During this Shetland Islands celebration, hundreds of torch-carrying "guizers" lead a procession to burn a viking longboat.

History, geography, and shamanism meet in this eye-catching monument to the greatness of three empires.

Mongolian Buddhists believe this monastery in the Gobi desert to be the center of the world's spiritual energy.

This spiritual landmark for practicers of Shamanism is drenched in milk and vodka and covered in blue scarves.

A huge communist-era propaganda monument and mural that offers stunning views of the Mongolian capital.

The oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia has survived centuries of invasions, political shifts, and religious purges.

The world-record holder for the longest bridge stretching continuously over water.

Fortified medieval tower house with lovely roof garden.

The naturally mummified body of a peasant girl saint.

The best preserved Paleochristian basilica in Rome hides a number of oddities and secrets.

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

Installed in an act of one-upsmanship, the annual sundial in this church is also a symbolic victory for the Gregorian calendar.

This ancient Roman prison is decorated with an upside-down cross not as blasphemy but as saintly tribute.

The oldest cemetery of modern-day Athens blends the modern and ancient worlds.

This striking sculpture of Icarus honors Greece's fallen flyers.

While he no longer has an eatery to give him context, this off-brand Paul Bunyan still holds his giant hot dog with pride.

Despite its name, this fast food museum is actually a replica of the ninth McDonald's store.

The Midwest's reigning king of surplus stores is full of nothing you need and everything you want.

This replica stave church looks like a piece of Norway was simply plopped down in South Dakota.

This sprawling mini-golf empire is an impressive testament to a disappearing attraction.

The granddaddy of all tourist traps, built on ice water, jackalopes, and a giant dinosaur.

Once a mortuary that held the remains of Buffalo Bill, this Denver hotspot is now a death-fixated restaurant.