In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.

An underground world of gorgeous, palatial metro stations designed as a nuclear shelter complex.

Witness traditional silk production in the Uzbek city that's been a hub of sericulture for over a thousand years.

Giant cauldrons overflow with Uzbekistan's favorite rice dish at this cavernous dining hall.

Where Stoddart and Connolly suffered in the infamous Bug Pit.

These "50 Fortresses" have been unearthed in the ancient oasis of Khwarezm.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

The largest salt lake in the Sahara is mysteriously alluring.

In the absence of a Chinese-language newspaper, for years the community posted daily updates on this simple bulletin board.

Most of Britain's gold reserve was secretly stashed here after the start of World War II.

Sip cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840.

The "Little Ones," show Portugal in full miniature splendor.

This unique architectural wonder is also tied to one of the 20th-century's most renowned writers.

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

At this rare mosque in Tbilisi, Sunni and Shia Muslims pray side by side.

This extensive collection of vintage Soviet cars is the only one of its kind in the Caucasus.

Unusual building appears to be haphazardly built from randomly piled bricks.

A massive collection of petroglyphs dating back some 40,000 years.

The village's cobblestone streets are lined with shops displaying exquisite copper craftsmanship.

This mysterious but iconic tapered tower appears in many Azeri fairytales and legends.

The building's fluid, wavelike walls are a true feat of architectural ingenuity.