First point in the Struve Geodetic Arc, a 19th century undertaking to measure the Earth's size and shape.

This futuristic observatory at the top of the Pyrénées offers unrivaled views.

This giant radio telescope would be a rusting ruin if it hadn't become such a beloved relic.

The old observatory in Copenhagen has a spiral corridor used as a racetrack.

This Scandinavian island is the site of the first modern observatory.

A former plague hospital turned medical museum.

A historic observatory precariously perched at the "Top of Europe."

The Bauhaus-style former industrial complex is considered the world's most beautiful coal mine.

The oldest botanical garden in the world that technically isn't the oldest.

Devious political maneuvering and four ancient, working telescopes are central to the world's second-oldest observatory.

Eighteenth-century home, where Herschel discovered the planet Uranus.

This ancient Chinese observatory still contains early astronomy technology.

No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.

Home to the world's largest refracting telescope and the birthplace of modern astrophysics.

This "mathematical tower" was an observatory, early skyscraper, and place to reflect on all of nature and the cosmos.

The Goose Girl of Göttingen, Germany might well be the most kissed girl in the world.

Home to 10,000 medical specimens including the remains of Rudolf Virchow's extensive collection of pathological specimens.

Wax models of disease and deformity are on display at this German medical museum.