These natural cliffs look like they are a part of an old castle complex.

This massive stone and steel monument remembers a century-old battle that cost thousands of lives and nearly destroyed the city.

A gigantic statue of a Russian soldier watches over the ancient city of Plovdiv, a prominent reminder of the Soviet period in Bulgaria.

A vast Communist-era exhibition space in the Bulgarian capital.

A mountain pass in Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains was the site of four historic battles.

A magnificent, glittering building tucked into a tiny Bulgarian mountain town.

This ancient theater, restored in the 20th century, lives on as a venue for dramatic and musical performances.

This once-grandiose behemoth of a monument from the socialist era now sits quiet and closed up.

Outstanding, eerie frescoes and decorations fill this 19th-century monastery.

The second-largest Jewish temple in Bulgaria was deserted after World War II, seized by the communist government and then abandoned again.

A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital.

A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest.

A collection of art from Bulgaria's time as a communist state.

This historic black and white monastery is one of Bulgaria's architectural jewels.

This massive concrete sculpture is said to be the heaviest communist monument on Earth.

Bizarrely shaped rock formations in northwest Bulgaria come with equally bizarre legends.

An architectural marvel that spans the Arda River, and has stories of a haunted past.

Castle and secret tunnel withstood a siege until its owner was killed by the Holy Roman Empire, while sitting on the toilet.

Home to what was once considered the largest gate in central Asia.

The foundation of this ancient stupa dates back to the 1st-century.

The heartbeat of modern Uzbekistan’s thriving market culture.

Giant cauldrons overflow with Uzbekistan's favorite rice dish at this cavernous dining hall.

These "50 Fortresses" have been unearthed in the ancient oasis of Khwarezm.

Final palace complex of the last of 29 Kokand rulers.