Home to nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan is home to a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape.

This Armenian monastery was carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to stab Jesus.

This ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula when the lake was partially drained.

Hundreds of intricately carved Armenian stone crosses can be found within this huge cemetery.

After visiting hours, this picturesque waterfall is essentially turned "off" to be used for hydroelectric power.

The most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia once held a saint in a pit for 13 years.

Nestled in a peaceful valley, this Armenian monastery may have been saved from Mongols thanks to the eyes of God.

Called the "Armenian Stonehenge," this ring of menhirs pierced with holes may be a prehistoric astronomical observatory.

The decaying remains of a once-luxurious Soviet spa town.

The cave holds a spectacular array of stalactites and stalagmites, including one shaped like a giant human heart.

Underground monastery and fortress.

Tower with a double-helix spiral, adorned with letters of the Georgian alphabet.

The first skyscraper to include a Ferris wheel built into the facade.

Fortified homes of highland warriors that are still in use today.

Despite being tiny and rural this Georgian airport looks like a sci-fi boondoggle.

Small church on top of a huge rock column.

These Stalin-era industrial 'death traps' hang lifeless above the city

This old Soviet gas station is in perfect condition, one of the best-preserved mosaics in the country.

A museum glorifying the life of Stalin, located in the city of his birth.

Ancient rock-hewn town that witnessed key events of Georgian history.

The last standing example of an ancient district's teatime tradition.

Luxury hotel turned into a refugee camp, then turned back into a luxury hotel.

Rock-hewn monastery complex with hundreds of cave structures tucked away into the mountainside.

Monks in the empyreal Alazani River valley have preserved their 1,000-year-old winemaking tradition.