Places amandajane Wants to Go

The only residents of this abandoned housing development full of identical castles are stray cats and dogs.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

The ancient abodes are a testament to human ingenuity amid harsh climates.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

A charming beach town in Turkey captures all the colors of the rainbow.

An ancient church on a tiny island covered in stone bible stories has controversially been turned into a museum.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

Roman ruins, natural methane fires and a lovely beach.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

Standing proud atop a Turkish bluff, this Ottoman palace has retained its grandeur despite being abandoned for centuries.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

This Turkish cave boasts some rather bizarre associations with the King of Mount Olympus.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

Flames have been burning within this mountain for more than 2,500 years.

Live a night as a Byzantine King, with a minibar and private jacuzzi.

Naturally protected city carved from a rock face.

This hunter-gatherer architecture is believed to be the oldest religious complex known.

A Lycian city of the dead carved into the hillside of Southern Turkey, complete with startlingly human touches.