The costumes depict the Kurent, the star character of the annual Kurentovanje festival.

Strange rumors surround the artist who created these solemn metal guard dogs.

On a small Slovenian island, diners can mix and match a classic cake into dozens of sweet and savory flavor combinations.

Nibble as you learn about Slovenia's longstanding tradition of making beautiful honey cookies.

A whimsical bridge adorned with decorative dragons.

This one-time health resort was used by aristocrats around the world.

The kitsch mansion of the former Romanian president Nicolae Ceaușescu features a golden bathroom.

A memorial museum to the political prisoners who were held at Sighet Prison, once one of the most feared places in Romania.

This museum offers a journey back to the Belle Epoque era of Romania.

Packed to the ceiling with antique taxidermy and hunting arms.

A stunning 18th century pharmacy and medieval chemist's collection.

This enormous abandoned prison was once dubbed the "Bastille of Romania."

This bone-filled cave got its name after they found 140 bear skeletons inside.

Known as the Hintz House, this medieval pharmacy has been an apothecary's haven for nearly 450 years.

The Natural History Museum that time forgot.

The bust of Romania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Dracula aka "Vlad the Impaler," keeps watch over the ruins of his medieval court.

The legendary cliffside castle of three-time Voivode of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler.

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."

This solitary monastery may hold the remains of Vlad the Impaler (but probably not).

This fairy-tale castle would make Dracula (who is said to have been imprisoned there) jealous.

A statue dedicated to the founders of communism.

At less than four inches in height, this iconic fictional character is the smallest public statue in all of Moldova.

A forgotten remnant of the Soviet Union, Transnistria is an unrecognized country hidden behind a heavily militarized border between Moldova and Ukraine.

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.