Ilya Schurov thinks this is the time capsule from from Isaak Asimov’s The End Of Eternity. It’s really the elevator and stair (or ramp)-way in Prague’s Old Town Hall. A clock and great views of the square are at the top.

Thinking of interesting elevators to be found in Europe: The Paternoster.

Oregon City apparently boasts one of only four municipal elevators worldwide. One hundred thirty feet tall, with an observation deck at the top, it seemed to be worth stopping for. Jason wrote in to Roadside America explaining:

It began as a water-powered elevator in 1915, but was upgraded to an electric-powered elevator in 1954. It is an example of Googie architecture, which is reminiscent of the space-age housing structures in the Jetson’s cartoon show.

The picture above is a badly shot and badly joined panorama from atop the observation deck. I was attempting to capture both the view and artworks below each window, but I didn’t do it right. The larger size actually reveals some detail, though.

oregon, oregon city, oregon city or, elevator, observation deck, panorama, travel, municipal elevator