The heads of two giant mythological water horses honor Scotland's horselord past.

A book bound in the skin of an infamous criminal, along with countless other specimens.

The one-time stronghold of the noble Douglas family, now home to ghost sightings and nesting birds.

Accessible only at low tide, the deserted island is dotted with World War II ruins.

A church that bred legends, and served as an inspiration for the Da Vinci Code.

The ruins of this gorgeous clifftop castle look like something from a fantasy novel.

A 18th century graveyard and its astonishing cortege of macabre iconography.

Amazing and mysterious Neolithic settlement on Scotland's Orkney Islands.

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

"Respectful to the dead, safe and sanitary to the living, dedicated to the Genius of Memory..."

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

Ruined 11th century abbey built by King David I in Edinburgh, Scotland.

This astonishingly geometric cave has inspired everyone from Jules Verne to Pink Floyd.

This splendid mosaic embodies ancient Rome's fascination with the exotic allure of Egypt.

The city of Palestrina was built around this magnificent terraced sanctuary dedicated to the pagan goddess Fortuna.

Legend has it that this bronze orb, which sat atop an ancient Egyptian obelisk, once held the ashes of Julius Caesar.

The ruins of the largest gladiatorial school in Rome are largely hidden under modern streets.

An 18th century fountain and two columns are all that remains of Rome's forgotten river harbor.

Also known as the Square Colosseum, this building is a prime example of fascist-era rationalist architecture.

A detailed pachyderm supports Rome's smallest Egyptian obelisk.

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

A huge enchanting public park just outside the ancient walls of Rome.

Rome's ancient Etruscan rival, now a park full of ruins.

The "Great Sewer" of ancient Rome is one of the oldest sewer systems in the world, and is still in use.