Housed in an old British jail, this spot serves up Georgian, Russian, and Ukrainian specialities with a side of Turkish history.

A gorgeous, Gaudí-esque stairway constructed in the city of Istanbul by a prominent Jewish family.

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

A surprising and unconventional mosque hidden in the subsoil of Istanbul.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

This historic hotel preserves many treasures from its heyday hosting passengers on the Orient Express.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

The legendary luxury train passage is commemorated with a charming museum inside its former eastern terminus.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

An Art Nouveau gem hides beneath the layers of city grime obscuring this once-magnificent building.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Moorish signal station on a stratgic rocky outcrop.

A complimentary beverage is offered to the bodega's resident rodents every day.