Centuries before the modern seismograph, Armenian monks measured quakes with this tilting pillar.

This medieval manuscript collection has some of the most obscure and ancient texts in the world.

After visiting hours, this picturesque waterfall is essentially turned "off" to be used for hydroelectric power.

Right up until the 20th century this network of man-made caves was the biggest village in Eastern Armenia.

The most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia once held a saint in a pit for 13 years.

This Armenian monastery was carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to stab Jesus.

A geological oddity topped with a 2,000-year-old pagan temple.

In oil-rich Azerbaijan, people bathe in the black stuff.

This mysterious but iconic tapered tower appears in many Azeri fairytales and legends.

The building's fluid, wavelike walls are a true feat of architectural ingenuity.

This striking icon of the disputed Republic of Artsakh caused a stir at a Eurovision Song Contest.

Thousands of biblical and pagan images are carved into this small 12th-century church.

Russia's own leaning tower was built on a tragic historical fable.

Perhaps the tiniest sculpture in Saint Petersburg is a little bronze finch inspired by a song.

This newly renovated Soviet-era outdoor exhibition center is bigger than the principality of Monaco.

Gargantuan home of Russian science.

One of the world's tallest statues is also one of its most hated.

This massive monument honors the first human in space.

Some Moscow residents once claimed the bizarre, contorted mass of metal on top of the building was used to manipulate minds.

Replica of mosque destroyed by Russia in the 16th century.

A scale model of Russia so big visitors are offered binoculars to rent so they can see the whole thing.

A small part of Russia that does not touch any other part of Russia.

The tallest hotel in Europe.

World's largest bell sits on the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow.