A book bound in the skin of an infamous criminal, along with countless other specimens.

The tomb of one of Scotland's bloody historic villains is a magnet for bumbling desecrators.

The most loyal of little dogs, or a Victorian era publicity stunt?

Now home to a drinking establishment, this building has a macabre history.

Tiny effigies of the victims of Edinburgh's famous Anatomy Murders.

Possibly the world's smallest museum is home to one exhibit that sheds light on the capital city's dark criminal history.

This Roman relic was discovered in Scotland by a mudlarking ferryman.

This painting of a beloved dog will be on display at the Scottish National Gallery at long as the museum exists.

The dance of this huge clock is a magnificent and eerie commentary on good and evil in the history of humankind.

The taxidermy remains of the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell are on display in Edinburgh.

This early version of the guillotine was used to execute the man responsible for its construction.

This charming old building's loose connection with the Scottish Reformer is what saved it from demolition after it split apart.

The 20th-century chapel’s intricate woodwork includes amazing details, most notably angels playing bagpipes.

The heads of two giant mythological water horses honor Scotland's horselord past.

Ancient ruins hidden underneath a modern luxury hotel.

Stone memorial that's said to predict the death of the pope and the site of the Cadaver Synod.

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

The ruins of the largest gladiatorial school in Rome are largely hidden under modern streets.

This one-of-a-kind Roman arch is not actually dedicated to the god Janus.

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

The yawning maw of this pagan visage is said to bite off the hands of liars.

This small, ancient Roman temple was once a church dedicated to the patron saint of penitents.

This curious, round temple is the oldest still-standing marble building in Rome.

The Pope’s secret escape route.