The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

This amazingly well-preserved villa just outside Pompeii boasts rare examples of ancient Roman paintings.

An Italian crevasse filled with abandoned buildings gives visitors a look at the world without humans.

The ruins of the largest gladiatorial school in Rome are largely hidden under modern streets.

The engineering wonder and pleasure dome of a much-maligned emperor still holds undiscovered secrets.

Rome's semi-secret peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

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

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

The only remaining arch of the oldest stone bridge in Rome stands in the middle of the Tiber.

The yawning maw of this pagan visage is said to bite off the hands of liars.

St. Francesca Romana, patron saint of drivers, resides in the church she founded.

Legend has it that this bronze orb, which sat atop an ancient Egyptian obelisk, once held the ashes of Julius Caesar.

This large, circular tomb is the final resting place of the first emperor of Rome.

Breathtaking and huge 430 year old maps of Italy.

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.

Also known as the Square Colosseum, this building is a prime example of fascist-era rationalist architecture.

This breathtaking monastery was established by Saint Benedict himself 1,500 years ago.

What appears to be an ancient Roman temple is actually a Catholic church.

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

A copy of the famous statue can be found in this Florence piazza, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the city below.

Next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a cemetery home to ancient sarcophagi and disturbing murals.

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

Milan's duomo is covered in beautiful carving including a curious "dinosaur-like" beast.