In the past, Renaissance sex workers were encouraged to entice customers on this bridge.

Hanging within this medieval church are the bones of a beast allegedly slain by a fourth-century saint.

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

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

This narrow fjord-like bay is the largest ria in the Mediterranean Sea.

This heart-shaped island looks substantially less lovely after a recent bulldozing project.

Built as an anti-fascist tribute, this surreal Yugoslav memorial became an unwelcome symbol after the Croatian war for independence.

This beautiful Croatian fortress is haunted by legends of forbidden love.

This abandoned Croatian stronghold never saw a great deal of conflict but it is still a beloved relic nonetheless.

This military tunnel dates back to World War II and provides visitors with a little wartime adrenaline.

When Croatia became independent of Yugoslavia, the splintering governments left behind these concrete tunnels.

Now abandoned, the world's first torpedo factory is crumbling into the sea.

Formerly Yugoslavia's "forbidden island," this sleepy little city still holds the abandoned remains of military strongholds.

Croatia's "hairy stone" fortress is one of the most well preserved Istrian castles.

This former estate of a fascist leader is now a burnt out ruin leading to a system of secret tunnels.

Longest fortress system anywhere in Europe.

One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters is still used today, but for less brutal events.

This Croatian fairytale castle is slowly falling apart thanks to years of neglect.

This picturesque medieval monastery guards a small trove of historic treasures.

Once a state-of-the-art tuberculosis treatment spa, these ruins are now ruled by paintball players.

The remains of a sunken military ship wreck visible through clear water.

Legend has it fairies gathered at the site of this medieval castle.

This truly palatial work of Communist-era architecture now sits crumbling on a Croatian beach.

The complex has been abandoned since the Croatian War of Independence, barring a stint as a set for 'Game of Thrones.'