Places NicholasManila Wants to Go

This tiny Bulgarian town offers a stunning location in the mountains and a storied history.

This historic black and white monastery is one of Bulgaria's architectural jewels.

This massive concrete sculpture is said to be the heaviest communist monument on Earth.

Bizarrely shaped rock formations in northwest Bulgaria come with equally bizarre legends.

An architectural marvel that spans the Arda River, and has stories of a haunted past.

An abandoned saucer-shaped monument in the Bulgarian mountains.

The costumes depict the Kurent, the star character of the annual Kurentovanje festival.

A beautiful drive through the foot of the Alps traces the path of 15th-century Turkish raids.

A crumbling World War I fort that is reached through a series of concrete tunnels.

This small Slovenian town has become a magnet for microbreweries.

The "dragon babies" of southeastern Europe.

The world's oldest grape-producing vine has survived four centuries of turmoil and even has its own anthem.

The walls of this medieval church are covered with perfectly preserved frescos, including a pristine example of the Dance of Death.

An otherworldly alpine pasture in Slovenia with historical ties to WWII and architecture that recalls Middle Earth.

Martin Bricelj Baraga's monolithic sculpture measures the blueness of the sky, and changes color to match it.

This abandoned Slovenian military barracks has become a punky-political art squat.

A miniature train-ride through Slovenia's largest cave system.

This massive subterranean fissure is known as the "underground Grand Canyon."

Castle and secret tunnel withstood a siege until its owner was killed by the Holy Roman Empire, while sitting on the toilet.

A submerged village appears when dam levels drop.

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.

The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details.

A unique seaside cave where Aleister Crowley faked his own death.

Picturesque intersection of witchcraft and ancient Christianity.