The most interesting objects of the world cultural heritage. Meet these objects - UNESCO World Heritage Site (photo)
For a long time, people did not think about what they would leave to their descendants. Rulers were replaced, entire cultures were destroyed, there was not a trace of them left. Later, people became smarter and preserved works of art, structures of stunning beauty, interesting monuments, etc. In the end, mankind came to the conclusion that the most valuable objects must be added to a separate list. Today, tourists visiting certain countries are interested in World Heritage Abroad. The UNESCO project has long been more than successful.
world heritage
At some point, people were distracted from the consumption of resources and realized the need to protect natural and flora and fauna. This desire is expressed in a special list, the idea of which was implemented in 1972 under the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and natural heritage", which proclaimed the universal responsibility for the safety of the most significant objects.
Today, the list includes more than a thousand items, and all these monuments are located on the territory of 161 states. Among them there are picturesque corners of nature and amazing creations of human hands, but some objects may surprise those who do not know what principles this list is based on.
Criteria
World heritage abroad and in Russia is not just buildings and natural monuments. Each object is unique in its own way and is included in the list with certain criteria. Conventionally, they are divided into two parts.
For artificial objects, criteria such as reflecting the relationship of human values, the development of architecture, uniqueness or exclusivity, connection with ideas that are in the public domain are important. Of course, beauty and aesthetics are also taken into account. There are six key factors.
As far as natural monuments are concerned, they must include phenomena or sites of exceptional aesthetic quality, represent an example of major stages in history, geological or biological processes, or be important in terms of the conservation of animal diversity and flora. Only four criteria are presented.
Those located abroad or in Russia, which can be attributed approximately equally to one or the other group, are called mixed, or having cultural and natural significance. So, what exactly is on the UNESCO list?
Record countries
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are very unevenly distributed around the world. The states with the largest number of monuments are Italy, China, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, India, Great Britain, Russia and the USA. In total, more than 350 objects are located on their territory, which is more than a third of the entire list. Almost all of these countries can be said to be the heirs of great civilizations and have natural resources. In any case, such a beginning of the list is not at all surprising.
man-made objects
In this category for 2014, there are 779 objects. This includes the most famous and significant buildings and structures in the world, many of which are symbols of their countries: Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Easter Island, Great Abu Mena in Egypt, Versailles, athenian acropolis, Taj Mahal, Prambanan and Borobudur temples in Indonesia, ancient Samarra, located on the modern territory of Iran, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan in Mexico, Cusco in Peru, Kizhi churchyard, church in Kolomenskoye, Stonehenge, statue of Liberty, building It is often so difficult to single out one thing that the whole list falls into the list. historical Center certain cities - this is especially often observed in Europe. All the most popular attractions among tourists will certainly fall into this list. But sometimes, if there have been some major changes, the object "leaves" the World Heritage. Two such cases are known abroad: the Elbe river valley near Dresden was excluded in connection with the construction highway; The reserve of white oryx - a special kind of antelope - in Oman was removed from the list due to the reduction of its territory and ineffective fight against poaching. This will probably change over time, but even if not, every year a special committee considers more and more proposals for the inclusion of various properties in the World Heritage Abroad.
natural monuments
The most interesting and beautiful monuments in the category "World Heritage Abroad" - Human creation, that is, buildings, structures, etc., are also curious, but it is much more interesting to observe what was created without the help and intervention of people. The list of such monuments (for 2014) includes 197 items. The objects are located in 87 countries of the world. 19 of them are endangered (for one reason or another). By the way, the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites begins with a natural monument - the Galapagos Islands, which received this honor in 1978. And, perhaps, this can be called quite fair, because many very rare animals and plants live here, the archipelago is also known for its stunning views. And, ultimately, nature remains the most valuable wealth of mankind.
mixed category
Some man-made structures are so closely related to the landscape and environment that it is difficult to unequivocally call them man-made. Or, on the contrary, a person only slightly changed what appeared as a result of geological, biological and other natural processes. In any case, the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage, represented by objects from this category, is truly unique.
There are relatively few such objects - 31, but it is simply impossible to even briefly talk about each one, they are so diverse and interesting in their own way. This includes the national parks of Australia and New Zealand, Mount Athos, Machu Picchu, the monasteries of Meteora, the wildlife of Tasmania, the scenery and life of Lapland and much more. It is a real miracle that all this wealth has come down to our time in this form, and the common task of mankind is to preserve this heritage for posterity.
Russia and CIS countries
On the territory of the former USSR there are a large number of monuments included in the UNESCO list. Some are nominated as candidates. In total, there are 52 objects, including the Struve geodetic arc, located on the territory of several states.
