Watts Towers

The Watts Towers, a collection of seventeen interconnected sculptures in Los Angeles, California, was created by Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia over a period of 33 years starting in 1921. The 100 foot masterpiece, also known as Nuestro Pueblo, was constructed from steel pipes and rods, wrapped with wire mesh, coated with mortar, and embellished with tiles, glass, seashells, rocks and other found objects. Rodia worked without the aid of scaffolding, building up one level at a time. Today it’s recognized as the world’s largest single construction by a one individual. If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, or are visiting, I would highly recommend paying The Watts Towers a visit. I still can’t believe I grew up in Los Angeles and had never seen it in person before. WTF

(all images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

28 Comments

  1. Este wrote:

    It reminds me of the work of Guadí!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  2. Este wrote:

    Gaudí (of course)!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  3. Danijela wrote:

    It looks beautiful!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  4. Angie wrote:

    Beautiful! Totally Gaudi-ish….! 🙂 Love Gaudí…..!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  5. Elledoc wrote:

    Love this! Absolutely Gaudi-esque, and I love the seashells and green bottle bottoms!

    http://dreamsofcezanne.blogspot.com/

    12.4.11
    Reply
  6. Sarah wrote:

    Surprised you guys didn’t post the video of this guy. He’s amazing. It’s a beautiful story of pursuing his passion for his entire lifetime and in every spare moment he had…and irregardless of his credentials. Inspiration for all of us. Here’s the vid link> http://pinterest.com/pin/149392912608746590/

    12.4.11
    Reply
  7. Léa wrote:

    It reminds me of the work of Gaudi but even more of Ferdinand Cheval, a french postman who also spent thirty-three years of his life building “Le Palais Idéal” in France. You should look at this :
    http://www.facteurcheval.com/
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Cheval

    By the way, I love your blog!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  8. Zuzankita wrote:

    so beautiful 🙂

    GIVEAWAY on my blog
    karissaworld.blogspot.com

    12.4.11
    Reply
  9. Zane wrote:

    gorgeous

    12.4.11
    Reply
  10. Olivia wrote:

    Bucket list now.

    12.4.11
    Reply
  11. KYBOE USA wrote:

    Sabato Rodia – What an incredible man! Loved the link Sarah posted above.

    12.4.11
    Reply
  12. Hannah wrote:
    12.4.11
    Reply
  13. Tammy wrote:

    Had no idea they were so beautiful. I always thought it was just a pile of junk. They remind me of Gaudi in Barcelona.

    12.4.11
    Reply
  14. this looks magical. amazing

    http://www.dragonnfruit.com

    12.4.11
    Reply
  15. i lived in LA for how many years and didn’t know this. i agree with everyone else, it reminds me of Gaudi’s work.

    http://www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com

    12.4.11
    Reply
  16. nicole wrote:

    AWESOME! Want to visit!!!

    12.4.11
    Reply
  17. DC2NY wrote:

    Striking TeXTuRes!
    Wow, this project looks grand! The artist must have been extremely passionate about his idea!
    Great landmark to visit!
    <3

    http://dc2nyconfessions.blogspot.com

    12.4.11
    Reply
  18. Stacy wrote:

    I drive by these all the time, just to take in their staggering beauty.

    12.4.11
    Reply
  19. Katherine wrote:

    We went on a field trip here in 3rd grade. I still remember it! Amazing how beautiful trash can become.
    http://katherinecarroll.blogspot.com/

    12.4.11
    Reply
  20. mama-t wrote:

    what beautiful and completely crazy creations!

    12.5.11
    Reply
  21. J Umm wrote:

    reminds me of barcelona!

    STYLE DECORUM

    12.5.11
    Reply
  22. That is awesome! I definitely have to visit that next time I’m in LA.

    – Sara @ Gameday Stylist
    http://www.gamedaystylist.com

    12.5.11
    Reply
  23. Three cheers for Watts Towers!

    12.6.11
    Reply
  24. megan wrote:

    I went here a few years ago. It was a great place to visit.

    12.6.11
    Reply
  25. Katherine wrote:

    This is amazing and gorgeous. The shots in and of themselves are beautiful as well. Definitely on my list of places to visit before I die.

    http://alittledestruction.blogspot.com/

    12.14.11
    Reply
  26. angela wrote:

    I love your pics of the Watts Towers! It is an amazing structure, glad you got to see it!

    1.3.12
    Reply