This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

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

Despite their macabre past, these hooks are said to bring good luck to those who touch them.

This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats.

This uniquely designed bridge served as the city gate for Comacchio.

The world's tallest box hedge is found in a delightful garden.

Some of the saint's blood and bones are said to reside in Dublin.

Dedicated to the American general whose reply to a German demand for surrender was simply "Nuts!"

Freemasonry’s universal creed etched in limestone.

This metal monument marking the middle of Belgium represents three regions coming together to form one country.

Tintin's creator is celebrated in an immersive museum that's an astounding work of modern art.

This former coal mine, now a fascinating museum, was the site of Belgium's worst mining disaster.

The vast chamber inside this abandoned cooling tower looks like something out of a sci-fi dystopia.

A magical and peaceful ruined Cistercian abbey in what is now southern Belgium.

A 14th-century fortified keep showcases the masterpieces of an ingenious 20th-century clockmaker.

An ancient stone fortress considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Seven beautiful 1,000-year-old rock-cut Buddhist statues.

Three floors of musical instruments coming from all corners of the world and hundreds of years of musical history.

From motorcycles to firetrucks and sports cars to horse-drawn carriages, this Belgian collection goes beyond rare cars.

Only museum in the world devoted to bookbinding and book arts holds a permanent collection representing five centuries.

A fascinating and enormous collection of natural history exhibits stained by a dark colonial legacy.

A jazz band formed by African water animals in the heart of Flemish Brabant.

Each spring, a dreamlike carpet of bluebells overtakes the forest floor.

The tiny Belgian town's ancient version of Mardi Gras involves eerie wax masks, sticks for warding off evil, and ostrich plume hats.