Places DarkSideoftheFork Wants to Go

One of the most controversial statues in Romania is an emperor with no clothes.

Packed to the ceiling with antique taxidermy and hunting arms.

The growing stones of Romania.

Romania's triumphal arch looks out over Bucharest.

This communist behemoth is the heaviest building in the world and a legacy of a brutal regime.

A fire once nearly devoured this gorgeous 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

The European towns of Brașov and Râșnov each have proud signs reminiscent of the Hollywood sign.

A stunning 18th century pharmacy and medieval chemist's collection.

Romania's only crater lake with water as pure as if distilled.

Something's watching you.

This Romanian village may have been drowned, but it is long from forgotten.

One of the oldest churches in Romania is believed to have been built on the site of a pagan temple.

Romania's "Red Ravine" is a little-known natural wonder that bears a resemblance to the Grand Canyon.

This once-derelict building is now one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

The bust of Romania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Dracula aka "Vlad the Impaler," keeps watch over the ruins of his medieval court.

No one knows who built this strange cave of worship or exactly why.

The romantic botanic tunnel feels like a well-kept secret.

Once an opulent Art Nouveau hotspot, the Constanța Casino is one of Romania's most beautiful abandoned buildings.

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."

The legendary cliffside castle of three-time Voivode of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler.

A countryside Romanian cemetery filled with colorful crosses bearing lyrical, ironic, or satirical rhymes.

This elaborately decorated, fairytale-like Romanian royal palace is one of the most striking castles in Europe.

Moss and stone turn this waterfall into an otherworldly liquid veil.

This fairy-tale castle would make Dracula (who is said to have been imprisoned there) jealous.