An underground paleo-Christian burial site composed of the remains of several cemeteries and Basilicas.

An Italian crevasse filled with abandoned buildings gives visitors a look at the world without humans.

Skulls from the plague of 1656 and World War II bombings are united by a cult dedicated to caring for the ancient dead.

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

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

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

Pompeii's less famous neighbor is still revealing her secrets.

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

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

A collection of objects supposedly singed by the hands of souls in purgatory.

A sculpture serving as an homage to Pope John Paul II.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

The first Russian Orthodox church in the Catholic city of Rome in almost a thousand years.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

The yawning maw of this pagan visage is said to bite off the hands of liars.

St. Francesca Romana, patron saint of drivers, resides in the church she founded.

A 16th-century horror show built in a lovely Italian garden.

An alchemist's "magic door" stands in the middle of a Roman park.

This ritzy Italian market is built around a statue of an unforgiven heretic who was burned for his belief in an endless universe.

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

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

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered.