Venice, Italy
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.
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Venice, Italy
This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.
Venice, Italy
According to tradition this is the oldest church in Venice, but its actual age is a mystery.
Venice, Italy
This Venice bookstore has resigned itself to constant flooding by keeping its books in bathtubs and boats.
Venice, Italy
Despite their macabre past, these hooks are said to bring good luck to those who touch them.
Venice, Italy
In the past, Renaissance sex workers were encouraged to entice customers on this bridge.
Utrecht, Netherlands
This still-celebrated home was a radical architectural experiment in 3D De Stijl.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Visitors can still take a train to this former train station turned museum.
Utrecht, Netherlands
The world's largest bicycle shelter can hold more than 12,500 two-wheelers.
Utrecht, Netherlands
The cutest way to stay safe in traffic.
Utrecht, Netherlands
'The Letters of Utrecht' lays out a ribbon of poetry one letter at a time, with no final verse in sight.
Utrecht, Netherlands
This Netherlands museum holds a gloriously mechanical collection of ornate musical automata.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This 1920s Amsterdam neighborhood was built as a giant experiment in concrete construction.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A beautifully rebuilt windmill from the 17th century, situated along the Amstel River.
Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Netherlands
A Portuguese Jewish cemetery filled with stunning grave monuments that date back to 1614.
Bremen, Germany
The only microgravity tower in Europe can produce nine seconds of weightlessness.
Bremen, Germany
Eight naturally mummified bodies in glass coffins are housed in an underground crypt.
Bremen, Germany
A spitting ode to a German serial killer.
Bremen, Germany
One room inside this building mesmerizes all with its parabolic dome.
Bremen, Germany
Böttcherstraße's bells, extolling Nordic virtues and the great conquerors of the world.
Bremen, Germany
A stunning gilt bronze relief denounced by Hitler as "degenerate art"—even though it was dedicated to the Nazi leader.
Hamburg, Germany
This red light district plaza memorializes the Fab Four and their historic connection to the area.
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburgers are intensely proud of their tunnel beneath the river.
Hamburg, Germany
A mammoth WWII anti-air defense tower has been repurposed as a hotel with a rooftop garden.
Hamburg, Germany
Executed in 1401, Exhumed in 1878, Stolen in 2010.