The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

A 15th-century granary that played the role of futuristic slave quarters in the world of 'Star Wars.'

No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.

Clap your hands at the base of the pyramid, and the song of a sacred Mayan bird will echo through the air.

Every equinox this Maya pyramid puts on a spooky ancient light show.

A magical sinkhole on the Yucatán Peninsula is adorned with mini waterfalls and hanging vines.

This imposing memorial contains the remains of Che Guevara — and 29 other guerrillas who died with him in Bolivia.

A focal point of the Cuban government, this city square features one of the most iconic images in the country.

Two stone columns flank the grand Venice square, but there were supposed to be three.

This grisly effigy displays an early Christian martyr who was skinned alive and beheaded.

A medieval house adorned with enigmatic carvings, including one of a man displaying his masculine attributes.

Monsters and miniatures are held in equal esteem at this wondrous museum.

Lyon, France is home to two remarkably preserved Roman theaters, one dating back to 15 BCE.

Lyon's miniature version of the Eiffel Tower was built as a statement in support of French secularism.

A chapel on a volcanic core, marking the end of a successful journey.

Ancient paintings known as the "Sistine Chapel of Cave Art."

This French ghost town from World War II has been left as a memorial to German atrocities during World War II.

This structure atop a craggy cliff in one of the most beautiful parks in Paris boasts an unbeatable view.

Paris' fabled purveyor of exotic taxidermy and natural history curios.

A mechanized clock where a man fights off a dragon, crab, and rooster.

An "inside out" building in the historical center of Paris, featuring Europe’s largest modern art museum.

Notorious artist squat renovated into legal studios.

A 16th-century fountain marks the site of a lost medieval cemetery once filled with mass graves.

A Parisian exterminator's shop whose storefront displays stuffed rats hanging from traps.