An incredible menagerie of more than 3 million taxidermied animals at the oldest science museum in Europe.

A collection of wonderfully preserved 19th-century creatures, as well as hunting trophies seized during a police raid.

This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats.

A sinister pyramid in the Frari contains the heart of the famous neoclassical sculptor.

The highest waterfall in Italy is only "turned on" five times a year.

The sinister ruins of one of the worst dam failures of the 20th century lie in this astonishing alpine setting.

The Sighignola summit on the Swiss border offers views so breathtaking it's been named one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

An archaeological treasure trove towers over the valley of Chiavenna.

This church, better known for its weeping portrait of the Virgin Mary, also houses the world's oldest existing piece of taxidermy.

Nestled in the heart of Milan is a real wunderkammer of morbid curiosities.

This curious building hides eclectic details like medieval gargoyles alongside naked angels and Art Nouveau mosaics.

Small on the outside, big on the inside, this church is an astonishing act of visual deception.

A Milanese café entirely designed by the American director Wes Anderson.

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

This giant middle finger statue sends an unambiguous message to Italy's bankers.

An ossuary built in 1210 to collect bones from the Ospedale Maggiore of Milan.

One of the most important yet well-hidden museums dedicated to the history of medicine.

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

A treasure trove of Renaissance-era funerary art in a Roman church built on top of Nero's grave.

Charles Dickens was not a fan of the ghastly wall dressings in this 6th century church.

An abandoned Roman salami factory has found new life as an art space home to 200 squatters.

This delightful little museum is dedicated to only one thing: pasta.

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

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