Seoul, South Korea

Different cultures handle rooftop space differently. In Korea, roofs are both practical (rain sluicing) and symbolic (status defining). How much Korean culture can you pack into one house hat? At Changdeokgung Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the answer is: a lot. [2000]

St. Peter's Square, Vatican City

The smallest country the world has the largest church in the world. This is St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Holy See is the navel of the Roman Catholic universe, assembly-place of the faithful, residence of the Pope, location of Michelangelo's Pieta, and burial site of the Apostle Peter. [2002]

Prague, Czech Republic

Other cities have castles and cathedrals (atop the hill), but only Prague has the Charles Bridge. Here’s the recipe for city success: Find a river that divides, build one bridge only, make traders use it, defend it from the heights, and put it all in a basin with good land for farming and lots of minerals (like silver) in the surrounding hills. Medieval magnificence! [1994]

Delphi, Greece

Looking for advice? Head for Delphi and consult the oracle. Just follow the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo: That’s what the ancient Greeks would have done. These Doric columns mark the site. In reality, the oracle probably fell under the spell of ethylene gas venting from the rocks below. [2006]

Mt. Titano, San Marino

It’s September 3, so let me say: Happy Birthday, San Marino! This microstate was founded in 301 AD by St. Marinus. Today, it enters its 1,710th year of independence. Not bad for a single mountain peak! From Italy's Rimini Plain, just follow the switch-back road to the top of Mt. Titano and find there: The Most Serene Republic of San Marino. [1984]

Riga, Latvia

Flowers are a part of every European city. Most are imported today, but the tradition grows out of Europe’s long summer days (photosynthesis maximized) and cool temperatures (wilting prevented): both the result of Europe’s northerly latitude. In the background are symbols of Latvia's bipolarity: a local hotel and a global chain. [2003]

Tallinn, Estonia

Find the old town of any European city and you might find a castle. That would be true in Tallinn, Estonia. These are the old city walls from Toompea Castle, complete with two dozen guard towers. Tallinn is one of the best walled cities in Europe. [2003]