More than 450 years ago, an Italian nun became the first woman to paint the iconic subject.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

A copy of the famous statue can be found in this Florence piazza, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the city below.

In the past, Renaissance sex workers were encouraged to entice customers on this bridge.

Where Venice's gondolas go for a tune-up.

This amazingly well-preserved villa just outside Pompeii boasts rare examples of ancient Roman paintings.

Its interior is adorned with some of the best examples of early Christian mosaics.

Beautiful views and Roman-style statues on the Italian coast.

One of the world's oldest working clocks is curiously missing the Zodiac sign of Libra.

Originally a leper colony, the island is now an Armenian monastery that's home to an incredible manuscript library and eclectic museum.

The world's oldest surviving anatomical theater, where "the dead are pleased to help the living."

This small, ancient Roman temple was once a church dedicated to the patron saint of penitents.

A slightly creepy gallery of plaster cast models in the same museum as Michelangelo's David.

These medieval skyscrapers dominate the skyline of this small Tuscan town.

A treasure trove of Renaissance-era funerary art in a Roman church built on top of Nero's grave.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

This large, circular tomb is the final resting place of the first emperor of Rome.

This work of art was designed to represent the Tarpeian Way Quarry that once dominated the area.

Home to the oldest operating roller coaster in the Southern Hemisphere.

This rare effigy of the author spent years lost in storage.

Brisbane's manmade urban beach has enough water to fill five Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Aqua white sand highlighted with fiery red rocks.

An unphotographable nightly march of tens of thousands of "fairy penguins" from sea to shore.

This trio of Australian rock spires may have inspired aboriginal legend or just modern tourism.