Currently, over 1000 protected UNESCO World Heritage sites exist in the world today. Every site has its own unique story to tell and is rich in history.
By definition, a World Heritage site is "a natural or cultural site that demonstrates influence or significance in a global context" and has been transcribed to UNESCO's World Heritage List. Under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and officially took effect in 1975), the sites are designated to have "outstanding universal value."
According to UNESCO, the World Heritage list is divided into three categories: a natural site, a cultural site and a mix of both elements.
You can check out this interactive map to explore where each World Heritage Site is located. Also, check out this comprehensive list of all recorded UNESCO World Heritage Sites categorized into the countries in alphabetical order.
Now, here is a list of some of the most popular World Heritage Sites you should visit. Plus, they make great destinations to add to your bucket list!
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is considered to be one of the most iconic archeological sites in the world. It is also one of the greatest enigmas, as the true origin of Stonehenge remains a mystery because there is no written record of its origin. As a result, the true origin and purpose of Stonehenge has been a subject of debate for thousands of years.
Stonehenge is constructed of larger sarsen (a type of silicified sandstone) and smaller bluestones (a variation of dolomite) arranged in a circular pattern. The stones are believed to be put in place in three main phases from around 3100 BC to 1500 BC.
Nearly a million people visit Stonehenge every year. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is an immense, ivory-white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra in northern India. It is situated along the south bank of the Yamuna River. Along both sides of the Taj Mahal are two buildings constructed of red sandstone: an assembly hall and a mosque.
Between 1631 and 1648, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the mausoleum in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. According to legend, Mumtaz Mahal bound Shah Jahan with a deathbed wish to build her the most gorgeous mausoleum in her honor.
All in all, the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the most iconic monuments in the world, as well as a symbol of India's rich history.
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza is considered a defining symbol of Egypt and one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world. In addition, the site gives a reflection on what life was like in ancient Egypt. The pyramid complex is on the Giza Plateau, south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.
In ancient times, the site was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
They consist of three royal tombs that were built for three different pharaohs of the fourth dynasty. The largest of the pyramids, famously called The Great Pyramid, was built for the pharaoh Khufu, the second king. The middle pyramid was built for the fourth king, Khafre. Finally, the last and smallest pyramid to be built was meant for Menkaure, the fifth king.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is Cambodia's most iconic temple and makes a great addition to your bucket list if you want to visit Southeast Asia. In fact, it is the largest religious building in the whole world.
The temple is featured on Cambodia's flag, making Angkor Wat and heart and soul of the country. Angkor Wat is located approximately five miles of the Cambodian city of Siem Reap.
Every inch of the complex is covered in intricate carvings and motifs, making it a perfect blend of symmetry.
It was constructed during the 12th century by Suryavarman II. Originally, it was a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. By the end of the 12th century, it became a Buddhist site.
In 1992, Angkor Wat was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza, which is located on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico (approximately 120 miles from Cancun), is one of the most visited archaeological sites today. This site provides an in-depth history about the culture and important accomplishments of the Mayan people.
El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, is one of the most iconic structures that sits at the center of Chichen Itza. An interesting fact is that El Castillo is actually a Mayan calendar. It has four stairways, with 91 steps each. Add those together plus the top platform and you get 365, the number of days in a year.
Other important ruins include the Caracol observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the ball court.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China was one of the most extensive construction projects ever undertaken. It took several centuries for the bulwark, consisting of several fortifications and walls, to be built and it stretches along China's historic northern border.
The wall was built to protect the land and territory from nomadic invaders, but this purpose was ultimately defeated. Still, the Great Wall of China is considered a powerful symbol of endurance and strength in China.
Overall, the wall measures well over 13,000 miles long, stretching from the east seaside to the western desert in northern China.
The Great Wall of China was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a collection of islands (called an archipelago) located approximately 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador.
The Galapagos not only provides a gorgeous tourist attraction, but also the perfect spot for studying the ecosystem as well. The islands are well-known for its unusual wildlife, which is a great showcase of its biodiversity. Animals exclusive to the Galapagos include the giant tortoise, 14 species of Darwin's finches, the marine iguana and the Galapagos sea lion.
Charles Darwin traveled to the islands in 1835, and his theory of evolution via natural selection was inspired by his studies and observations of the unique flora and fauna.
After Ecuador declared the Galapagos Islands a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay provides a beautiful scenic landscape, consisting of turquoise waters and over 1,600 uninhabited (and untouched) islands.
A special part of this seascape includes the countless pillars of limestone formations. These islands provide a particular sight relished by visitors from around the world.
Ha Long Bay is located in Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, in Quang Ninh province.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York, USA
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols in American history. In fact, it symbolizes the friendship between France and the United States.
It is located on Liberty Island in New York City. In other words, the world-famous statue stands on the island at the entrance to New York Harbor, providing a sign of welcome to millions of immigrants worldwide.
The statue was dedicated in 1886, 110 years after the United States declared independence. It was eventually made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Tikal is an archaeological site of an ancient Maya civilization, consisting of a complex of Mayan ruins that run deep in the lush tropical rainforest of northern Guatemala.
The most iconic feature of Tikal is its towering temples and three large complexes in the jungle setting, which attracts visitors from around the world. The tallest building is Temple IV (also the site of the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent), standing 213 feet tall. Temple I (148 feet tall), known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, is situated at the center of Tikal, while Temple II (138 feet tall) directly faces the Great Jaguar temple.
Tikal National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles in French) reflects both the culture of France and its beauty as a whole. It is located in the city of Versailles, southwest of the French capital of Paris.
What started off as a small hunting lounge, was converted into a stunning and extravagant royal residence and center of government thanks to King Louis XIV.
Perhaps the most famous room in the palace is known as the Hall of Mirrors, consisting of 17 panel mirrors opposite 17 windows that overlook the Versailles gardens. The ornate ceiling is ornated by glass chandeliers and gilded statues border the marble walls.
The palace is considered to be one of the most visited cultural sites today, with nearly 10 million visitors every year. In fact, the beauty of the palace and the gardens are what interest the visitors a lot.
In 1979, the Palace of Versailles was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is considered to be one of the best natural wonders of the Earth. In fact, it can be a great addition to your bucket list of travels.
It is the longest and largest reef complex in the world. In other words, it is the largest living structure known to Earth. The reef extends roughly 1,429 miles over an area of approximately 133,000 square miles.
A large part of the reef is considered a protected area under the management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of Australia.
An interesting fact is that you can even see the Great Barrier Reef through space!
In 1981, the GBR was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua in Spanish, is considered to be one of the most remote islands in the world. A great addition to your travel bucket list!
The most important feature of this island is the distinct statues called moai. Over 600 moai exist on the island today. Thousands of tourists from around the world come to Easter Island to come see these special statues every year.
The true origin of the moai statues or how they were created remains a mystery.
After the island was annexed by Chile in 1888, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled in the Andes Mountains is Machu Picchu, a citadel surrounded by a cloak of mist and tucked away in the countryside.
It was believed to be a sacred religious site to Incan leaders. However, the reason why Machu Picchu was built remains unknown and there are theories as to why it was built.
On the other hand, Machu Picchu remains a powerful symbol of the Inca Empire and it is one of the most visited sites today. Plus, it is one of the best preserved Inca cities and a gem for archaeological studies.
Machu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
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