Millions of Muslims gather in Mecca for the hajj, the annual, Islamic pilgrimage.

Dangerous dives into an underwater cave have revealed a variety of well-preserved fossils, including ancient tortoises and crocodiles, a new study says.

"Devils" follow St. Nick in Germany, Hubble spies a hazy exoplanet, China remembers a WWII massacre, and more.

An Australian passenger jet touched down on an ice runway in Antarctica this week. Flights for scientific teams are to begin next week.

An eight-foot catfish, the new seven wonders, and "the inside-out-seahorse-in-a-ball-nerd of the deep" are among our most viewed marvels.

Spain is embarking on an ambitious project to restore the Alhambra palace complex, a gem of Islamic and Renaissance architecture.

At nearly $800 per kilo, saffron is the world's most expensive spice. More than 150 purple flowers go into each gram of the deep-red saffron strands.

A historic Christmas market boasts more than 600 years in operation in Frankfurt, Germany, and still draws shoppers and tourists.

Egyptian Maus may descend from the first domesticated cats in the world. One woman is working to help save them.

Carved into Iranian mountains, the village of Kandovan may be more than 700 years old. The energy-efficient homes draw tourists from around the world.

The first law to recognize the rights of tribal people to live in protected forests is yet to be enforced due to an outcry from conservationists that the move could doom India's tigers.

Local officials rejected Donald Trump's plan to build a Scottish-coast golf course and resort. Construction would have affected some of the country's rarest birds.

Tibetan children and caged monkeys were among the subjects featured in winning shots from the 2007 Global Photography Contest.

Hubble snaps a "holiday" galaxy, a diver encounters a massive whale shark, smuggled gorillas are returned to Africa, and more.

Ready for a move? See pictures of the best and worst countries to live in according to a new report by the United Nations.