An open-air museum exhibiting a total of 52 century-old buildings, recreating Hokkaido’s “pioneer village.”

Island wonderland for communist autocrats.

The Renaissance-era courthouse is a relic from the fortified town's centuries of Venetian rule.

This beautiful Croatian fortress is haunted by legends of forbidden love.

Just a few miles from Novalja, a strange geological oddity has left scientists baffled.

A tribute to an iconic act of defiance from the Croatian War of Independence involving a small car.

The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing.

Now harmless, this looming post struck fear into the heart of medieval troublemakers.

This Croatian island is for sale but no one is buying due to the dozens of accused Nazi sympathizers who were massacred there after WWII.

This military tunnel dates back to World War II and provides visitors with a little wartime adrenaline.

The only gulag ever to exist in socialist Yugoslavia.

An eclectic art form practiced by untrained masters is celebrated at this museum in the heart of Zagreb's old Upper Town.

Now abandoned, the world's first torpedo factory is crumbling into the sea.

Croatia's towering concrete blossom grows from the site of a World War II concentration camp.

The now-overgrown beach resort was once frequented by Yugoslav military elite.

This former estate of a fascist leader is now a burnt out ruin leading to a system of secret tunnels.

One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters is still used today, but for less brutal events.

This Croatian fairytale castle is slowly falling apart thanks to years of neglect.

A wunderkammer of gold and silver reliquaries and ancient saintly bones.

This picturesque medieval monastery guards a small trove of historic treasures.

When a supermarket opened up shop within a medieval building it became protected by UNESCO on a technicality.

Gargoyle head that brings good luck.

Legend has it fairies gathered at the site of this medieval castle.

The complex has been abandoned since the Croatian War of Independence, barring a stint as a set for 'Game of Thrones.'