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

The oldest volcanology research center in the world.

142 ceramic steps become a mosaic once a year.

On the coast of Sardinia, a once-great mining village is finding new life as a coastal resort town.

The mountaintop inspiration for Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose."

This natural gas vent certainly earns its name as the smallest volcano in Italy.

Geometry and mystery come together in an epic show of octagonal masonry.

Eco-village hidden in the foothills of the Alps that created a massive system of psychedelic underground temples.

One of seven Jewish catacombs in Rome and one of only two open to the public.

Machismo turned on its head: the lady's hand goes to the dude with the bigger brain.

Italian cave with exceptional acoustics and an unsavory history.

The bomb-ravaged remains of of a colossal Neptune.

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

The doodles of a genius line the walls of a secret room under the Medici Chapel, where they were hidden for nearly 500 years.

The world's most active stratovolcano is almost always erupting.

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

These medieval skyscrapers dominate the skyline of this small Tuscan town.

Five candy-colored villages on the Italian Riviera.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

A complex, nine-layer maze on the grounds of a Venetian doge's playground.

Virgil's many-mouthed gateway to the underworld.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

Architectural monsters are devouring this palace's every door and window.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.