In the foothills of the lesser Caucasus, a centuries-old fortress still stands.

A unique museum dedicated to culture and artistry of carpet weaving.

A shrine of fire worship built on top of a natural flame.

Home to nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan is home to a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, this is one of the world's largest and oldest mosques.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.

Mysterious lost empire of the Silk Road.

Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.

The designated Jewish quarter in Fez dates back to the 15th century.

The world's largest concentrated solar power plant.

In this desolate valley resides a gorgeous set of rocks sporting a technicolor design.

One of the two original gateways into the Kasbah, this gateway is a nesting site for storks.

The forgotten remnants of a land-to-sea cable car that was once unique in the world.

God's Saharan sandbox of wrath.

The courtyard of this small Marinid madrasa is a dazzling example of intricate Islamic architecture.

This vast masterpiece of Moroccan architecture spreads across 20 acres.

The oldest known university in the world is in Fez, Morocco.

Crumbling necropolis set high above Fez.

The oldest monument in Marrakesh and the city's only surviving example of Almoravid architecture.

Traditional 11th-century outdoor tannery.

Thousands of narrow alleyways in an ancient medieval city make up what's believed to be the world's largest car-free urban zone.