A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)

UNESCO World Heritage skeletal ruin directly below the 1945 atomic bomb hypocenter

The skeletal iron frame of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now the most powerful monument in the city. The building was completed in 1915, designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel in a Viennese Secession style — a handsome domed hall that once housed exhibitions and trade shows. In 1945 it became, by accident of geometry, the only structure left standing near the hypocenter of the world's first atomic bombing.

Today the dome stands in Peace Park exactly as it was, the brickwork gradually stabilised against collapse. You can walk around it freely, day or night. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free to visit.

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A story
The bomb detonated 600 metres almost directly above the building on 6 August 1945. Because the blast came from almost directly overhead rather than at an angle, the walls took the force straight down rather than sideways, and the dome's steel frame held. Every other building within 2 kilometres was flattened. The city initially wanted to demolish it; survivors successfully argued for preservation as a permanent witness.

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