A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.

This former Imperial summer home was the venue for a royal slap that once echoed 'round the world.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.

Have tea in a cemetery with a dazzling view of Istanbul.

The eclectic home of a leading Turkish architect is a gorgeous piece of eye candy.

Feast on the freshest of fish by the Bosphorus.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.

Come for the whole sides of slow-roasted lamb, stay for the regional Kurdish specialties.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

The only Roman honorific column in Istanbul.

Homesick Syrian refugees head to this restaurant for a taste of Damascus.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

A meow-velous tribute to a beloved street cat, made famous on the internet.

Wash down heaping platters of meze with raki at one of the city's best taverns.

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

This family-owned canteen has been selling goat milk ice cream since 1933.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.