Every summer West Seattle experiences a housing bloom.

A walk through the historic city center, under the streets of Seattle.

The historic bar where local ship captains, traders, and gold miners would come together to do business a century ago.

Five varieties of trees with custom-designed grates around the trunk are planted along the route of the Seattle Transit Tunnel.

This park celebrates a sister city relationship that survived the Cold War.

Walk in the footsteps of the gods and straddle two tectonic plates.

This aromatherapy shop and mini-museum cofounded by the Sigur Rós frontman documents Icelandic history through scents.

This oceanside Reykjavik spot is speckled with recycled sculptures and large stones.

One of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and perhaps, the most visually impressive.

A rare example of a medieval house in Rome adorned with a melancholic inscription.

This Roman arch marks the location of an ancient gate at one of the Seven Hills of Rome.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

In Rome’s Jewish ghetto, a 200-year-old bakery still makes the neighborhood’s historic sweets.

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

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

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

An extraordinary house museum and cabinet of curiosities in the heart of Florence.

Drink wine handed out through a window as part of an age-old tradition.

Over 50 exquisite hand-painted Renaissance maps decorate a Medici storage room.

A large grotto built in the 16th century amidst Florence's famous Boboli gardens.

This Parisian gem is one of the most incredible ethnographic museums in the world.

This Paris art space celebrates the creativity and ingenuity that springs from abject poverty, especially in Africa.

Hidden away in a modern library are the remains of one of the 18th century's most celebrated wunderkammers.