Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

This beautiful park on the outskirts of Rome protects the ruins of two colossal ancient aqueducts.

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

Ruins of a 10th century church tucked away deep in a botanical garden.

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

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

This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats.

Built to be the ideal penitentiary, this abandoned panopticon saw several revolts and even a prisoners' coup.