Places sndikic Wants to Go

The Pope’s secret escape route.

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

An Italian ghost town that fought obscurity, until a mysterious illness brought it to its knees.

This ancient Roman prison is decorated with an upside-down cross not as blasphemy but as saintly tribute.

Installed in an act of one-upsmanship, the annual sundial in this church is also a symbolic victory for the Gregorian calendar.

A Nesting Doll of Churches.

The engineering wonder and pleasure dome of a much-maligned emperor still holds undiscovered secrets.

Jesus' footprints and the first catacombs in the world.

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

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

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

The underground sanctuary of a mysterious ancient cult.

An alchemist's “magic door” stands in the middle of a Roman park.

A volcanic old faithful, Stromboli has been erupting continuously for the last 2000 years.

Thousands of well-dressed mummies below a monastery.

Originally a leper colony, the island is now an Armenian monastery that's home to an incredible manuscript library and eclectic museum.

This curious building hides eclectic details like medieval gargoyles alongside naked angels and Art Nouveau mosaics.

This hidden Art Nouveau courtyard is an opulent feast for the eyes.

The walls of this medieval church are covered with perfectly preserved frescos, including a pristine example of the Dance of Death.

Natural cathedral designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri.

This doorless 20th-century elevator doesn't stop or slow down.

The glowing blue Nymphaeum of Emperor Tiberius.

Colin Stokes "got a bit carried away" and built a castle that looks like something out of Tolkien.

The most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity.