Just a few miles off the western coast of Ireland lies an isle steeped in Irish literary history.

This single room has survived the centuries with almost no deterioration.

The oldest inn in Kilkenny was established by the first convicted witch in Ireland.

This ancient Irish tower could easily have stood in for Rapunzel's prison.

Robot jockeys ride their humped mounts to victory as part of a 21st-century twist on an ancient desert sport.

The world's tallest church tower reveals a spectacular view to anyone up to the task of climbing the daunting staircase.

Catalonia Tradition: Beating the hollow Christmas log until it defecates in your fireplace.

This semi-secret storybook hedge maze is also the oldest garden in the city.

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

A master of trompe-l'oeil creates a stunning, tourist-fooling dome out of a flat ceiling.

A beautiful but toxic fountain of mercury.

The bones of some 7,000 soldiers killed in the historic Battle of Solferino are stored here.

Hidden in an Italian forest is a completely homemade amusement park that has taken a lifetime to create.