A Volkswagen Beetle decorated with millions of beads connects Mexico's past and future.

This colossal ancient sculpture of the monstrous Aztec rain god has a literally stormy history.

The only castle in North America to ever house European sovereigns.

Diego Rivera's massive tiled fountain and failed infrastructure project.

Mexico City's largest market contains a Willy Wonka-esque wonderland.

Twelve natural mummies are displayed in the crypt of this former monastery school.

Frida Kahlo's childhood home, now a museum of her life and works.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

A super-sized promotional trick that is now a D.C. landmark.

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.

A lovely aquatic park built by a one-armed Civil War veteran who made a fortune from lotuses.

Home to items never before seen by the public.

The Corinthian columns that towered over Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration stand proud.

A luxuriant botanical garden below sea level.

Florida might be at its most surreal in this museum devoted to the famed Spanish artist.

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

The yawning maw of this pagan visage is said to bite off the hands of liars.

Rome’s legendary peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

A master of trompe-l'oeil creates a stunning, tourist-fooling dome out of a flat ceiling.

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

These former theme park figures have a new lease on life outside a water plant-turned-restaurant.

An oddities shop that dabbles in the deathly and beautiful.

The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details.