This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

A verdant 17th-century-style garden hidden along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

A book bound in the skin of an infamous criminal, along with countless other specimens.

This giant steel bear is a tribute to naturalist John Muir.

The small Scottish townhouse where the "Father of the National Parks" was born.

At high tide this strange footbridge appears to have no purpose whatsoever.

This historic pub has maintained much of its 1906 decor, including a small sequestered room for women, where orders were slipped through a tiny window.

Tiny effigies of the victims of Edinburgh's famous Anatomy Murders.

Near the former site of numerous witch burnings, this lavish Edinburgh mainstay pays homage to Scotland's brutal history.

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

A 18th century graveyard and its astonishing cortege of macabre iconography.

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

The Master of Magnetism dominates the walls of a scrap metal yard to keep graffiti artists at bay.

This church in Pittsburgh is home to the largest collection of religious relics in North America.

“Live hard, ride fast, eat pizza” at this joint filled with Evel Knievel memorabilia.

An exotic wildlife habitat right off The Strip.

The best Tiki bar in Las Vegas.

James Turrell's total color immersion art installation, hidden on the top floor of a luxury handbag shop.

The neon signs from Las Vegas' past find their final resting place at this unusual graveyard.

One of the world's tallest Ferris wheels takes visitors high above Las Vegas in a spinning party room.

St. Francesca Romana, patron saint of drivers, resides in the church she founded.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.