Millions of glowing microscopic organisms light up the waters of this luminous lagoon.

Cavernous opening completely encased in Karst limestone.

This domed temple was built in a hidden cave mouth as a refuge for sinners seeking absolution.

According to the local folklore, the myriad colors of this lake are the result of a lovelorn wizard's blunder.

Venice's island of the dead.

The final resting place of the poets Shelley and Keats.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

A sunken idol welcomes parishioners to Davy Jones' Locker.

This community on a small Venetian island has taken to painting their houses in bright neon hues.

Virgil's many-mouthed gateway to the underworld.

2300-year-old Roman road connecting the empire.

Medieval town turned hippie commune, once home to the secret foreskin of Jesus Christ.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.

Rome's semi-secret peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

Picturesque intersection of witchcraft and ancient Christianity.

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.

A Bibliophile's Dream.

A shape-shifting buy-sell-trade bookstore, born to Beatnik Era spirit.

A book collector's dream, this Toronto bookstore has the world's first "Biblio-Mat," a random book vending machine.

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

Natural cathedral designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri.

Abandoned medieval hill town.

Hidden in an Italian forest is a completely homemade amusement park that has taken a lifetime to create.