This is not only one of the oldest collections in Europe, but also possibly the most beautiful.

A precariously balanced rock perches on the edge of a cliff created tens of thousands of years ago by glacial erosion.

A charming museum of natural history featuring dioramas and exhibits made entirely by college students.

Secret refuge and museum of the Duke of Florence.

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

A large grotto built in the 16th century amidst Florence's famous Boboli gardens.

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

Art and armour fill every inch of this rich kid's Italian villa.

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

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

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

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

Longest fortress system anywhere in Europe.

An ancient knight and a symbol of the city's freedom.

Gargoyle head that brings good luck.

A wunderkammer of gold and silver reliquaries and ancient saintly bones.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

A much-maligned monument to teetotalism.

During the Industrial Revolution this “Temple of Invention” was full of intricate miniature machines and gadgets.

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.

The former site of an all-but-forgotten colonial landmark is now remembered by an often overlooked bas relief.

A former waterfront market is now in the center of town due to some interesting Boston engineering.

Historic Hull Street was actually the first street with a proper name in the Boston area.

The first bell ever cast in Boston was cast by Paul Revere...and sounded terrible.