Latvia’s first skyscraper, nicknamed ‘Stalin’s birthday cake.’

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

A map store filled with original Cold War era Russian maps of the world.

This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

With a design inspired by traditional Latvian textiles, this monument honors the Latvian people who suffered under Soviet occupation.

A statue built to honor the elite soldiers who fought for Latvia during World War I.

The weathered grave of a medieval anchoress who walled herself up in a cell attached to a church.

A less famous, short-lived meeting spot of the Inklings.

Originally founded in 1654, this coffee house claims to be the oldest of its kind in Europe.

A journey begins with a single step, and for many, the road-trip of a lifetime started at this Chicago intersection.

Each of these gorgeous, intricately decorated rooms is painstakingly crafted to the scale of 1 inch: 1 foot.

Once at the center of U.S. finance, the historic Trading Room was meticulously recreated piece by piece and rebuilt in the Art Institute.

Illegal drag racing two stories beneath Chicago’s streets.

A gothic church spire sits atop this skyscraper, the tallest church in the world.

A 400-foot-tall tall map of Chicago makes this once-ignored building stand out.

An extensive collection of fine art devoted to man's best friend.

This Norman castle was once the site of a Victorian-era prison, and now exists as a luxury hotel.

This hidden 13th-century tavern room has a few Shakespearean connections.

The beams of the New College, Oxford dining hall come with an amazing story.

Site of the first hot air balloon flight conducted by the first English balloonist.

A cornucopia of gargoyles adorns the oldest portion of Oxford’s Magdalen College.

This fairytale castle was built as a show of power but was nearly torn down thanks to its history of torture.