The secret room where early Bolsheviks cranked out propaganda fliers on a smuggled printing press.

This ancient monastery complex was transformed from an island to a peninsula when the lake was partially drained.

Men and special assistants stand by the road to sell the day's catch in this lakeside village.

This little medieval church hidden in the center of Yerevan was lost and rediscovered—twice.

Destruction from Armenia's 1988 earthquake inspired an artist's sculptures of scrap metal.

The most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia once held a saint in a pit for 13 years.

This Armenian monastery was carved out of cliffs and named after the spear used to stab Jesus.

A geological oddity topped with a 2,000-year-old pagan temple.

Giant stone letters dedicated to the founder of Armenia's alphabet.

The last standing example of an ancient district's teatime tradition.

Luxury hotel turned into a refugee camp, then turned back into a luxury hotel.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

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.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet your wish will be granted.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

Hidden just under the waters around this Turkish island are the ruins of a once great city.

This church houses the tomb—but not the remains—of St. Nicholas, the likely progenitor to Santa Claus.

A mega theme park-wax museum mélange containing all things biblical.

A 315-foot spire jutting out from the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for breathtaking views.

Gnarled canopies of pink and purple wildflowers arch over the trail to the summit.

Traditional Appalachian dances such as the Georgia Rang Tang and the Shoo-Fly Swing are kept alive at this weekly event.

A wonderful display of arts and crafts handmade by local artisans in the Southern Appalachians.