Places butterflywings Wants to Go

A mysterious chasm in the heart of the ancient Roman Forum, the Lacus Curtius was once believed to be a gateway to hell.

These hut foundations are believed to be the residence of Romulus, founder of Rome.

The "Great Sewer" of ancient Rome is one of the oldest sewer systems in the world, and is still in use.

This small, ancient Roman temple was once a church dedicated to the patron saint of penitents.

This curious, round temple is the oldest still-standing marble building in Rome.

Italian horror legend Dario Argento’s own shop hides a sinister museum-dungeon in the basement.

This ancient altar emerges from the thick forests to reveal the mysteries of Etruscan sacrificial rituals.

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

A diverse collection of wax, bone, papier-maché and mummified relics.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

The marble facade hides a little-known medical museum with early surgical instruments and rare copies of canonical texts.

As can be expected from a centuries-old church built in a canal city, the undercroft of this house of worship is beautifully flooded.

The world's oldest surviving anatomical theater, where "the dead are pleased to help the living."

Beautifully decorated tarot cards from the Middle Ages.

Not far from the more famous House of Juliet, visitors will find the supposed residence of her lover.

It took more than 300 years to build this church, which is home to two sacred vessels believed to hold the blood of Christ.

A young Italian couple has been locked in an embrace for over 6,000 years.

This poignant art installation raises awareness of violence against women.

The secret medieval communication system will whisk your words above the noise of the crowd.

Saint Borromeo often prayed in this austere crypt during the 16th century.

A fairytale island floats in the middle of Italy's little-known Lake Orta.

The astonishing collection of an infamous criminologist.