The fantastic charm of England's oldest botanical garden has made it a place of writerly inspiration for centuries.

Used as an example in one of the first dictionary entries for "museum" in 1706.

A 26-foot shark sculpture—a statement about bombs—set off a municipal battle royale.

Home to the most complete dodo remains known - one head, and one foot.

Ancient Egyptian wigs, South American feather headdresses, a bounty of anthropological artifacts in Oxford.

The beloved fantasy novelist is buried near a church containing a whimsical etched glass window full of Narnia favorites.

One of Europe's oldest libraries.

J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and other "Inklings" met at the Oxford pub to discuss the now legendary fantasy stories they were writing.

The names Lúthien and Beren can be found inscribed on the shared grave of the famous writer and his beloved wife and muse.

Famously misunderstood wonder of the ancient world

The oldest working mechanical clock in the world.

One of England's most famous churches hides a pair of little known architectural treasures.

A copy of the famous statue can be found in this Florence piazza, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the city below.

This private skyway is filled with art and was expanded explicitly so that Hitler could appreciate a river.

The only quarter of the Old City not dedicated to a major world religion.

This sprawling, formerly elite sporting complex in Amman, Jordan has become a local picnic spot.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

This restored eighth-century palace is a shining example of ancient Umayyad architecture.

The remains of three different ancient civilizations have been found at this rich archaeological site.

Just outside of Jordan's capital lies an ancient castle and intriguing caves dating back to the Copper Age.

This cascade of mineral-rich hot springs and waterfalls is an oasis in the Jordanian desert.

A bathhouse from the second Islamic Caliphate decorated with frescoes of constellations, pleasure gardens, and naked ladies.

The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

The most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity.