Secret refuge and museum of the Duke of Florence.

Romans built the world's tallest artificial waterfall in 271 BC.

This ancient Roman prison is decorated with an upside-down cross not as blasphemy but as saintly tribute.

This real life asylum of horrors is now an abandoned ruin that hides the unbreakable code to one patient's insanity.

The famous sculptor left his mark on this Italian wall in an internationally protected example of street art.

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

The Pope’s secret escape route.

A fairytale island floats in the middle of Italy's little-known Lake Orta.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

David Sedaris called it "The greatest shop in the world."

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

Skulls from the plague of 1656 and World War II bombings are united by a cult dedicated to caring for the ancient dead.

Abandoned medieval hill town.

Ruins of a 10th century church tucked away deep in a botanical garden.

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

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

This beautiful park on the outskirts of Rome protects the ruins of two colossal ancient aqueducts.

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

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

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

A labyrinth of ancient tunnels hidden below the city holds the ruins of 2,500 years of history.

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.

Five candy-colored villages on the Italian Riviera.