A master of trompe-l'oeil creates a stunning, tourist-fooling dome out of a flat ceiling.

Spend the night in this formerly abandoned traditional Scottish village.

Near the former site of numerous witch burnings, this lavish Edinburgh mainstay pays homage to Scotland's brutal history.

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

A fairytale island floats in the middle of Italy's little-known Lake Orta.

A huge enchanting public park just outside the ancient walls of Rome.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

Installed in an act of one-upsmanship, the annual sundial in this church is also a symbolic victory for the Gregorian calendar.

This large, circular tomb is the final resting place of the first emperor of Rome.

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

Dug as a secret royal escape route, the tunnel became a wartime bomb shelter and dumping ground for vintage cars.

Inside this McDonald's you can dine on your Big Mac and fries next to a 2,500-year-old Roman wall.

This shining multicolored metro station deep under Naples is said to be the most beautiful in Europe.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

This former Roman Catholic Church still contains the embalmed hearts and organs of 22 popes.

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

Five candy-colored villages on the Italian Riviera.

The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

A Milanese café entirely designed by the American director Wes Anderson.

This giant middle finger statue sends an unambiguous message to Italy's bankers.

A fairy tale castle in modern Rome.

This curious building hides eclectic details like medieval gargoyles alongside naked angels and Art Nouveau mosaics.