The ancient remains of this natural fortress can still be found along the Silk Road looking surprisingly preserved.

A lush desert oasis in the shape of a narrow crescent.

These layered sandstone mountains in China look like they are made of pressed crayons.

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

This architecturally eclectic fortress witnessed centuries of bloody turmoil, including the massacre of its ruling clan.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

Vienna's giant wonder wheel had a starring role in one of the greatest noir movies of all time.

Trick water gardens from 1619 featuring a 200 piece mechanical theater powered by water.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

An unusual and powerful memorial in which earthquake victims are remembered by empty white chairs.

One of New Zealand’s few castles boasts beautiful gardens, grand architecture, and a history filled with family drama.

The building's fluid, wavelike walls are a true feat of architectural ingenuity.

A shrine of fire worship built on top of a natural flame.

This Armenian monastery was carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to stab Jesus.

Nestled in a peaceful valley, this Armenian monastery may have been saved from Mongols thanks to the eyes of God.

Underground monastery and fortress.

Take respite inside this jaw-dropping church while climbing the volcano where Georgia's Prometheus was once chained.

A museum glorifying the life of Stalin, located in the city of his birth.

Rock-hewn monastery complex with hundreds of cave structures tucked away into the mountainside.

Ancient rock-hewn town that witnessed key events of Georgian history.

The charmingly disheveled clock tower of Tbilisi's puppet theater.