The Pope’s secret escape route.

One of the world’s smallest bars, just 13 square feet, is brimming with speakeasy flair.

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

The location of the last witch trials of Italy, known as "The Salem of Europe."

Natural cathedral designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

Abandoned medieval hill town.

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

Go inside to really appreciate this 500-year-old technological masterpiece.

Over 50 exquisite hand-painted Renaissance maps decorate a Medici storage room.

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

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

This 16th-century monastery has been turned into a surrealist architecture compound.

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

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.

A fairy tale castle in modern Rome.

An Italian hillside ghost town.

This quaint Italian town keeps losing ground as the sides of its plateau slowly erode.

The glowing blue Nymphaeum of Emperor Tiberius.

Pompeii's less famous neighbor is still revealing her secrets.

The only "Egyptian" pyramid in Europe and the legendary tomb of Remus.

According to the local folklore, the myriad colors of this lake are the result of a lovelorn wizard's blunder.