Medieval torture techniques with a modern conscience.

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

Eighteen mummies have stood guard behind the altar of this tiny church since 1833.

The middle finger of modernity.

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

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.

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

Virgil's many-mouthed gateway to the underworld.

Fountain where visitors can earn a license to be mad.

Largest necropolis in the Mediterranean.

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.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

Ever hear of the Milazzo Cage?

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

The final resting place of the poets Shelley and Keats.

One of seven Jewish catacombs in Rome and one of only two open to the public.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

The underground sanctuary of a mysterious ancient cult.

A mysterious chasm in the heart of the ancient Roman Forum, the Lacus Curtius was once believed to be a gateway to hell.

A hospital where antique dolls are given new life.

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

The crypts of Capuchin friars decorated with the bones of over 4,000 friars, including an entire "crypt of pelvises."

Charles Dickens was not a fan of the ghastly wall dressings in this 6th century church.