This long-abandoned village sits across a narrow gorge from a still-inhabited settlement that was once its twin.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

One of ancient Etruria's most spectacular archaeological sites with impressive necropolises and rugged landscape.

This seventh-century fortification marked the western border of the Lombard duchy of Spoleto.

This beautiful Romanesque church preserves stunning medieval frescoes and the excavations of a Roman market town.

This medieval Italian village was transformed into an architectural marvel by the famous "Papessa" Donna Olimpia.

A lavish 16th-century mansion filled with spectacular staircases, fantastic frescoes, and gorgeous gardens.

Magnificent frescoes decorate the interior of this Romanesque church, which also showcases an unusual phenomenon during winter solstice.

A monk spent 14 years carving steps through tuff to make this religious site more accessible to pilgrims.

This Roman theater was crafted into the local tuff rock and was rediscovered during the 19th-century.

Medieval town turned hippie commune, once home to the secret foreskin of Jesus Christ.

Its interior is adorned with some of the best examples of early Christian mosaics.

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered.

This palatial building houses a remarkable gallery of papal portraits.

A huge enchanting public park just outside the ancient walls of Rome.

Largest necropolis in the Mediterranean.

An Italian ghost town that fought obscurity, until a mysterious illness brought it to its knees.

The city of Palestrina was built around this magnificent terraced sanctuary dedicated to the pagan goddess Fortuna.

An abandoned 17th-century baroque hunting lodge with a wonderfully strange architectural plan.

Rome's ancient Etruscan rival, now a park full of ruins.

The ruins of a thousand-year-old hermitage are tucked away deep in the sloping forests of Albano Lake.

Breathtaking and huge 430 year old maps of Italy.

If you want to talk to the Pope you will have to stare down this surreal vision of Jesus rising from a nuclear hell.