A stunning 18th-century site where pilgrims ascend by a series of punishing stairs only to return via funicular.

This influential Renaissance-era library was once the haunt of kings and monks.

Remarkably intact Roman stone fortifications have encircled this Spanish city for centuries.

This macabre masterpiece of a mural is one of Francisco Goya's "Black Paintings."

The Spanish king's private bathroom embraced the idea of a porcelain throne.

One of Madrid's oldest trees, with a long and colorful history, resides in El Retiro Park.

Madrid's romantically ornate crystal palace has been offering shelter to plants and art for over a century.

Sip cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840.

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.

The facade of this 16th-century building is decorated with carvings of 300 seashells.

A hidden medieval crypt where a famous legend says the devil used to teach black magic.

The Cathedral of Salamanca has a number of unusual carvings but none so surprising as a modern astronaut.

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

Along the pavement of this neighborhood in Madrid are quotes from famous authors.

The remains of the second-oldest zoo in Europe can be seen within these library gardens.

Over two centuries old and counting, Madrid's massive botanical garden contains one of Europe's only desert environments.

Commonly acknowledged as the only public monument to the Devil himself.

One of the most breathtaking railways in Europe also takes one of the steepest climbs, from fjord to mountain plateau.

A favorite with sightseers, this Norwegian funicular provides easy access to a stunning view of Bergen and its environs.

A thin pane of glass keeps visitors from sliding off this futuristic skywalk.

An intricately carved Viking church overlooks a glistening fjord.

This floating sculpture of ice is a poignant reminder of nature's power.

The design of this beautifully crafted building was inspired by Norwegian glaciers.

Housing the famous Norwegian ice-defying 19th century polar exploration ship.