What was once a trend-setting, phrase-coining icon of architectural splendor is now a rotting, forgotten hulk.

A ruined mansion hidden in the woods of the Hudson Valley, home of a tragically doomed romance.

If it hadn't been caught in time, a flaw in the design of this Manhattan skyscraper could have led to its collapse.

This stone gatehouse was once the entrance to a historic mountain resort, and it had a cameo in a cheesy cult horror movie.

This 1776 beacon on the coast of Wales is said to have a ghost called Raymond, the last lighthouse keeper.

One of the few surviving street funiculars in the world.

The castle still holds traces of the abandoned Roman fort it was built atop.

A breathtaking flower tunnel bursts with beautiful golden blossoms.

Albert Einstein's head sticks out of a snail shell stacked on a rocket in this truly bizarre monument to the scientist.

Largest illuminated advertisement sign in the world.

The unusually large seat sits atop the base of a ruined temple.

The scars of World War II are preserved on its walls.

A typical crusty old museum this isn't.

In this brilliant blue spring in Germany, legend has it that a sad mermaid learned to finally laugh.

A memorial for a young woman and her ghost, which are claimed to have caused countless deathly shipwrecks.

A monument to the three wars that led to German unification towers within a Berlin traffic circle.

Originally envisioned by King Ludwig II to rival Versailles, Herrenchiemsee's "New Palace" remains half-gilded for lack of funds.

A fearsome dragon clings to a corner of Munich's city hall.

The Roman city was the birthplace of various emperors and is home to one of the empire's most impressive architectural feats.

This shop also boasts some sweet memorabilia from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Britain's only artificial surfing lake is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Wales.

After years of slow decline, a derelict Gothic castle is now being restored to life.

This beautiful 19th-century temple stands atop the ruins of its predecessor.

The taxidermy remains of the first brown bear to enter Germany in 170 years.