Places szofika Wants to Go

Long-abandoned art nouveau baths beneath Milan's Piazza Oberdan.

Nine centuries-old fortresses guard the walls of this medieval Romanian city.

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

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

A 19th-century pharmacy converted into a bookstore.

Inside this Krakow church, an explosion of psychedelic color.

Remnants from a time before electricity.

Artists and musicians now rule over this former rail station.

This artist's home turned gallery/museum preserves the creator's love of "Eastern" influences.

This pub was 238 years old when it decided to revamp its image: It started serving Thai food.

Home of one of history's most famous cartoonists just as he left it.

The final resting place to 300 Victorian-era pets hides inside the city park.

Where royalty waits in the height of luxury.

This ancient ruined monastery has been destroyed by fire so many times that it seems like God hates it.

This educational institution and reference library specialize in the psychic arts and mediumship.

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

This small exhibition displays equipment and artifacts once belonging to the feared Stasi secret police.

A strange rock formation with numerous legends trying to explain it.

A series of caves under Castle Hill that once held the prisoner Vlad Tepes, better known as Count Dracula.

A plaque bearing the names of those who dedicated themselves to protecting Budapest's Jewish population during World War II.

From Austrians to Nazis to Soviets, this historic Budapest fortress has a history as complex as the city itself.

Once the home of a hermetic monk, this cave now houses a small church.