In Portugal, a secluded stretch of untouched natural beauty hides at the bottom of a steep hill.

An early work of the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, these swimming pools blend into the beach.

A stunning 18th-century site where pilgrims ascend by a series of punishing stairs only to return via funicular.

A garden in Lisbon filled with giant porcelain creatures.

Ring the bell to enter a bar that looks equal parts museum and old curiosity shop.

This charming candle shop has been in business since 1789.

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

Picturesque intersection of witchcraft and ancient Christianity.

This Industrial Age architectural and engineering gem helps visitors and residents alike traverse Lisbon, “The City of Seven Hills.”

An ancient and majestic fortress that played an integral role in Portugal's road to independence.

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.

A submerged village appears when dam levels drop.

The world's oldest bookshop still in operation.

This unreal Portuguese palace looks as though it's made from a pile of different castles.

Legacy of the earthquake that nearly wiped Lisbon off the face of the Earth.

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.

You can row a boat through this ancient underground reservoir.

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.

The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

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

One man's labor of love, Amman's oldest home has become a time capsule with its doors permanently open to artists and guests.

An expansive complex of subterranean tunnels is all that remains of one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortresses.

The secret medieval communication system will whisk your words above the noise of the crowd.

Before there were doorbells this bronze ear was installed for visitors to announce their arrival.