A large grotto built in the 16th century amidst Florence's famous Boboli gardens.

This bronze boar's snout has been rubbed to a golden sheen by visitors seeking good fortune.

Secret refuge and museum of the Duke of Florence.

The famous sculptor left his mark on this Italian wall in an internationally protected example of street art.

A medieval weapon rumored to have been used by the brilliant poet himself.

Renaissance hospital featuring a rotating door into which unwanted babies were dropped.

Florence’s archaeological museum displays an ordinary stool that once shattered one of its most prized artifacts.

A plaque on the base of this statue holds a bewitching design.

Legend says this mysterious stone head belongs to a woman who was petrified by an alchemist.

The oldest operating pharmacy in the world features 800-year-old recipes.

More than 450 years ago, an Italian nun became the first woman to paint the iconic subject.

A diverse collection of wax, bone, papier-maché and mummified relics.

This building features dozens of faces along its facade, although one is a bit chilling.

Stuck in the arcade of Casa Isolani are three arrows of mysterious origins.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

In the world's oldest university is a stunning 17th century anatomical theater carved from spruce.

One of the largest caves in the world open to the public.

Over 50 exquisite hand-painted Renaissance maps decorate a Medici storage room.

The middle finger of modernity.

Drink wine handed out through a window as part of an age-old tradition.

A copy of the famous statue can be found in this Florence piazza, along with one of the most breathtaking views of the city below.

First founded in 1472, this is the oldest bank in the world. Its history may explain why we call financial institutions "banks."

In Florence's great Duomo, a 26 foot fresco honors a mercenary famous for attacking Florence.

A unique two-level bridge designed to honor a king.