This black sand beach was crafted from volcanic explosions including the historic Minoan eruption.

An imperial church bombed to ruins during WWII now stands as a jagged memorial.

A monument to the three wars that led to German unification towers within a Berlin traffic circle.

A striking 12th-century-style castle built on the edge of a cliff.

The first modernist church in Europe.

Baroque celebration of the end of the Great Plague of Vienna.

Built to give thanks for the passing of a plague epidemic, this cathedral is a one-of-a-kind architectural hybrid.

This artistic fountain display pays homage to this area's theatrical history.

An interactive exhibition space dedicated to the kinetic sculptures of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.

A trove of ridiculously valuable prints and manuscripts under one roof.

Medieval irrigation channels built into the sides of mountains provided Valais with water for hundreds of years.

The Syrian headquarters of alleged hashish-smoking assassins.

One of the oldest and largest castles in the world.

Amid the rubble of Aleppo's Old Quarter, part of a historic market has been restored and re-opened.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

The remains of three different ancient civilizations have been found at this rich archaeological site.

This restored eighth-century palace is a shining example of ancient Umayyad architecture.

Just outside of Jordan's capital lies an ancient castle and intriguing caves dating back to the Copper Age.

This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition.

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

The most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity.

A 19th-century architectural masterpiece with ties to Gustave Eiffel.

This tiny, tranquil Senegalese island serves as a powerful symbol of the Atlantic slave trade.

A tree seems to grow from the ocean floor on this strange strip of sand slowly being overtaken by the sea.