An ever-growing literary collection housed in the apartment where the Russian author penned his final novel.

Once frequented by heavyweights of the Russian arts scene, this café is stuck in the 1800s.

A 250-year-old timepiece-automaton adorned with golden mechanical birds, which still sing to this day.

The oldest museum in Russia is home to a fascinating collection of nearly two million anthropological artifacts and anatomical curiosities.

Palace where the nearly un-killable Rasputin was murdered.

Home to what was once considered the largest gate in central Asia.

The heartbeat of modern Uzbekistan’s thriving market culture.

Beautiful palace stands tall over the Fergana Valley.

Looking for a unifying history, Uzbekistan finds its answer in a 14th Century Turco-Mongol conqueror... despite the fact he wasn't Uzbek.

Giant cauldrons overflow with Uzbekistan's favorite rice dish at this cavernous dining hall.

An 18-meter-long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.

The ruins of an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence believed to be the earliest example of the traditional funerary practice.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Final palace complex of the last of 29 Kokand rulers.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

A unique housing complex born from the aftermath of the Greek Civil War.

150 or so scrounged-up lamps, chandeliers, and lanterns light up this alley in central Athens.

Elaborate stone houses constructed from the ruins of war.

This building displays the scars of the “Dekemvriana,” a dark time in modern Greek history.

An important example of architectural history slowly decays in the city center.

The home of Greece’s national poet sits crumbling in the middle of a popular tourist district.

This Byzantine Church was moved from Paris to Athens block by block.