This Roman monument is surrounded by more recent construction, offering a stark contrast between ancient architecture and the modern urban landscape.

The tomb of the mythological founder of Padua is not hidden in some obscure crypt, but stands right in the middle of the city square.

This medieval castle was reconstructed by Carlo Scarpa.

These elaborate gothic monuments honor Verona's medieval lords.

A gorgeous example of 13th-century Gothic architecture.

Atop the former site of a historic bakery sit two stone tributes to Verona's contribution to traditional Italian baking.

One of the oldest libraries in the world is still operating and contains the oldest existing document in the Italian language.

Not far from the more famous House of Juliet, visitors will find the supposed residence of her lover.

The pile of books behind the dignified writer gave the statue a most undignified nickname.

An ancient Roman temple first dedicated to an emperor's wife is now a church.

A whale rib was used to advertise the store by the arch that offered exotic goods from far away.

According to tradition this is the oldest church in Venice, but its actual age is a mystery.

This Roman statue is missing a limb from when the Venetians stole it from Constantinople during the Crusades.

This park on the outskirts of Rome boasts two ancient Roman aqueducts and a medieval tower.

One of the world's oldest working clocks is curiously missing the Zodiac sign of Libra.

The only remaining arch of the oldest stone bridge in Rome stands in the middle of the Tiber.

Where Venice's gondolas go for a tune-up.

In the past, Renaissance sex workers were encouraged to entice customers on this bridge.

Two stone columns flank the grand Venice square, but there were supposed to be three.

Gods clash with machines in a power plant regenerated as a museum.

The studio built by fascists in the hopes of "reviving the film industry" with the occasional propaganda film opportunity thrown in.

Thousand-year-old Viking runes adorn an ancient Greek lion at the entrance to the Venetian Arsenal.

100 year tradition of fist fights, marked by marble footsteps.

Hanging within this medieval church are the bones of a beast allegedly slain by a fourth-century saint.