Indoor Roman Pool

Hearst Castle Pictures

Its design based on Roman bath, this indoor swimming pool is decorated with statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes, and its tiles were inspired by patterns in the 5th Century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy. The entire room, from the bottom of the pool to the ceiling is decorated in one-inch square, glass mosaic tiles in cobalt blue and real gold. It's the last sight at the end of the tour, and most dramatic in the late afternoon when the sunlight comes in the side windows.