A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital.

This historic black and white monastery is one of Bulgaria's architectural jewels.

A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest.

Bizarrely shaped rock formations in northwest Bulgaria come with equally bizarre legends.

An architectural marvel that spans the Arda River, and has stories of a haunted past.

An abandoned saucer-shaped monument in the Bulgarian mountains.

Iran's "Rose Garden Palace," built during 131 years of rule by Qajar kings, consists of 17 stunning structures.

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

The largest covered bazaar in the world.

The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

The tower in this 1,000-year-old mud-brick village seems to vibrate for no apparent reason.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

Qatar's oldest market can trace its origins back more than a century.

The world's largest frame offers spectacular views of the city's past and present.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.