This hill made entirely of ancient Roman jars was simply a garbage dump to the people of the time.

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

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

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

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

Anatomical cabinet holds unexpected treasures.

These medieval skyscrapers dominate the skyline of this small Tuscan town.

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

The world's most active stratovolcano is almost always erupting.

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

A sunken idol welcomes parishioners to Davy Jones' Locker.

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

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

Five candy-colored villages on the Italian Riviera.

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

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

The doodles of a genius line the walls of a secret room under the Medici Chapel, where they were hidden for nearly 500 years.

An Italian hillside ghost town.

The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

The glowing blue Nymphaeum of Emperor Tiberius.

Rome's semi-secret peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

Geothermal waterfalls in Tuscany.

The middle finger of modernity.

Renaissance villa and gardens complete with a tormented colossus.