An 11th-century mountaintop fortress that played a crucial role in Italy's papal wars is now a vacation rental.

Also known as the Square Colosseum, this building is a prime example of fascist-era rationalist architecture.

Climb the dead electric pylons of Messina.

Ever loyal to Roma, the small village of Albe in the Abruzzo region carried on until an earthquake did it in.

This Italian ski resort rose to fame when Benito Mussolini was held prisoner there and then rescued by the SS.

A mysterious ancient elephant said to possess magic powers is now the symbol of a Sicilian city.

A semi-abandoned village destroyed by U.S. bombings during World War II dominates the valley of Turano.

The towering Pinocchio stands 63 feet tall in the Italian village his creator frequented as a child.

A sculpture serving as an homage to Pope John Paul II.

A detailed pachyderm supports Rome's smallest Egyptian obelisk.

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany are gorgeous, multicolored hot springs.

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.

This Italian stadium makes liberal use of fascist statuary to evoke classical sporting arenas.

A perfectly circular lake is formed by the crater of an ancient underwater volcano.

Originally a leper colony, the island is now an Armenian monastery that's home to an incredible manuscript library and eclectic museum.

A space dedicated to contemporary art and culture, co-chaired by fashion icon Miuccia Prada.

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

What looks like a link in Gondor's early warning system is actually a centuries-old Italian fortress.

Fountain where visitors can earn a license to be mad.

A huge enchanting public park just outside the ancient walls of Rome.

A medieval fountain lined with 99 unique stone faces whose origins and meaning remain unknown.

The spot where the fascist dictator made some of his most famous speeches including declaring war on Britain and France.

Water and windows define this defensive Italian well.

These gutted monastery ruins still stand proudly in the middle of the Italian countryside.