Places sarahltait Wants to Go

A fairytale island floats in the middle of Italy's little-known Lake Orta.

Medieval town turned hippie commune, once home to the secret foreskin of Jesus Christ.

The martyr's wax-enhanced skeletal remains lie preserved in a glass case in the Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.

The plague quarantine island home to the alleged "Vampire of Venice."

This medieval Italian town is a sheer (and beautiful) cliffside defense.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

Crushed coral and crystals give the sand its signature coloration.

One of several skulls claiming to belong to the beheaded St. John the Baptist is on display at this Roman church.

Filled with goldfish swimming in a shallow pool of sea water, this ancient crypt is more wishing well than burial site.

Pilgrimage site for star-crossed lovers.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

David Sedaris called it "The greatest shop in the world."

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

This ritzy Italian market is built around a statue of an unforgiven heretic who was burned for his belief in an endless universe.

Skulls from the plague of 1656 and World War II bombings are united by a cult dedicated to caring for the ancient dead.

This giant middle finger statue sends an unambiguous message to Italy's bankers.

This sword isn't waiting for a king to pull it out. It was placed there by a saint.

Abandoned medieval hill town.

Over 50 exquisite hand-painted Renaissance maps decorate a Medici storage room.

A collection of objects supposedly singed by the hands of souls in purgatory.

The abandoned "Ghost Mansion" was left to decay in the mountains of Northern Italy.

This domed temple was built in a hidden cave mouth as a refuge for sinners seeking absolution.

Ruins of a 10th century church tucked away deep in a botanical garden.

This enchanting 600-year-old tree is so magical it inspired the beloved tale of Pinocchio.