Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

An eerie, decaying ghost town destined to fade into the forest.

An abandoned church gets a second life as a massive beer hall and event space.

A formerly opulent Italian village is now a crumbling ghost town that no one really knows what to do with.

This magical-looking island is notorious for the misfortunes suffered by its owners.

This shining multicolored metro station deep under Naples is said to be the most beautiful in Europe.

Crossing this suspension bridge feels like walking through the sky, a fitting tribute to the head of the Apollo program.

This winding road through an Italian canyon may be the most scenic drive in the world.

This Tuscan lake hides a 13th century town that is still visible when the water recedes.

Dug as a secret royal escape route, the tunnel became a wartime bomb shelter and dumping ground for vintage cars.

A fairytale island floats in the middle of Italy's little-known Lake Orta.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

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

A labyrinth of ancient tunnels hidden below the city holds the ruins of 2,500 years of history.

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

The glowing blue Nymphaeum of Emperor Tiberius.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

Stalactites and stalagmites in a beautifully lit cave.

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

A submerged archeological park still holds the wonders of a Roman Sodom.