A spectacular Petrine Baroque summer palace commissioned for Catherine I by Peter the Great.

A historic scientific breakthrough that crosses nine borders.

First point in the Struve Geodetic Arc, a 19th century undertaking to measure the Earth's size and shape.

Once a year, local students "clean" this statue with a champagne shower.

This painting of a beloved dog will be on display at the Scottish National Gallery at long as the museum exists.

The remnants of a facade from a 19th-century market stall emporium.

A quartet of brightly colored mythical beasts stand sentry at this gateway.

This extinct volcano rises above Edinburgh and is special for its panoramic views over the city.

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

The most loyal of little dogs, or a Victorian era publicity stunt?

Protecting the dead from opportunistic body snatchers.

A 18th century graveyard and its astonishing cortege of macabre iconography.

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

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

A labyrinthine network of chambers with a storied past hides below Edinburgh's South Bridge.

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

This small museum in a 17th-century building honors three iconic Scottish writers.

Sprawled across the Great Hall ceiling are various constellations and images relating to the zodiac.

The taxidermy remains of the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell are on display in Edinburgh.

This sculpture commemorates a naturalist and an illustrator whose work was a forerunner to modern field guides.

This century-old grotesque has a mysterious history and may not actually be a rabbit.

This amusement park brings a little slice of England to the heart of Kyushu.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.