In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

A large statue of Pope Gregory XIII in Bologna was disguised as Saint Petronius to avoid destruction.

A striking memorial recalls thousands of Bolognese men and women killed fighting fascists in World War II.

Legend has it this fountain built to symbolize the Pope’s power hides a strange secret concerning Neptune's manliness.

Once known for its horse-powered knife sharpening, this 200-year-old shop offers an array of blades and hard-to-find culinary tools.

This building features dozens of faces along its facade, although one is a bit chilling.

Stuck in the arcade of Casa Isolani are three arrows of mysterious origins.

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

According to tradition this is the oldest church in Venice, but its actual age is a mystery.

An expansive complex of subterranean tunnels is all that remains of one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortresses.

A marble Lucifer hides behind the pulpit of this Gothic cathedral.

This giant urban staircase was built to keep the city's brave fighting men from getting waylaid in the red light district.

A once-magnificent collegiate church is falling into ruin.

A distinctive former power plant turned university lecture hall looks like it could make you breakfast.

This bakery and museum offers tours of the tastes and mythology of Aachen's signature spice biscuit—just don't ask for the recipe.

The largest bell in the world has been swinging high above a Cologne cathedral for almost a century.

The body of at least one victim of a construction accident was left behind in the collapsed pylon, buried under tons of concrete.

A 15th-century former coaching inn forms the implausibly grand entrance to a 1980s shopping mall.

These 90-year-old murals of local kings, Vikings, and outlaws hide in plain sight in a beautifully baroque shopping arcade.

This Georgian architectural masterpiece is the only cloth hall left in Britain.

The photographs of "fairies" that fooled much of the world (including the creator of Sherlock Homes) were taken at this English stream.

The house in the middle of the motorway.

The longest cutting on the M62 contains some surprises—though it's best to leave the motorway to appreciate them.

The pile of books behind the dignified writer gave the statue a most undignified nickname.