Virgil's many-mouthed gateway to the underworld.

What appears to be an ancient Roman temple is actually a Catholic church.

A dismembered holy head stares out from her beautiful reliquary at the St. Dominic Basilica.

Amazing and mysterious Neolithic settlement on Scotland's Orkney Islands.

The true age of this ancient stone circle is unknown, but its stunning vista isn't in question.

The discovery of this Neolithic settlement, which contained a Stone Age "cathedral," threw archaeologists for a loop.

Possibly the oldest of Britain's ancient henges is also one of its most stark.

Thanks to both terrific preservation and historic vandalism this ancient site is known as the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney."

A remarkably well preserved tower dating all the way back to the Iron Age.

The doodles of a genius line the walls of a secret room under the Medici Chapel, where they were hidden for nearly 500 years.

The naturally mummified body of a peasant girl saint.

Fortified medieval tower house with lovely roof garden.

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Largest private bird collection in Iceland, formed from a tragic accident.

Instead of solid circles, the stoplights in this northern Icelandic town have glowing red hearts.

This eye-popping Icelandic crater lake is surrounded by red volcanic rock.

The picturesque birthplace of Icelandic democracy is drenched in the blood of its brutal past.

This beautiful, historic church looks like something out of a simpler past.

One of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and perhaps, the most visually impressive.

The great polar explorer is remembered in this far northern town, where he embarked on his final expedition.

A Viking-style brewpub named for a Norse sea giant, in the heart of fjord country.

One of the most breathtaking railways in Europe also takes one of the steepest climbs, from fjord to mountain plateau.

This "preacher's pulpit" once used for pagan ritual, is home to a new, and dangerous ritual.

This floating sculpture of ice is a poignant reminder of nature's power.