The Pope’s secret escape route.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

Natural cathedral designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri.

David Sedaris called it "The greatest shop in the world."

Abandoned medieval hill town.

This domed temple was built in a hidden cave mouth as a refuge for sinners seeking absolution.

Ruins of a 10th century church tucked away deep in a botanical garden.

This centuries-old Italian chapel hangs midway down a sheer cliffside.

A fairy tale castle in modern Rome.

Hidden in an Italian forest is a completely homemade amusement park that has taken a lifetime to create.

As can be expected from a centuries old church built in a canal city, the undercroft of this house of worship is beautifully flooded.

The glowing blue Nymphaeum of Emperor Tiberius.

Sitting on an Italian hilltop is this surreal fortress built by the mad inventor of electrohomeopathy.

Geothermal waterfalls in Tuscany.

Stalactites and stalagmites in a beautifully lit cave.

According to the local folklore, the myriad colors of this lake are the result of a lovelorn wizard's blunder.

Rome's semi-secret peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

An alchemist's "magic door" stands in the middle of a Roman park.

An Italian crevasse filled with abandoned buildings gives visitors a look at the world without humans.