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UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Published on: Wednesday, April 24, 2019



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FROM ANCIENT RELICS TO AWE-INSPIRING NATURAL WONDERS, HERE IS A LIST OF AMAZING
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES



The UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation)
World Heritage Sites program was set-up in 1945 to help preserve the world’s
cultural, historical and natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Currently, there are 1,092 World Heritage Sites recognised in 167 countries
across the globe. In 2018, China overtook Italy as having the most recognised
UNESCO sites, with 53 on the list.


FAMOUS UNESCO SITES

Some of the most famous World Heritage Sites include the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids
of Egypt, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Wall of China and the
Grand Canyon. These are all incredibly popular travel destinations and
attracting a high volume of tourists, so much so that authorities at some sites
have taken steps to restrict access and impose fees. Venice, for instance, plans
to impose fees from €2.50 to €10 per person per day to combat mass tourism and
its impact on the city.

Not every UNESCO site has managed to attract big crowds, however, with some
remaining well-kept secrets that are untarnished by globalisation and tourism.
In this article, we aim to share 18 stunning sites that the hordes of tourists
have not yet caught onto.


BEST FOR GREAT VISTAS

For keen hikers, check out the spectacular Tongariro National Park in New
Zealand, the first site to be inscribed on the UNESCO list under the revised
criteria describing cultural landscapes – this park is recognised for its
important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its nature trails
and beautiful volcanic landscape.

Tama Lakes trail in Tongariro National ParkShutterstock

Durmitor National Park in Montenegro is still relatively unknown and boasts some
of the deepest gorges in mainland Europe – making it a challenging adventure for
thrill seekers and nature lovers.

Black Lake in Durmitor National ParkShutterstock

Alternatively, join the pilgrims on the Routes of Santiago de Compostela (St
James’s Way) which stretch from France to Spain and include a network of four
intricate trails. In 2015, UNESCO agreed to a scenic extension called the
‘Camino de Santiago routes of northern Spain’ running from Irun near the French
border to the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Signpost for walking track for Santiago de CompostelaShutterstock


BEST FOR UNDERGROUND TOURS

There is plenty to see below the surface of the earth too.

Located 77km (48 miles) southwest of Ljubljana in Slovenia, Škocjan Caves is an
exceptional system of limestone caves boasting 26 underground waterfalls and the
largest subterranean canyon in Europe (146m/479ft high). Wear comfortable shoes
as there are plenty of steps, and pack a sweater as the average temperature is
12°C (54°F) in dry areas and much cooler in sections with flowing water.



Alternatively, head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine located 14km (9 miles) southeast
of Kraków in Poland. Here, you can get lost in the winding corridors of this
former 13th-century salt mine, with over 2km (1.2 miles) to explore underground.
Tourists can take a 3-hour guided tour and immerse themselves in the history of
the Salt Mine’s complex network and its various purposes, most recently as a
manufacturing facility under the occupation of Germany in World War II.

Chapel in Wieliczka Salt MineShutterstock





BEST FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING

Located in the central part of the Baja California peninsula and consisting of
two lagoons (Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio), the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
is an important reproduction and wintering site for grey and blue whales. The
site also attracts seals, sea lions and is home to four species of endangered
turtles, making it a veritable treasure for aquatic fauna.

California Gray WhaleShutterstock

Back on terra firma, Simien National Park in Ethiopia is home to the Gelada
‘bleeding heart’ baboons. Coming face-to-face with a troop of these fascinating
creatures is almost guaranteed so bring a camera. The park is also home to Walia
Ibex (mountain goats with arching horns) and Ethiopian wolf, both of which are
endemic to Ethiopia.



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You can also explore the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries located
300km (186 miles) northeast of Bangkok. This huge park is home to the largest
population of tigers in Thailand and is also a prime destination for
ornithologists and keen bird-watchers.

Further west, birdwatchers can also rejoice at Danube Delta in Romania, Europe’s
largest and best-preserved delta which plays home to over 300 bird species,
including cormorants, white-tailed eagles and glossy ibises. The bird watching
season is from early spring to mid-summer.

