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Jesus' footprints and the first catacombs in the world.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

St. Francesca Romana, patron saint of drivers, resides in the church she founded.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

At the crypt of St. Mary of Eulogies and the Dead you are left alone to ponder mortality among piles of skulls.

The mystic whose incorrupt corpse still attracts the faithful.

Naturally preserved bodies are eerily staged throughout the crypt in varying poses.

Eighteen mummies have stood guard behind the altar of this tiny church since 1833.

Church holding the preserved body of a levitating saint.

The venerated body of a 12th century saint is celebrated each year with the 'Race of the Candles.'

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

Italian poet Dante Alighieri is entombed in this small mausoleum in Ravenna, and his hometown of Florence has never been too happy about it.

The incorrupt tongue of the patron saint of lost things is venerated in this basilica.

Built to repay the sins of the father, this church is home to one of the most valuable works of Western art.

The world's oldest surviving anatomical theater, where "the dead are pleased to help the living."

A whale rib was used to advertise the store by the arch that offered exotic goods from far away.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

According to the local folklore, the myriad colors of this lake are the result of a lovelorn wizard's blunder.

Europe’s oldest natural human mummy.

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

The wreckage of a tragic plane crash is on display at this museum devoted to a famous Italian conspiracy.

Italy's curious field of mud volcanoes is named for being both gross AND salty.

David Sedaris called it "The greatest shop in the world."