Places Mathias Van de Velde Wants to Go

Ivy-covered Medieval tunnels cut through this charming town in France's Loire Valley.

A beautiful and classically designed villa, with an hourly infestation of monsters.

At Monet's beloved home you can still see the Japanese bridge, waterlilies, and weeping willows that were the subjects of some of his most iconic paintings.

A former milk-delivery driver and his wife turn their home into a glimmering mosaic.

Two small chapels housed inside an ancient tree.

Sacked by Vikings, blessed by William the Conqueror, dealt a fatal blow during the French Revolution—these ruins have seen it all.

The 16th-century church was kept in its ruined state as a reminder of the casualties of World War I.

“And the Lord said unto Johan, build for thee an ark for the end of the world is approaching.”

Hidden within a Netherlands crater is a stone bed that lets those who lie in it see the sky as a curved surface.

Incredible labyrinth of man made caves.

Legendary site where an evil bishop was devoured by rodents.

The many—66 to be exact—faces of the German forest.

This German art chapel is perfect for those who like their worship hard, modern, and utterly alien.

This curious building hides eclectic details like medieval gargoyles alongside naked angels and Art Nouveau mosaics.

Nestled in the heart of Milan is a real wunderkammer of morbid curiosities.

The secret medieval communication system will whisk your words above the noise of the crowd.

Small on the outside, big on the inside, this church is an astonishing act of visual deception.

A Milanese café entirely designed by the American director Wes Anderson.

One of the world’s smallest bars, just 13 square feet, is brimming with speakeasy flair.

The largest stone moai on Rapa Nui.

Extraordinary sculpture garden created by an eccentric English poet.

A rare surviving Victorian greenhouse designed specifically to house giant water lilies.

A Belgian self-built tower inspired by the Bible and ancient civilizations.

Artwork tucked within the trees greets visitors with surreal sonic experiences.