Places thatdude Wants to Go

This massive underground salt mine now holds a sci-fi theme park in its depths.

The Natural History Museum that time forgot.

Known as the Hintz House, this medieval pharmacy has been an apothecary's haven for nearly 450 years.

This Transylvanian church has changed its denomination four times.

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

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

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

One of the most controversial statues in Romania is an emperor with no clothes.

A celebration of all things tacky, garish, and bizarrely creative in the Romanian capital.

Romania's triumphal arch looks out over Bucharest.

The preserved arm of a third-century sorcerer is believed to have the power to lift curses and spells.

The bust of Romania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Dracula aka "Vlad the Impaler," keeps watch over the ruins of his medieval court.

This solitary monastery may hold the remains of Vlad the Impaler (but probably not).

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

Large miniature theme park with 100-plus models.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

The oldest cemetery of modern-day Athens blends the modern and ancient worlds.

This gem is often wrongly overshadowed by the larger, newer Metropolis church in Athens.

A sprawling collection of books and manuscripts about ancient Greece that would have put their famed libraries to shame.

This mystical orb covered in strange symbols is thought to have been used in ancient Greek magical rituals.