Skulls from the plague of 1656 and World War II bombings are united by a cult dedicated to caring for the ancient dead.

These "anatomical machines" are only one of the many strange items in this Italian crypt.

The once forbidden "secret cabinet" of erotic art from excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

This former Masonic lodge has been transformed into part museum, part bar, all awesome.

Several plaster noses are hidden in plain sight around London's Soho neighborhood.

A mysterious artist-run cabinet of curiosities and library.

The skull of the patron saint of lovers lies in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin—maybe.

At the crypt of St. Mary of Eulogies and the Dead you are left alone to ponder mortality among piles of skulls.

Rome's semi-secret peephole vista is also a former Crusader stronghold.

Architectureal fantasy quarter of Rome.

An alchemist's "magic door" stands in the middle of a Roman park.

The crypts of Capuchin friars decorated with the bones of over 4,000 friars, including an entire "crypt of pelvises."

Founded as a refugee camp, now a popular tourist spot.

An enormous dragon scales the walls of this 17-story temple.