Places stonoceno Wants to Go

Celebrated as a center of civilization, the remains of the ancient city have been nearly destroyed by greed, egoism, and war.

This vast, water-filled underground labyrinth can only be toured by boat.

17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

Salt cured mummies continue to turn up in this Iranian mine.

In this tiny Iranian town playing on the roof isn't just encouraged, it's the only place to go.

The vertical-axis windmills of ancient Persia have been grinding flour for 1,000 years and counting.

One of the world's largest salt caves is filled with fragile salt sculptures, salt rivers, and huge salt megadomes.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

Ancient structures used to make and preserve ice in the deserts of Persia.

This ruined fortress was the stronghold for a persecuted medieval leader and his infamous Assassins.

A 1,500-year-old, 3-story subterranean city where ancient Persians took refuge in times of war.

This beautiful system of tunnels built into natural rock serves as a centuries old plumbing system.

Hydraulic systems in an ancient underground Iranian city.

Iran's colorful terraces are a rare geological masterpiece.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

Mirrors and glass shards cover every inch of this arrestingly beautiful mosque.

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

In oil-rich Azerbaijan, people bathe in the black stuff.

What might be the largest completely Jewish town in the world outside of Israel now faces dwindling numbers and empty streets.

Complete town of 5,000 living out at sea on the world's first offshore oil platform.

Foreign invaders almost left this lovely Caucasus palace alone—almost.

Azerbaijani ghost town, decaying after a war left it an armed forces buffer zone.

Spring that emits water and fire at the same time is said to have remedial properties, and sparked its own religion.