A king's pet, a pope's gift, an artist's inspiration, and a tragic shipwreck.

Legacy of the earthquake that nearly wiped Lisbon off the face of the Earth.

The world's oldest bookshop still in operation.

The oldest giants in Catalonia are now displayed in a 14th-century Gothic church.

A colorful piece of contemporary art cheerfully clashes with Lyon's historical architecture.

Living towers made of people that are now recognized by UNESCO.

An enchanting monastery in the Spanish countryside appears lifted from a fantasy tale.

A Spanish forest is filled with mysterious stone carvings.

Abandoned waterpark turned counter-culture mecca.

Holy Grotto of Montserrat Monastery holds one of Europe's mysterious black Madonnas.

The Gaudí-inspired building that was the start of Terrassenc modernism.

A gravity-defying "devil's bridge" that has a surprising architectural feature for its stability.

Mountain where Jesus was first tempted by the Devil.

This semi-secret storybook hedge maze is also the oldest garden in the city.

One of Europe's largest supercomputers is housed inside of a disused chapel.

Bask in the 19th century grandeur of an eccentric Freemason millionaire's private gardens.

This cemetery features modernist statues as strange as its name.

These secluded and abandoned anti-aircraft defenses have become one the most scenic viewpoints in Barcelona.

Gaudí's famously flamboyant architectural style is on full display in this sprawling park and garden.

A beautiful but toxic fountain of mercury.

Week-long block party becomes a competition for the best decorated street.

A vista of the city and sea from atop the little-known viewing deck on an unassuming Columbus statue.

One of Antoni Gaudí's most classic buildings is well-known for its "dragon-back" design.

This former Baroque palace on the historic Calle Montcada is a rare architectural gem and was once the meeting place of an aristocratic scholarly society.