The tallest structure in Italy is a remote radio transmitter in Sicily.

First founded in 1472, this is the oldest bank in the world. Its history may explain why we call financial institutions "banks."

One of the largest squares in Europe contains an entire artificial island.

A medieval tower with a suspended iron cage used as an open-air jail for criminals who were exposed as a warning.

One of the oldest still-working clocks in the world sits on an ancient tower.

Time has been frozen at this station since the bombing in 1980—or so it was believed.

A large statue of Pope Gregory XIII in Bologna was disguised as Saint Petronius to avoid destruction.

This splendid mosaic embodies ancient Rome's fascination with the exotic allure of Egypt.

One of the oldest and most significant collections of Ancient Egyptian archeology outside of Egypt.

Stuck in the arcade of Casa Isolani are three arrows of mysterious origins.

A striking memorial recalls thousands of Bolognese men and women killed fighting fascists in World War II.

This deconsecrated church has seen many uses, from a tobacco storehouse to a cinema.

The intricate geometry inside this Baroque-style dome was designed to create "terror of the human soul."

The oldest volcanology research center in the world.

In Florence's great Duomo, a 26 foot fresco honors a mercenary famous for attacking Florence.

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

The bright red cars take travelers through breathtaking Tuscan scenery.

The only museum with its curator—and her pets—buried inside.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

The small peaceful island off the Venice tourist circuit is where the city began more than 1,500 years ago.

A small window on Via Piella offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals.

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

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

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.