Originally envisioned by King Ludwig II to rival Versailles, Herrenchiemsee's "New Palace" remains half-gilded for lack of funds.

Horrifically creative torture devices and shame punishments line the walls of this chilling museum.

A castle from the Holy Roman Empire that hosts traveling youth... in its stables.

A Black Forest cuckoo clock theme park features one timepiece big enough to walk inside.

A small but immensely extravagant palace built by the "Night King."

A striking 12th-century-style castle built on the edge of a cliff.

This medieval castle overlooking the Elzbach river looks just like it did hundreds of years ago.

Dress up like a miner and take a slide into the disco-lit depths of this once foundational salt mine.

Soaring over 6,000 feet in the Bavarian Alps, this beer garden was once Hitler's 50th birthday present.

The fairy tale castle of the "fairy-tale king."

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.

The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing.

The oldest arboretum on the Dalmatian coast doubles as the gardens of Kings Landing in "Game of Thrones."

Now harmless, this looming post struck fear into the heart of medieval troublemakers.

The Renaissance-era courthouse is a relic from the fortified town's centuries of Venetian rule.

Island wonderland for communist autocrats.

A full figure 4th century incorruptible saint lies in a glass coffin in Croatia.

An eclectic art form practiced by untrained masters is celebrated at this museum in the heart of Zagreb's old Upper Town.

This picturesque medieval monastery guards a small trove of historic treasures.

Formerly Yugoslavia's "forbidden island," this sleepy little city still holds the abandoned remains of military strongholds.

A wunderkammer of gold and silver reliquaries and ancient saintly bones.

Gargoyle head that brings good luck.

Where the lovelorn find a home for their sentimental keepsakes.

A musical instrument played by the sea.