The pristine waters crossing this forest form a hidden waterfall among the dense vegetation.

Magnificent frescoes decorate the interior of this Romanesque church, which also showcases an unusual phenomenon during winter solstice.

This basilica is dedicated to two saints, one of which is known more for his famous quote.

This palatial building houses a remarkable gallery of papal portraits.

The city of Parma's cathedral is home to one of the greatest illusionistic frescoes of the Renaissance.

The link between these two seemingly disparate themes is crucial to the history of this Tuscan hill town.

A haunting collection of sunken wooden barges litters this Italian river bend.

A schoolhouse and chapel are all that remains of this alpine village.

An unusual resting place built into the hill with an amazing view of Lake Como.

A two-hour hike in the Orfento Valley leads to the remote ruins.

The marshy karst plain has reclaimed this beautiful 17th-century church.

This old medieval prison tower has been a site of astronomical research for more than 250 years.

A macabre anatomy museum tucked within an old Italian hospital.

Church holding the preserved body of a levitating saint.

The leathery remains of a woman who died in the 13th century now lie in a church named for her.

Built to be the ideal penitentiary, this abandoned panopticon saw several revolts and even a prisoners' coup.

The venerated body of a 12th century saint is celebrated each year with the 'Race of the Candles.'

Psychoanalyst Carl Jung reported a paranormal experience after visiting this mosaic-lined Roman baptistry.

With its mine closed, this old village is starting to resemble a ghost town.

The old church, buried by the 1784 Mount Vesuvius eruption, is a remarkably well-preserved place where people now pray for the souls of the dead.

An incredible mosaic-lined monument said to have held the remains of an ancient Roman empress.

The “Sistine Chapel” of the Middle Ages merges 11th-century science and religion in wondrous hues.

Its interior is adorned with some of the best examples of early Christian mosaics.

Two planes stand abandoned after the closure of an aircraft-themed restaurant.