The very center of Paris is surrounded by a bevy of strange good luck rituals.

One of Jeff Koons’s largest sculptures and his first commemorative work.

Indents in the pavement are all that remain from a grisly death machine in Paris.

A medieval, mosaic-lined baptistry built by a heretical Christian sect.

Psychoanalyst Carl Jung reported a paranormal experience after visiting this mosaic-lined Roman baptistry.

This 6th-century church has the largest and best-preserved collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Constantinople.

An incredible mosaic-lined monument said to have held the remains of an ancient Roman empress.

Italian poet Dante Alighieri is entombed in this small mausoleum in Ravenna, and his hometown of Florence has never been too happy about it.

The world's largest bamboo labyrinth is a living demonstration of the plant’s immense potential.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

A young Italian couple has been locked in an embrace for over 6,000 years.

A small villa said to have inspired the design of the court jester at the heart of Giuseppe Verdi's 1851 opera.

A medieval tower with a suspended iron cage used as an open-air jail for criminals who were exposed as a warning.

It took more than 300 years to build this church, which is home to two sacred vessels believed to hold the blood of Christ.

From Carthage's Hannibal to riders of the Tour de France, many have crossed this scenic route through the Alps.

Unable to build support structures on glaciers, the engineers for this tramway were forced to design a unique system.

One of the most well-preserved castles in Italy also contains a rare medieval example of a port fortification.

A small island in Lake Garda that was used as a burial site, pirate hideout, and a monastery.

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Fortified medieval tower house with lovely roof garden.

These medieval skyscrapers dominate the skyline of this small Tuscan town.

Leonardo da Vinci was one of many to find inspiration in this unique, rocky landscape in Tuscany.

Fountain where visitors can earn a license to be mad.