Spanish architects used seized Muslim gravestones to rebuild parts of the fortress.

Morocco’s modern capital was once a haven for Barbary pirates, who went so far as to establish a republic of their own.

This vast masterpiece of Moroccan architecture spreads across 20 acres.

The courtyard of this small Marinid madrasa is a dazzling example of intricate Islamic architecture.

Deliberately hidden for centuries, the magnificent Saadian Tombs were eventually uncovered in 1917.

The largest madrasa in Morocco once housed more than 900 students within its exquisite walls.

Crumbling necropolis set high above Fez.

Thousands of narrow alleyways in an ancient medieval city make up what's believed to be the world's largest car-free urban zone.

An awe-inspiring mosque in Morocco with one of the tallest minarets in the world.

The other side is actually green.

It took 40 years to build this Eden-like garden in Marrakech, later restored by Yves Saint-Laurent.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

One of the largest wooden constructions in Europe was meant to be a casino, but soon became an orphanage.

The ancient latrines of the Greeks, in all their public glory.

Over the centuries, this island paradise has done it all, from providing monks with ecclesiastical respite to sheltering an exiled Leon Trotsky.

A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.

A Turkish monastery tucked into a cliff wall.

Foreign invaders almost left this lovely Caucasus palace alone—almost.

Originally planted by the ancient Carthaginians, this sprawling palm grove is one of the largest in the world.

Elevated freight railway turned wildly successful urban park.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

Catalonia Tradition: Beating the hollow Christmas log until it defecates in your fireplace.

The iconic boulevard is the perfect place to catch sight of a bicycling skeleton, a levitating Satan, or a chef with his head stuck in a pizza.