The most metal church of all time was built in record time because of an international, pious pissing contest.

It's believed that this small church was connected to the Hagia Sophia via a secret tunnel.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

This former Imperial summer home was the venue for a royal slap that once echoed 'round the world.

An Ottoman-era mosque looking over the Black Sea.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

An Art Nouveau gem hides beneath the layers of city grime obscuring this once-magnificent building.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

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

Quite possibly the oldest love poem known to humankind.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

These stairs, seemingly disappearing into a wall, once tempted some students into petty crime

This 12th-century gatehouse has survived England’s many religious upheavals

Looking like something out of a fairytale, this tiny house was built over a stream to avoid paying land taxes