Places shanemwoods Wants to Go

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

Rome’s legendary peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

This hill made entirely of ancient Roman jars was simply a garbage dump to the people of the time.

2300-year-old Roman road connecting the empire.

Jesus' footprints and the first catacombs in the world.

The second-highest village in Lazio has attracted artists for 400 years and is now a spectacular open-air art gallery.

Romans built the world's tallest artificial waterfall in 271 BC.

Small on the outside, big on the inside, this church is an astonishing act of visual deception.

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

"The prettiest love letters in the world" ... or so said Lord Byron.

Nestled in the heart of Milan is a real wunderkammer of morbid curiosities.

Before there were doorbells this bronze ear was installed for visitors to announce their arrival.

The entire known universe of the ancient Etruscans is held inside this bronze model of a sheep’s liver.

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

The wreckage of a tragic plane crash is on display at this museum devoted to a famous Italian conspiracy.

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

Once known for its horse-powered knife sharpening, this 200-year-old shop offers an array of blades and hard-to-find culinary tools.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

An extraordinary collection of 18th century anatomical waxworks.

This zoological museum began as the first great curiosity cabinet.

A small window on Via Piella offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals.

An amazing collection of wax anatomical models and terratological models.

A gorgeous medieval library where the books are kept in chains.