Cormorant in the Danube DeltaShutterstock


BEST FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS

Head for Shark Bay in Western Australia: Don’t let the name scare you off. With
its vast sea-grass beds (the largest and richest in the world), Shark Bay is the
ideal location for a family outing, where you and the kids can observe large
numbers of dugongs (sea cows), as well as sharks, Australia’s more infamous
sea-life.

The Komodo National Park in Indonesia is another great option for a
family-friendly getaway. Spanning 29 islands, it is home to 5,500 Komodo
dragons, the world’s largest lizard species. Although the visitor number is
still less than 200,000 tourists a year, talks to combat tourism have already
begun, so time is of the essence if you want to visit this natural wonder.

Komodo dragon sitting on the ground in Komodo National ParkShutterstock


BEST FOR BUDDING NATURALISTS

The Cape Floral Region in South Africa is an obvious choice for those passionate
about plants and nature. One of the richest areas on Earth for flora, it
represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the
continent’s plant species.

If you prefer gardens to the wild, visit the Classical Gardens of Suzhou in
China, where masterpieces of the Classical Chinese garden design genre can be
found.

The Lion GroveShutterstock


BEST FOR CITY SLICKERS

While the Palace & Park of Versailles outside Paris and Schönbrunn in Vienna are
drawing millions of visitors a year, Kronborg Castle (also known as Elsinore) in
Denmark, is a hidden gem that offers as much architectural beauty as its
counterparts. For literary buffs, the question is to be or not to be, as
Kronborg is the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, you can indulge your passion
for the classics while revelling in the mystique of the beautiful palace.

Kronborg CastleShutterstock

Quito, the capital of Ecuador (perched 2,850m/ 9,350ft above sea level), has the
best-preserved, least altered historic city centre in Latin America and sits
magnificently at the foot of the Andes. If it’s a mixture of urban intrigue and
natural beauty you’re after, Quito is not to be missed.

Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia is a living testimony to the nation’s
multi-cultural heritage thanks to its longstanding position as a colonial
seaport. Dive into the city’s captivating energetic centre and keep a lookout
for its many quirky murals and street art.

Wall art of a brother and sister riding a bike Shutterstock


BEST FOR CULTURE BUFFS

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, from which Moorish monarchs ruled over Andalucia
throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, is one of the most culturally rich and
exquisitely decorated attractions on UNESCO’s world heritage site list.

AlhambraShutterstock

L’Anse aux Meadows (Canada) is an archaeological site that is evidence of the
first Viking settlements in North America. A drawcard for history enthusiasts
the world over, it is the only confirmed Norse site on the continent’s mainland
and tells of the incredible feats of the Vikings and their pursuits of conquest
and exploration.

L'Anse aux MeadowsShutterstock


THE FUTURE OF UNESCO

The UNESCO project is an ongoing initiative that seeks to protect and preserve
the world’s most valuable culturally significant resources. Many sites currently
listed are being threatened, particularly natural heritage sites at risk of
environmental damage.

The Great Barrier Reef is one such example of an ‘at risk’ landmark that is
being jeopardised by the impacts of climate change. So too is the Garamba
National Park, with recent reports of a substantially reduced Northern White
Rhino population indicating that wherever you are in the world, just because
you’re a designated World Heritage listed site, you’re not immune to adversity.

It’s therefore important to note that UNESCO’s work is a tireless process, and
by naming these sites on their list, they’re attempting to raise awareness about
their value in the hope that the greater community will assist in campaigning
for their preservation.

There’s no doubt that many will want to ensure that they can see some of the
World’s Heritage Sites before they disappear, but being privy to the ways in
which we can help is more important. If you’re interested in playing a part in
saving some of these landmarks, as well as preserving the integrity of other
notable landmarks that aren’t yet currently listed, then read this article on
Responsible Travel and find out how you can reduce your environmental impact
when enjoying some of the world’s most stunning locations.

Brother and Sister on a swing artworkShutterstock

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