What is a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Colosseum, Rome, Italy — Unsplash
Why travelers who love history should seek out these incredible sites on their next trip.
In 1960, ancient temples in Egypt were on the verge of flooding. The Egyptian government was building a dam that would put these temples at risk. UNESCO launched an international rescue mission. And recovered these treasures. This mission raised international awareness about UNESCO.
But what is UNESCO?
UNESCO is the Educational, Scientific, and Cultural arm of the UN.Established to preserve "irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration". The list includes 1154 sites, including 897 cultural sites.These sites are both of cultural and natural heritage.
Being added to the list can be positive.
The locals support conservation efforts. The site has access to the World Heritage Fund and legal protection. International recognition boosts tourism.But only with the help of locals can the site be fully protected.
Protected from what?
• Armed conflict
• Natural disasters
• Human development
• Intentional destruction
The legacy of these sites is only possible with active participation from local communities.
That's why each country nominates its own sites for consideration.
It starts with a Tentative List. Each country nominates one of its own. The International Council of Monuments & Sites and the World Conservation Union evaluate it. And select sites for the Nomination List. The World Heritage Committee then selects new sites to be designated.
The Erechtheion in the Acropolis Athens, Greece 🇬🇷
North of the Parthenon sits a much smaller temple that is the best example of Ionic architecture. One porch has sculpted maidens (caryatids) as columns. They are now replaced by casts and the original caryatids can be seen in the New Acropolis Museum.
Read more about the Acropolis here →
Here are 10 popular World Heritage Sites
• Petra, Jordan
• Taj Mahal, India
• Colosseum, Italy
• Versailles, France
• Great Wall of China
• Stonehenge, England
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia
• Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Each of the UNESCO World Heritage sites have distinct universal value. These unique sites provide outstanding value to humanity. And I hope their legacy will be preserved for future generations to experience.
Which one do you want to visit?