These structures are known as Lanterns of the dead and are thought to indicate the position of a cemetery.

But this might not be true, considering that some of these towers are located nowhere near a cemetery.

The window through which the lamp shines out faces the main road.

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Lanterns of the Dead.

So the Lanterns of the Dead could simply be guide lights for ancient travellers.

Scholars have also found evidences that connect the construction of these towers to the Crusade.

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Many of these Lanterns of the Dead scattered across the countryside have their own little mystery.

Indeed, the lanterns other name is “Saracen chimney”.

Saracen is an ancient word meaning Muslims or Arabs, and Bakhchisaray Palace is a Muslim palace.

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Lanterns of the Dead can also be found in England, Austria, Germany, and Poland.

Lantern of the Dead in Cellefrouin, France.

Photo credit:Jack ma/Wikimedia

Lantern of the Dead in Ciron, France.

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Photo credit:Daniel Jolivet/Flickr

Lantern of the Dead in Antigny, Poitou-Charentes, France.

Photo credit:Pays Montmorillonnais-Vien/Flickr

Inside the tower of the Lantern of the Dead in Saint-Genou, France.

Photo credit:Daniel Jolivet/Flickr

Lantern of the Dead and ossuary in Lieding, Austria.

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Photo credit:Johann Jaritz/Wikimedia

Lantern of the Dead in Journet, Poitou-Charentes, France.

Photo credit:Pays Montmorillonnais-Vien/Flickr

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