A hugely vast Irish landscape of barren rock that stretches for miles.

This singular Irish dolmen is more Frank Lloyd Wright than upright stonehenge.

This natural "sea of stones" was once used by the Romans as a quarry.

The last Tsar of Russia constructed this private church just so he could attend services when visiting his wife's hometown.

A former Nazi lookout tower with a magnificent view of the Rhineland.

This remote mountain shrine is one of the most sacred Zoroastrian temples remaining in the world.

One of the holiest Shi'i shrines in Iran honors the life and death of a learned noblewoman who became a saint.

The largest covered bazaar in the world.

The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.

The hottest, driest, and most scenic desert on Earth.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

A historic casino where Dostoyevsky is said to have lost it all on a single spin of the roulette wheel.

Named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built by order of Shaddad, an Arab king who wanted to compete with Paradise.

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.