The West's first incursion into the Afghan world lies buried beneath a military base.

What was once supposed to be the symbol of a shining Afghan future is now a bombed-out ruin.

Kuwait City's uniquely designed water towers look straight out of a retro sci-fi cityscape.

A sinkhole and now a swimming hole, too, full of dazzling turquoise water.

This beautifully restored fortification kept the city safe for centuries.

This fountain pays homage to Qatar's history of pearling, the primary industry before oil.

Qatar's oldest market can trace its origins back more than a century.

A superb spot to appreciate the traditional boats of the Indian Ocean.

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.

The celebrated eyesore created by starry-eyed sweethearts.

The curious underground history of keeping Paris clean.

Twelve grave-faced marble angels guard the emperor's tomb at Les Invalides.

Built for the 1962 World Cup, this fully functioning botanical clock is still ticking.

The ruins of an important pilgrimage destination for worshippers of a Maya fertility goddess.

The tallest The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in the world soars above the Beltway.

This restored eighth-century palace is a shining example of ancient Umayyad architecture.

The most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity.

This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition.

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.

Don't get it twisted: This is the oldest pretzel bakery in the United States.

An outlandish shoe shaped house built by an eccentric millionaire.

The home of possibly the least-loved U.S. president stands as a sort of unpopular Monticello.

A weathered, American Foursquare-style house originally built for lumber merchant William Wimsatt.

This 29-ton granite ball spins around at the slightest touch thanks to a scientific phenomenon.