Places James Gage Wants to Go

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

Burial site of a Jewish prophet revered in Iran.

Hundreds of stones dangle from barren trees in the middle of the desert.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

This 12,000 year old Iranian cave village has been continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years.

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

These little castles each held thousands of pigeons.

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

In this tiny Iranian town playing on the roof isn't just encouraged, it's the only place to go.

A sophisticated astronomical tower built by one of the greatest Persian scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.

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

One of the world's largest salt caves is filled with fragile salt sculptures, salt rivers, and huge salt megadomes.

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

The vertical-axis windmills of ancient Persia have been grinding flour for 1,000 years and counting.

Hydraulic systems in an ancient underground Iranian city.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

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

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

A 1,500-year-old, 3-story subterranean city where ancient Persians took refuge in times of war.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

This ruined fortress was the stronghold for a persecuted medieval leader and his infamous Assassins.

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.

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

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