The Cathedral of Salamanca has a number of unusual carvings but none so surprising as a modern astronaut.

The corpse bride of Portugal.

A dead saint, a deadly poison, and a mysterious holy ooze.

An honorary saint of the people, Maria Adelaide became an incorrupt corpse, the clothes intact, exhaling “a strong scent of roses.”

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

For hundreds of years, this huge figure has been blessing visitors before they explore his body.

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

A massive ultra-modern church presents a science-fiction view of Catholicism's inclusive future.

World's largest open air theater spans 24 acres and hosts a massive recreation of the Passion of Christ.

The massive gardens and office of a Brazilian sculptor.

Modern pyramids built to channel positive energy have also fomented local tales of animal sacrifice.