Places josevansteijn Wants to Go

A wonderfully strange collection of 500+ stuffed frogs doing people things.

The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing.

When a supermarket opened up shop within a medieval building it became protected by UNESCO on a technicality.

Construction of this bridge was once described as an "act of violence" against a neighboring country.

When Croatia became independent of Yugoslavia, the splintering governments left behind these concrete tunnels.

Longest fortress system anywhere in Europe.

This exclusive resort has completely covered a tiny Balkan island in a 5-star warren of guest rooms.

Inside this mansion turned museum, the works of prominent Croatian artists are on full display.

Here lies a legend of three sisters, all in love with the same mariner.

A tiny church on a man-made island in the Adriatic.

The only known mosaic depicting the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos.

The hairpin turns in this mountain road take the shape of a letter—is it a coincidence or a symbol of love?

These historic defenses ensured the city within would survive hundreds of years of occupations, sieges, and invasions.

A curious little museum dedicated to the furry feline in the cat haven that is Old Town Kotor.

According to a local legend, this old castle could only be built after a woman was immured in the walls.

One of 200 religious buildings recognized as a “culture monument.” 

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany are gorgeous, multicolored hot springs.

Fortified medieval tower house with lovely roof garden.

This bustling Italian plaza is built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Explore the quarry where the marble was sourced for Michaelangelo's David.

A fortified palace in the shape of a ship on the Thiou river.

A suspended footbridge allows for traversing this gorge carved through the French Alps.

At this monastery, monks make raw-milk cheese and use excess whey to create methane that powers their hot-water system.

This French chateau is home to the world’s largest private collection of fighter jets.