for so long considering it has been allegedly done by Native Americans thousands of years ago.

Unlike most in the list, several plausible theories attempt to explain this phenomenon. According to World Crunch, one theory is that the geological composition of the area, including specific types of rock formations, creates a stable environment for the methane gas to accumulate and be released.  Another theory proposes that the flame's location, combined with specific weather conditions and airflow patterns, helps sustain the methane gas release, allowing the flame to burn continuously despite the waterfall's presence.

Related Article: Top 5 Ancient Man-Made Structures That Reveal Lost Civilizations