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The Watts Towers or Nuestro Pueblo in the Watts district of Los Angeles, California, is a collection of 17 interconnected structures, two of which reach heights of over 99 feet (30 m).
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The Towers were built by Italian immigrant construction worker Sabato ("Sam" or "Simon") Rodia in his spare time over a period of 33 years, from 1921 to 1954.
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Our tour guide explains the history of the Watts Towers.
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They are decorated with found objects: bed frames, bottles, ceramic tiles, scrap metal and sea shells.
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The sculptures are made from steel pipes and rods, wrapped with wire mesh, and coated with mortar.
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The feeling one gets when "inside" the structure is overwhelming and can't be captured in a photo.
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The Towers took Simon Rodia xx years to complete.
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Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and she even recited poetry about the structure at the end of the tour.
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The Watts Towers were named Nuestro Pueblo by Simon Rodia, which means "Our Town".
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Mr. Rodia's home was built into the structure (the Towers were in his side yard), but the house burned down. The City of Los Angeles wanted to raze the site, but it was purchased and is protected to this day.
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Mr. Rodia's background as a tile layer is evident in this section.
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The Towers include several "built ins".
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This area includes what appears to be a birdbath.
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It's amazing to think that he built these towers with hand tools only and by climbing the structures themselves.
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These two towers were interconnected.
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Another incredible view of the interconnected towers.
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Peter takes in the awesome beauty of Nuestro Pueblo
julie & victor's trip to los angeles
Nuestro Pueblo a.k.a. The Watts Towers
Our Host, Hollywood Star and KXLU Radio Personality, Mr. Peter Choyce!
Many thanks and good wishes to Peter Choyce, who opened up his Silver Lake palace to us and was our most gracious tour guide.
Video Clips - Watts Towers
coming soon!