This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

Touching this 18th-century Scottish philosopher’s toe allegedly conjures good fortune.

A succession of eerily contemplative iron figures lead from a Scottish museum to the sea.

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

Overlooked by many, the two famous Scottish warriors guard the main gate of Edinburgh Castle.

A six-ton wedding present for the King of the Scots.

A familiar otherworldly creature guards this 12th-century Scottish abbey.

These imposing walls and towers look more like the ruins of a fortress than a monastery.

A particularly disconcerting tribute to Irish martyrs.

Ireland's most remarkable collection of these curious cone-shaped houses is worth the buzz.

Just another ancient, mysterious Irish stone circle.

A hugely vast Irish landscape of barren rock that stretches for miles.

Amidst the bustling streets of Dublin, there is a hushed garden that is dedicated to "All those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom."

This single room has survived the centuries with almost no deterioration.

This singular Irish dolmen is more Frank Lloyd Wright than upright stonehenge.

Dublin's "Dead Zoo" serves as a window to Victorian museum design.

Local legend says the remains of Father Christmas lie within the medieval grounds.

This floating garden in the sky is straight out of a fairy tale, but the real thing is nothing short of magical.

Perfectly preserved ancient monastery in an impossibly dramatic location on a rocky island in the Atlantic.

With its webbed walls and bright red coloring, Calgary's iconic bridge looks like a finger trap puzzle stretched across the river.

A herd of colorfully painted bovine statues can be found in the middle of "cowtown."

Canada’s surprisingly controversial monument to Dwight Eisenhower.

The granite head appears to be deep in thought and half buried in the ground.

This natural wonder is disappearing at an alarming rate.