In the late 1500s, an extreme drought caused a devastating famine in the Ligurian region of Italy. The authorities believed the intense famine was caused by sinister supernatural forces, such as witchcraft. Local authorities began to accuse women of witchcraft in the mountain town of Triora. Women—especially poor women, single mothers, and prostitutes—were imprisoned, tortured,…
When most people think of National Parks, the Midwest is the last region of the country that comes to mind. Indiana Dunes National Park—which is located in Porter, Indiana—is the fourth most ecologically diverse National Park in the United States. Home to towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and peaceful forests, Indiana Dunes National Park showcases…
Approximately 17 miles outside of Vilnius—which is the capital city of Lithuania—stately Trakai Island Castle is situated in the middle of placid Lake Galvė. The castle was first constructed in the 13th century and has undergone several striking transformations throughout the centuries. It is home to an expansive museum that showcases artifacts from Lithuanian history…
In 1950, the powers that be in Greece decided that the best way to preserve the historic character of the island of Hydra was to ban all vehicular traffic. For centuries, Hydra has been home to narrow alleyways and buildings constructed side by side. The narrow cobblestone streets of Hydra are filled with donkeys and…
In the late 1800s, banker Abraham Salomon Camondo commissioned a grand stone staircase in the Turkish city of Constantinople—now known as Istanbul—so that his family could traverse one of the city’s steepest hills and travel to work and school with greater ease. The Camondo Stairs are a sprawling staircase with a distinctive curved design that…
When most people see photos of Chile‘s Marble Caves for the first time, they think that they must be looking at a photoshopped image with a slick filter. Photos of turquoise water lapping against swirling marble arches streaked with ribbons of pale yellow, sea green, and deep blue appear too vibrant and beautiful to be…
San Diego is generally known for its sunny beaches, delectable Mexican food, and world-famous zoo. Aside from ample places to have fun in the sun, San Diego is also known as a hotspot for paranormal activity. With a local history that includes a cursed house, a celebrated racetrack, and some very unlucky sailors, there are…
If you are a lizard enthusiast searching for the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination, consider booking a trip to lounge in the sun with your sweetheart on a pink beach that doubles as a Komodo dragon habitat. The sands of Pantai Merah—as the pink beach is known—derive their vibrant color from a red microscopic organism known…