A Russian museum dedicated to the household staple, the samovar.

A model village fit for an emperor.

Ukrainian defense contractor's center for studying "pyramid energy."

Russia's own leaning tower was built on a tragic historical fable.

A former military outpost of Ivan the Terrible, the 16th-century church contains some of the rarest examples of Eastern Orthodox mural paintings.

Replica of mosque destroyed by Russia in the 16th century.

An 18th century wonder of the world, lost in WWII, re-created at the Catherine Palace.

This Russian religious complex is a Frankenstein's chapel that includes influence from almost all the major faiths.

With a design inspired by traditional Latvian textiles, this monument honors the Latvian people who suffered under Soviet occupation.

This celebration of Latvia’s freedom and independence avoided demolition over half a century of Soviet occupation.

A stone marker and sculpture in the city of Riga stake a claim for the very first community Christmas tree.

This charming Latvian lane doubled as Baker Street on the Soviet Union’s version of Sherlock Holmes.

The reconstruction of this prominent building fulfilled a long-written command.

The oldest housing complex in Riga is a mini timeline of architectural trends.

3,000 market stands in five former Zeppelin hangars.

This building has survived for more than a century and remains virtually untouched.

A 16th century chapel decorated with bones, skulls, and entire bodies hanging from the wall.

One Portuguese poet described this cape, the westernmost point in mainland Europe, as "where the land ends and the sea begins."

In Portugal, a secluded stretch of untouched natural beauty hides at the bottom of a steep hill.

Portugal's National Pantheon has a history of curses, collapses and financial problems.

Elaborately carved to showcase the glorious wealth that the age of exploration brought to the Portuguese empire.

A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.

One of Antoni Gaudí's most classic buildings is well-known for its "dragon-back" design.

Construction of Barcelona’s iconic (but controversial) church was finally completed in 2026—a century after the death of its architect.