Watts Towers was added to Your Favorites!
Los Angeles, California
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
The Watts Towers were constructed by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over a span of 33 years, using only simple tools and found materials.
Rodia used steel rods, wire mesh, mortar, and pieces of glass, pottery, and seashells to create the intricate designs of the towers.
In 1990, the towers were designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing their cultural and artistic significance.
The tallest of the towers stands at nearly 100 feet, making it a prominent feature in the Los Angeles skyline.
The towers withstood the 1994 Northridge earthquake, demonstrating their structural integrity despite their unconventional construction.
Simon Rodia was inspired by his memories of the grand cathedrals in Italy, which influenced the towers' intricate and towering design.
In the 1950s, the city planned to demolish the towers, but local activists successfully campaigned to preserve them.
The towers have become a symbol of resilience and creativity in the Watts community, inspiring artists and musicians worldwide.
