This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

This former Imperial summer home was the venue for a royal slap that once echoed 'round the world.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

The ancient latrines of the Greeks, in all their public glory.

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

A mysterious ancient cemetery with Roman sarcophagi and Lycian inscriptions.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.

The alleged house of the Virgin Mary is tucked away in a park and nature preserve on Mt. Koressos in Turkey and is holy to both Catholics and Muslims alike.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

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

A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.

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

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

The best-preserved ancient theater in the world.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

Roman ruins, natural methane fires and a lovely beach.

While not Turkey's deepest underground city, this subterranean redoubt is the largest.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

The deepest underground city in Turkey was designed to protect 20,000 people behind massive stone doors.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.