Tourists to the mountaintop Sicilian town often overlook its ancient fortifications.

This amazingly preserved Doric temple was abandoned before it was ever completed.

A medieval wash house where people washed clothes in a river allegedly formed by the tears of a mourning nymph.

Built to repay the sins of the father, this church is home to one of the most valuable works of Western art.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

Water and windows define this defensive Italian well.

The best preserved Paleochristian basilica in Rome hides a number of oddities and secrets.

Italian poet Dante Alighieri is entombed in this small mausoleum in Ravenna, and his hometown of Florence has never been too happy about it.

A fairytale-like medieval church perched atop a rocky cliff on Italy's "Coast of the Gods."

The spot where the fascist dictator made some of his most famous speeches including declaring war on Britain and France.

"Stairs of the Turks", a chalky white cliff eroded conveniently into stairs, allowing for easy pillaging.

These medieval skyscrapers dominate the skyline of this small Tuscan town.

Italian cave with exceptional acoustics and an unsavory history.

The "Greatest Sewer" of ancient Rome is one of the oldest sewer systems in the world, and is still in use.

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

This Roman arch marks the location of an ancient gate at one of the Seven Hills of Rome.

Installed in an act of one-upsmanship, the annual sundial in this church is also a symbolic victory for the Gregorian calendar.

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Architectural monsters are devouring this palace's every door and window.

The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

Pompeii's less famous neighbor is still revealing her secrets.

The underground sanctuary of a mysterious ancient cult.