Places Ian Engweiler Wants to Go

The only visible remains of this ancient Greek underground temple is its roof protruding from the earth.

One of the oldest still-working clocks in the world sits on an ancient tower.

Richard Luke Concanen never set foot on American soil.

This beautiful 14th-century castle perched on a promontory overlooks the Bay of Trieste.

A Roman calendar dating to the first century is tucked away in a small town alley.

For one of Rome’s finest renditions of cacio e pepe, head straight to this osteria.

One of the four sanctuaries of Rieti's Holy Valley was the site of the first living nativity scene.

A plaque on the base of this statue holds a bewitching design.

The ruins of this medieval tower are destined to crumble into the sea.

A former mining village that now operates as an open-air museum.

Greenery covers the face of a gently-dripping waterfall deep in the mountains of central Sardinia.

The skull of this patron saint is kept in a shrine located in his hometown.

A monk spent 14 years carving steps through tuff to make this religious site more accessible to pilgrims.

For more than a century, this hole-in-the-wall near Termini Station has been serving what some say is the greatest porchetta sandwich.

Crispy, cheesy rice balls—the Roman answer to arancini—take center stage here.

Legend says the only thing buried within this magnificent tomb was a dog.

One of the tallest bell towers in Italy plays a particular melody at just two times each day.

Visit a secretive crypt before it crumbles to dust.

A stunning fountain depicting a mythological she-goat carved directly into the rocks on the grounds of a Renaissance palace.

Ever loyal to Roma, the small village of Albe in the Abruzzo region carried on until an earthquake did it in.

A mysterious stele of unknown origin sits on the peak of this curious mountain.

Magnificent frescoes decorate the interior of this Romanesque church, which also showcases an unusual phenomenon during winter solstice.

The crumbling remains of a 19th-century textile factory.

A two-hour hike in the Orfento Valley leads to the remote ruins.