17 Jaw-Dropping Cliffhangers

When a book chapter ends on a cliffhanger, most readers are eager to jump right on to the next one as quickly as possible. Literal cliffhangers—places propped on a precipice or built right into a steep hillside—call for a different tactic. Best to take it slow. 

These places, which are found around the world, promise incredible views and, often, churning stomachs. From lighthouses on eroding perches to monasteries only accessible by steep, steep stairs, these structures sometimes seem defiant, hanging on against all odds and reason. Here are 17 spots on the edge. Savor the view, and watch your step.