A scenic UNESCO site that doubles as a habitat for various forms of wildlife.

The elliptical citadel resisted the advance of the mighty Ottomans several times, thanks to the military prowess of the "Dragon of Albania."

Explore a traditional Albanian dwelling that pays tribute to the region's rich history.

In this town's main square resides a statue of none other than the 43rd President of the United States.

In the heart of Tirana, this underground nuclear bunker has been transformed into a museum.

What happens when you cross a mayor and a painter?

The largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans once held over 20,000 people, but managed to lay hidden for hundreds of years.

A medieval bridge stretches over a sulfur-rich river that leads to year-round natural hot springs.

An Albanian monument to the Communism that nearly crushed the country is now a crumbling wreck.

A memorial to the atrocities of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania.

This ominous Albanian fortress houses tanks and downed planes as a reminder of their victories over Western imperialism.

This beautifully preserved Ottoman house is steeped in history.

Hundreds of thousands of concrete bunkers crowd Albania long after the fall of Communism.

A fire once nearly devoured this gorgeous 14th-century Gothic cathedral.

This snug medieval lane is one of the narrowest streets in the world.

The European towns of Brașov and Râșnov each have proud signs reminiscent of the Hollywood sign.

The possible imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler here earned the medieval castle its nickname, "Dracula's Castle."

This elaborately decorated, fairytale-like Romanian royal palace is one of the most striking castles in Europe.

The kitsch mansion of the former Romanian president Nicolae Ceaușescu features a golden bathroom.

Romania's triumphal arch looks out over Bucharest.

This memorial to the victims of the Romanian Revolution of 1989 is often compared to a potato on a skewer.

This once-derelict building is now one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

Historic beer hall in Bucharest with magnificent stained glass and a lively folk band.

This communist behemoth is the heaviest building in the world and a legacy of a brutal regime.