No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.

Every equinox this Maya pyramid puts on a spooky ancient light show.

Bangkok celebrated its shifting monarchy with a militaristic homage to democracy.

A building facade covered with the statues of 11 giants of Tajik literature.

The world's second-tallest flagpole stands proud despite dropping rank.

An entertainment center in a huge transparent tent.

A modern tower, symbolizing the legend of a golden egg on top of the tree of life.

Iconic pyramid from famed British architect Norman Foster designed to represent all of the world's religious faiths.

This incredible college library is a visual masterpiece of mosaic art. It also looks kind of like a giant boombox.

A museum in the former home of Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky.

The only castle in North America to ever house European sovereigns.

The famous artist couple lived and worked here, in two different houses connected by a bridge.

Frida Kahlo's childhood home, now a museum of her life and works.

A grand imperial capital left to fall into magnificent ruin.

A series of tiny artificial islands rich with produce bob atop the surface of the lake.

The oldest teak bridge in the world is made from the remains of a royal palace.

This golden temple is surrounded by hundreds of stone tablets that comprise the "world's largest book."

A grand example of 19th century Burmese teak architecture, and the most significant of Mandalay's historic buildings.

Gigantic unfinished stupa and the world's 2nd largest bell.

Over 2,000 ancient temples dot the Myanmar landscape at the site of this famed archaeological site.