The largest library in Latin America owes its existence to an Old World earthquake and a Napoleonic invasion.

This massive Brazilian church is built like an angular, technicolor pyramid left by Mayans from the future.

A 125-meter long "tribute to the Brazilian people."

A series of vibrant murals celebrate the culture and community of Oakland.

The only museum of sake in the United States is nestled in an unlikely California college town.

A storybook European village in Berkeley.

A restored 1920s cascade stairway provides one of the best views of Oakland's Lake Merritt.

Gilded heaven for philatelists and architecture freaks, still in full working order despite sitting atop tremulous ground.

This "City of Books" holds a museum, library, and the complete personal book collections of five of Mexico's greatest thinkers.

A unique market that brings together various goods and cultures.

A famous alternative culture epicenter and where Joplin serenaded young hippies.

Barely visible foundations remain where Stow Lake’s “observatory” once welcomed visitors.

A favorite haunt of dinosaur loving children and hallucinogen loving hippies alike.

This turn of the century masterpiece has a mysterious goaty interloper.

This statue was given to France by the United States to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution.

A horde of stray cats rule in this secluded Parisian cemetery under a bridge.

A hidden world of exotic succulents and cacti.

Guarded by the Angel of Grief, the Stanford family tomb attracts an odd mix of halloween revelry and somber contemplation.

A classically inspired temple in Redwood City.

There is no trying to fall in love with this Star Wars fountain, you just do or do not.

This residential door allows San Francisco muggles a glimpse at the wizarding world.

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

This (occupied) house is 10 feet wide and full of spite.

Bonsai garden in Oakland is curated by the first non-Japanese female bonsai master in the United States.