This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

A six-ton wedding present for the King of the Scots.

Overlooked by many, the two famous Scottish warriors guard the main gate of Edinburgh Castle.

The most loyal of little dogs, or a Victorian era publicity stunt?

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

The final resting place of soldiers' loyal canine companions.

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

Ruined 11th century abbey built by King David I in Edinburgh, Scotland.

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

This stately monument has been wearing a traffic cone hat for decades much to the delight of the locals.

"Respectful to the dead, safe and sanitary to the living, dedicated to the Genius of Memory..."

Largest lake in Great Britain measured by surface area.

This Scottish bridge seems to compel dogs to leap to their death.

A remote crossroads honoring a fallen talent.

Bits and pieces from the ill-fated Donner Party's winter cabins.

Quite simply the largest tree in the world (by volume).

Towering basalt columns, a creation of fire and ice.

Aqueducts have dramatically changed this old lake, now home to tufa towers and its very own species of tiny brine shrimp.

Standing in a state of "arrested decay," this ghost town allows for a detailed peek into Gold Rush life in an unusually harsh climate.

This concrete ship has had four careers - World War I tanker, floating amusement park, fishing pier, and artificial reef.

It should come as no surprise that the world's largest artichoke lies in the town that calls itself the "Artichoke Center of the World."

The final resting place of a space program monolith.

Scores of vintage street lamps shine along L.A.’s Miracle Mile.

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.