Flamboyant architecture from the turn of 20th century.

This enigmatic artifact remained buried in a churchyard for years.

A black cat protests the City Guild in Riga's Old Town.

Latvia's symbolic mountain-shaped national library is home to millions of cultural tomes.

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

A former Latvian headquarters of the brutal KGB secret police is now open as a grim reminder of their atrocities.

This controversial statue once honoured a Russian Field Marshall, before ultimately being dismantled in a push to remove symbols of Russian influence.

This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

A preserved oak tree about 3,500 years old found in Riga, Latvia.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

A statue built to honor the elite soldiers who fought for Latvia during World War I.

A stone marker and sculpture in the city of Riga stake a claim for the very first community Christmas tree.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

The oldest restaurant in the world is this old-world Spanish eatery, still known for its suckling pig.

An ancient Egyptian temple in the middle of Madrid, Spain.

The remains of a convent turned military barrack in the heart of Madrid.

A towering monument in Spain has proven to be more labor-intensive than initially planned.

Two beautiful Victorian-era parks replete with ornamental waterfalls and lakes.

This curious Tudor-era castle was once home to Napoleon's greatest adversary, the Duke of Wellington.

A jumble of treasures in a small space, this old-fashioned local museum is full of surprises.

A beautiful Kentish country intersection hosts a tasty little photo spot.

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.

Rome’s legendary peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.