Istad is a picturesque town on the southern coast of Sweden.

The city started as a small fishing village in the 12th century and grew over time into an important medieval hub.

Today, it's one of the best preserved medieval towns in Scandinavia.

It's architecture, it's half-timbered buildings, the cobblestone

alleyways. You can step into this town and just feel completely transported, so much so that

at times the historical charm and this highly curated nostalgia all blend together. And then every night at 9 p.m., this horn sounds from the Tower of St. Mary's Church.

It sounds again every 15 minutes.

This horn is not for show.

It's not for tourists.

And it comes from a real person, the night watchman.

A very real night watchman and one of the last in the world. A man who is keeping a tradition

alive that dates back to the Middle Ages. The role of the night watchman dates back even farther to biblical times.

In Istad, this last sentinel, this night watchman, scans the horizon for signs of fire.

It's his job to ensure the safety of the city.

Lately, this role, which can seem wildly outmoded, has taken on a very serious significance.

I'm Dylan Thuris, and this is Atlas of Skira, a celebration of the world's strange,

incredible, and wondrous places.

Today, I'm talking to Elliot Stein. He is a journalist

who has traveled across the world. He's been talking to these final custodians who are

keeping the traditions alive. Elliot chronicled it in his book, Custodians of Wonder,

ancient customs, profound traditions, and the last people keeping them alive.

Thanks for coming back on the show, Elliot.

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