A collection of objects supposedly singed by the hands of souls in purgatory.

This ritzy Italian market is built around a statue of an unforgiven heretic who was burned for his belief in an endless universe.

A Milanese café entirely designed by the American director Wes Anderson.

Over 50 exquisite hand-painted Renaissance maps decorate a Medici storage room.

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

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.

A labyrinth of ancient tunnels hidden below the city holds the ruins of 2,500 years of history.

This beautiful park on the outskirts of Rome protects the ruins of two colossal ancient aqueducts.

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

Sitting on an Italian hilltop is this surreal fortress built by the mad inventor of electrohomeopathy.

Thousands of well-dressed mummies below a monastery.

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

The oldest operating pharmacy in the world features 800-year-old recipes.

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

2300-year-old Roman road connecting the empire.

The doodles of a genius line the walls of a secret room under the Medici Chapel, where they were hidden for nearly 500 years.

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

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

Every Easter, a small Sicilian town builds a stunning cathedral out of bread.

This delightful little museum is dedicated to only one thing: pasta.

Once known for its horse-powered knife sharpening, this 200-year-old shop offers an array of blades and hard-to-find culinary tools.

A quiet Sicilian village is home to a cafe that had an important role in "The Godfather."

In Rome’s Jewish ghetto, a 200-year-old bakery still makes the neighborhood’s historic sweets.

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.