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

Quite possibly the oldest love poem known to humankind.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

A section of the long chain that blocked enemy ships from entering Constantinople.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

2300-year-old Roman road connecting the empire.

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

Some say this medieval church is where the poet Dante married his wife and also met the love of his life.

This strange bovine gargoyle is said to have been put in as a passive aggressive form of revenge.

More than 450 years ago, an Italian nun became the first woman to paint the iconic subject.

Legend says this mysterious stone head belongs to a woman who was petrified by an alchemist.

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

This private skyway is filled with art and was expanded explicitly so that Hitler could appreciate a river.

Where Venice's gondolas go for a tune-up.