The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

One of the holiest Shi'i shrines in Iran honors the life and death of a learned noblewoman who became a saint.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

Named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built by order of Shaddad, an Arab king who wanted to compete with Paradise.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

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

This retro, UFO-like structure is a remnant of the Soviet-era circus.

Lonely minaret stump of a destroyed city.

Time capsule of a museum, in which the Soviet Union remains alive and kicking.

Extremely isolated Silk Road caravanserai in the middle of nowhere.

One of the most ethnically diverse spots on the planet.

Looking for a unifying history, Uzbekistan finds its answer in a 14th Century Turco-Mongol conqueror... despite the fact he wasn't Uzbek.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

This Wall Street bar was once a hub of revolutionary activity where Washington famously bid farewell to his troops.

Built hundreds of years ago this downtown iron barrier once protected a much despised king.