Only through deep darkness and tragedy did this elaborate royal palace become a sacred temple.

A series of tiny artificial islands rich with produce bob atop the surface of the lake.

Over 2,000 ancient temples dot the Myanmar landscape at the site of this famed archaeological site.

The oldest teak bridge in the world is made from the remains of a royal palace.

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

This often-missed monastery, set in a scenic mountain landscape, features unique frescoes, fortifications and legends.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

This ancient structure is widely thought to be the oldest intact pyramid in the world.

This dome-shaped mountain boasts amazing views and has a rich religious history.

A stunning mosque owes its design to an Ottoman ruler nicknamed "the Butcher."

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

Bali’s Mother Temple, a breathtaking complex that rises serenely up the side of an active volcano.

This massive complex is made up of hundreds of smaller temples that date back to the ninth century.

Hundreds of Buddhas in a re-discovered Indonesian temple.

This tiny lake temple dedicated to a water goddess seems to float on the surface.

The name of this ancient Indonesian temple translates as "Elephant Cave" but it could be more accurately called "The Hellmouth."

One of the world's oldest, it provides a livelihood for the entire community.

The Russian author's writing desk remains inside the house where he spent part of his Siberian exile.

This 100-foot tall tombstone memorializes victims of 40 years of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan.

In the heart of Tirana, this underground nuclear bunker has been transformed into a museum.

According to a local legend, this old castle could only be built after a woman was immured in the walls.

Once the fallout shelter of a dictator, this sprawling bunker is now a combined history museum and contemporary art gallery.

An Albanian monument to the Communism that nearly crushed the country is now a crumbling wreck.