The smallest Mexican land grant in California was given, and then taken from, a 19th-century teacher and nurse.

No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.

Clap your hands at the base of the pyramid, and the song of a sacred Mayan bird will echo through the air.

At least seven hues of blue and turquoise make this freshwater lagoon unique.

The splendor of this 17th century golden chapel has led it to be called the "eighth wonder of the world."

The striking and little-touristed ruins of an ancient city destroyed and rebuilt by the Aztecs.

Stained glass windows bathe this botanical garden in cosmic light.

A neo-Gothic temple in central Mexico featuring a labyrinthine network of crypts.

This "second" cemetery represents New Orleans' attempt to keep cholera at bay.

This historic "City of the Dead" lies prominently in the center of New Orleans' famous Garden District.

The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, resting peacefully for over 200 years now.

The final resting place of New Orleans' most famous voodoo priestess.

The only castle in North America to ever house European sovereigns.

A few steps from the site of the Tlatelolco massacre, this museum tells the story of Mexico's 1968 student protests.

These haunting ruins of a 700-year-old Prehispanic city have witnessed centuries of wars and massacres.

Six ravens are kept captive (but well-fed) at the Tower of London to prevent the fall of the Crown.

Tucked away in the Tower of London is the weapon once used to execute high-profile prisoners.

A disquieting Aztec sculpture displays hundreds of stone skulls representing the victims of human sacrifice.

In 2010, Nicolas Cage purchased two plots in this cemetery using one to construct this strange pyramid mausoleum.

Not truly a ship nor a building, the Navy's first and last "landship" is now abandoned due to clerical issues.

This ornate church designed by a self-taught architect is an eclectic masterpiece in the heart of Central Mexico.

Once home to an aristocratic family and a workers' organization, this intricately tiled building now houses a chain restaurant.

A Swedish farm is the world's only producer of the rare, creamy delicacy that is moose cheese.

A botanic garden full of trees twisted into fantastic shapes and positions.