Places Will Conant Wants to Go

Founded in the 4th-century, the town of Pernik plays host to the Surva Carnival⁠—a magnificent display of masked Kukeri dancers.

The ceiling of Prohodna Cave in northern Bulgaria affords a peek at the sky via two deity-sized-eye-shaped holes.

A vast Communist-era exhibition space in the Bulgarian capital.

A collection of art from Bulgaria's time as a communist state.

Sofia's legislative center is continuously reinventing itself.

A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest.

A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital.

Eastern Bloc nostalgia, anybody?

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

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

Romania's triumphal arch looks out over Bucharest.

17th century palace once a meeting place for politicians.

Conspiracy theories and occult legends surround this mysterious natural rock formation.

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.

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

This eccentric folly house was designed by Romanian thinker Bogdan-Petriceicu Hasdeu, with a helping hand from his deceased daughter's spirit.

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

This enormous abandoned prison was once dubbed the "Bastille of Romania."

A muddy alien landscape that is home to rare species of exotic plants.

One of the largest museums in Ukraine remembers the story of the German-Soviet War in iconic, brutalist style.

The medieval prince founded the first library in Ukraine at Saint Sophia's Cathedral where he was interred.

An Art Nouveau building covered in animal gargoyles and grotesques.