Places emilykoopman Wants to Go

Ancient rock-cut tomb? Definitely. That of a great Median king? Unlikely.

A 605-page Quran penned in the blood of a dictator is locked away in a mosque.

This beautiful arched gate is all that remains of the fortress the ancient mountaintop town of Amadiya once was.

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

This ancient fortress in Iran was once the oldest and largest treasury in the world.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

Salt cured mummies continue to turn up in this Iranian mine.

This vast, water-filled underground labyrinth can only be toured by boat.

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.

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

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

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

Concentrated around the Dead Sea, these surprising canyons are filled with coursing water, fish, and even crabs.

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.

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

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

On this stunning Scottish island, you can walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

Near the former site of numerous witch burnings, this lavish Edinburgh mainstay pays homage to Scotland's brutal history.

This Scottish bridge seems to compel dogs to leap to their death.

How would you like to dine in the same room where some of the Titanic's victims were embalmed?

The abandoned tuberculosis sanatorium is said to be one of the most haunted places in Canada.