Places Edited by Samir S. Patel

According to tradition this is the oldest church in Venice, but its actual age is a mystery.

An exploration of a small ethnic group’s heritage through their exquisite folk art.

A story of cutlasses carelessly carving a celibate centenarian's cemetery stone.

The tallest structure in Italy is a remote radio transmitter in Sicily.

Like stepping into a spooky fairy-tale, this shop carries the dark ideas of artists and other makers.

This seventh-century fortification marked the western border of the Lombard duchy of Spoleto.

This townhouse was once the original home of the Scottish Football Association.

Some believe that this ancient mural depicts technology far ahead of its time, but in reality it's nothing quite out of place.

The ruins of this Roman temple dominate the small city in southern Lazio.

The disputed geographic center, or "navel," of Italy.

Three large boulders covered in mysterious carvings and graffiti.

Deep below the dry landscape of Bahia, a cave with intense blue water to float in.

Cycle, walk, or run up and down on an old historic railway path.

A castle on a hill once named "the most beautiful high school in Massachusetts."

One of the four sanctuaries of Rieti's Holy Valley was the site of the first living nativity scene.

A Museum with a collection of 40,000 matchboxes.

Once a bridge over the River Begej, now high and dry.

A little theme park full of miniature monasteries and churches, made by hand.

A narrow opening between the mountains of the Amalfi Coast creates a scenic hidden beach.

In the parking lot of a fast food restaurant, a statue memorializing a prolific bull elephant.

Only three columns survive from this ancient temple in the town of Cori.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

Through seven years of burglary, bereavement, and bad luck, a gentleman kept his word by saying none.

A non-native grove of 241 redwoods in Southern California.