These "50 Fortresses" have been unearthed in the ancient oasis of Khwarezm.

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

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

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

The largest salt lake in the Sahara is mysteriously alluring.

In the absence of a Chinese-language newspaper, for years the community posted daily updates on this simple bulletin board.

Most of Britain's gold reserve was secretly stashed here after the start of World War II.

Sip cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840.

Eat the ultimate iteration of Portugal's most beloved pastry.

The "Little Ones," show Portugal in full miniature splendor.

This unique architectural wonder is also tied to one of the 20th-century's most renowned writers.

This fairy-tale, neo-Gothic church in the Azores is a world of magical realism.

Climb a steep hill in 90 seconds on the second-oldest urban subway in the world.

The eclectic home of a leading Turkish architect is a gorgeous piece of eye candy.

At this rare mosque in Tbilisi, Sunni and Shia Muslims pray side by side.

This extensive collection of vintage Soviet cars is the only one of its kind in the Caucasus.

Unusual building appears to be haphazardly built from randomly piled bricks.

Suspended above the ground in a thicket of towering Georgia trees is a modern architectural wonder.

A massive collection of petroglyphs dating back some 40,000 years.

The village's cobblestone streets are lined with shops displaying exquisite copper craftsmanship.

This mysterious but iconic tapered tower appears in many Azeri fairytales and legends.

The building's fluid, wavelike walls are a true feat of architectural ingenuity.

Foreign invaders almost left this lovely Caucasus palace alone—almost.

A unique museum dedicated to culture and artistry of carpet weaving.