A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

This 17th-century structure is a beautiful testimony to traditional Persian architecture

The cathedral stands in New Jufa, Isfahan's Armenian quarter that was established in 1606.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

Named after a legendary garden called Eram in southern Arabia, built by order of Shaddad, an Arab king who wanted to compete with Paradise.

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

The ancient necropolis houses the immense rock-cut tombs of four Persian kings.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

This ancient fortress in Iran was once the oldest and largest treasury in the world.

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

The fire inside this temple has burned for more than 1,500 years.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

Burial site of a Jewish prophet revered in Iran.

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.

The largest covered bazaar in the world.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

This igneous rock monolith towers above the surrounding landscape just outside the Nigerian capital.

The last remaining site of Yoruba worship of the fertility goddess.

What started as makeshift fishermen's housing has grown into a massive, floating community.

The world’s first museum dedicated to exploring human rights unleashed a wave of controversy.