More sculpture than building, this architecturally significant temple was built on the spot of Saint Peter's crucifixion.

The plague quarantine island home to the alleged "Vampire of Venice."

Abandoned medieval hill town.

This magical-looking island is notorious for the misfortunes suffered by its owners.

The location of the last witch trials of Italy, known as "The Salem of Europe."

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

This domed temple was built in a hidden cave mouth as a refuge for sinners seeking absolution.

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

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

Dug as a secret royal escape route, the tunnel became a wartime bomb shelter and dumping ground for vintage cars.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

This 16th-century monastery has been turned into a surrealist architecture compound.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

This shining multicolored metro station deep under Naples is said to be the most beautiful in Europe.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

The martyr's wax-enhanced skeletal remains lie preserved in a glass case in the Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.

The abandoned "Ghost Mansion" was left to decay in the mountains of Northern Italy.

This former Roman Catholic Church still contains the embalmed hearts and organs of 22 popes.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

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

One of the world’s smallest bars, just 13 square feet, is brimming with speakeasy flair.

This centuries-old Italian chapel hangs midway down a sheer cliffside.

A collection of objects supposedly singed by the hands of souls in purgatory.

An Italian hillside ghost town.