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

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

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

An Art Nouveau gem hides beneath the layers of city grime obscuring this once-magnificent building.

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

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

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

This historic island prison holds one of the dungeons from the Count of Monte Cristo even though it is a work of fiction.

This Paleolithic cave may be the oldest cemetery in North Africa.

This restored 17th century synagogue is one of the few remaining structures in Morocco’s ruined Jewish quarters.

Hidden behind mountains in Morocco, a remote town hides a thriving surfing community.

The designated Jewish quarter in Fez dates back to the 15th century.

The legacy of a Moroccan Jewish community is remembered at this little mouldering cemetery.

Morocco's largest Jewish cemetery.

Exploring the wilder, more passionate sibling of Erg Chebbi feels like discovering a secret sun-kissed planet from another galaxy.

Designed as a labyrinth, this subterranean prison was crafted without bars or doors.

A mythical garden that once grew the golden apples of wisdom is said to have existed in this ancient Moroccan city.

The oldest known university in the world is in Fez, Morocco.

God's Saharan sandbox of wrath.

Thousands of narrow alleyways in an ancient medieval city make up what's believed to be the world's largest car-free urban zone.