The Romanov family was infamously and brutally murdered by the Bolsheviks at the end of World War I. Czar Nicholas II, his wife, and their five children were executed to make way for the new ruling hierarchy under the communist leadership of Vladimir Lenin.

Nestled deep in the enchanting region of Transylvania, Romania, the town of Sighisoara is home to one of Europe’s last inhabited medieval fortresses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often overlooked by tourists, boasts a rich history spanning centuries and a cultural heritage that far exceeds its modest size.

Lyon, France, is the nation’s second-largest city, strategically located between Paris and Marseille. While it is celebrated as the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon offers an abundance of attractions beyond its culinary delights. The city is steeped in history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a rich and immersive experience.

The air hangs heavy with moisture. The illusion of stillness is the prelude before the story unfolds. Frowns appear in the sky. 2,000 years ago, the dramatic sky would have convinced the inhabitants of God’s wrath. Redundant chimneys of the slate-roofed houses stand as remnants of the past, but they are not the only ones here.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a lesser-known European entity sandwiched between France, Belgium, and Germany.

A block from Havana’s famous Malecon, I found myself standing on a curb, sharing a bottle of rum with my good friend and traveling companion Sandra, and three strangers. We’d all met earlier at a nearby salsa club tucked in an alleyway between the Centro and Old Havana neighborhoods, a local joint.

The volcanic island of Tenerife, the largest and most diverse of the Canary Island Archipelago, is a fabulous year-round destination with record-breaking numbers of visitors each year.

The British colonized India for over 200 years, and cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai are home to notable Victorian-era buildings. But Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, was the capital of India for 39 years during the British rule, and it remains the top spot to see colonial architecture, a must-see city for architecture lovers to include on their India itineraries.

Europe abounds with enigmatic corners and places steeped in spine-chilling mysteries and legends that beckon the intrepid traveler. Just in time for Halloween, we delve into some of the Old Continent's most hair-raising destinations. Boo!

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world, and once you’ve had a glimpse of the architecture it’s easy to see why.

On a warm June day, the ocean breeze cools balmy Busan, South Korean's busiest port city. As I stand overlooking Gamcheon Culture Village nestled on the coast, I shiver as I imagine what it once was: a dangerous slum, ravaged by war.

Out of view, built into the hill above, rises Arcosanti, a prototype of arcology. Arcology, a concept coined by Soleri himself by combining “architecture” and “ecology,” is the idea that architecture can be in harmony with the landscape.