A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

Climb a set of vertiginous stone steps to the top of this impressive ancient edifice.

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

A surrealist timepiece by the artist of melting clocks.

The designated Jewish quarter in Fez dates back to the 15th century.

This 16th-century Moroccan fortress-turned-armory museum offers prime views of the historic quarter in Fes.

The other side is actually green.

This former royal palace with gorgeous gardens became the first museum in Morocco.

Thousands of narrow alleyways in an ancient medieval city make up what's believed to be the world's largest car-free urban zone.

The courtyard of this small Marinid madrasa is a dazzling example of intricate Islamic architecture.

Traditional 11th-century outdoor tannery.

The oldest known university in the world is in Fez, Morocco.

Crumbling necropolis set high above Fez.

Reaching this rock formation involves a hike through rocky rapids and springs where wild turtles reproduce.

At this faithfully preserved medina off the Moroccan tourist circuit you can walk through six centuries of history in one day.

This stucco building in North Africa was the first American-owned property on foreign soil.

Along the most northwestern point in Africa is an ancient cave surrounded by legends.

The rubbery beast is sculpted from recycled materials.

An awe-inspiring mosque in Morocco with one of the tallest minarets in the world.

North Africa's first museum of its kind preserves the culture of Moroccan women and their artistic achievements. 

The oldest monument in Marrakesh and the city's only surviving example of Almoravid architecture.

The largest madrasa in Morocco once housed more than 900 students within its exquisite walls.