The list includes such names as the Moscow Kremlin, Samarkand, Tauric Chersonese, Bukhara, Lake Baikal, the Lena Pillars, the Putorana Plateau, Mount Sulaiman-Too, etc. Having carefully studied the UNESCO World Heritage List located on the territory of the CIS countries, you can even decide never to go to far abroad without exploring their native lands - so diverse and interesting objects are presented in it. Well, and then it is already possible to look at the neighbors, and go beyond the three seas - there will be something to compare with.
UNESCO World Heritage in Ukraine is 7 objects on this moment, and 15 more are under consideration. From CIS countries given country ranks second in terms of the number of items included in the list we are considering. These include, for example, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and in Kyiv, the historical center of Lviv, the beech forest of the Carpathians.
Status
It may seem that World Heritage listing abroad is just a nice bonus, making it easier for tourists and travelers to choose where to go and what to see. But this is absolutely not the case, because many objects are under the threat of partial destruction or disappearance and need special treatment. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list allows to additionally guarantee their safety. In addition, adding certain attractions to this list raises their prestige and popularity, which, in turn, attracts more tourists to the country. The development of this sector of the economy makes it possible to obtain more funds at the disposal of which it is possible to restore those very cultural monuments that are on the UNESCO list. So this project is useful in every way.
Objects under threat
Unfortunately, everything is not so rosy. There is a special section of the list, which lists those natural and cultural monuments that are threatened with critical changes or complete disappearance. The reasons can be different: various kinds of catastrophes and incidents, wars, the negative impact of climate and time. Not all of this can be controlled, so that soon humanity may lose some of the objects included in the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Now this "alarming" list contains 46 items. None of them are included in the World Heritage in Russia. Abroad, such situations, unfortunately, are not rare. But the committee is working in this direction.
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger includes those that appeared a very long time ago - in the 3-5 millennium BC, so their importance can hardly be overestimated. And yet, numerous problems, plans for construction and reconstruction, wars, floods, poaching, etc., do not yet allow us to say that these places are safe.
Committee activities
UNESCO is a huge organization dealing with a wide variety of issues, World Heritage Abroad is just one of them. And all issues related to this topic are decided by a special committee. It meets once a year to make a decision on the objects applying for inclusion in the list. In addition, the committee initiates the creation of working groups that deal with the problems of individual objects. It also acts as a financial institution, highlighting cash countries parties to the Convention upon their request. The committee has 21 members in total. Most of them expire in 2017.
Similar Listings
Of course, cultural and natural monuments are extremely important and valuable, but humanity seeks to preserve not only them. In contrast to material objects, lists were created containing the most significant examples of creativity, areas of expertise, etc. Since 2001, UNESCO has kept records of masterpieces of oral and intangible creativity. But do not think that we are talking about literary works - this list is much wider and more diverse than it seems. This includes culinary traditions various countries world, the unique skills of individual peoples, characteristic chants and dances, even falconry!
Another project designed to preserve UNESCO World Heritage Sites is called "Memory of the World". And it really is something akin to a repository of various knowledge - after all, this list contains the most important documents of mankind of all times that have survived to this day. This includes films, photographs, sound recordings, paintings, manuscripts and archives of famous people.
UNESCO projects, aimed at drawing attention to cultural monuments and phenomena of all kinds, allow us not to forget that each person is capable of creating something great, worthy of forever remaining in history. They also help sometimes to stop and think about how much beauty was created by ancestors and nature, and how terrible it would be to lose it.
World Heritage: Everything you need to know about the world's landmarks inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
World Heritage refers to objects of cultural or natural value for the whole world. The decision to include a site on the World Heritage List is made by UNESCO with the participation of invited experts. After being included in the List, the object goes under protection international law, and UNESCO monitors its safety. This organization also reserves the right to exclude objects from the List for one reason or another. So, for example, it happened with the German Dresden - experts considered that the new traffic bridge through the Elbe violates the unity of the architectural and natural complex of the old city.
As of the end of 2011, the 1972 Convention was signed by 188 states, the World Material Heritage List on the same date includes 936 objects (unique architectural ensembles, works of art, nature reserves) from 153 countries, of which 725 were created by man, 183 - by nature and 28 refer to mixed natural and cultural objects. Full list broken down by country can be viewed on the official website. Objects in danger of extinction are marked in red.
In 2003, a convention was adopted for the protection also of intangible cultural heritage(Intangible Cultural Heritage). By the end of 2011, 139 countries had ratified it. The List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity includes folk festivals, carnivals, ceremonies and genres of folklore art - music, dance, oral epic tradition, theater, calligraphy, fine Arts, traditional crafts and trades. By the end of 2011, there are 267 such facilities, two of which are located on the territory of the Russian Federation. This is the culture of Semey (descendants of Russian Old Believers who preserved the pre-Petrine Russian way of life) and the Yakut epic olonkho.
national park Guilin
As for the material objects included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, there are 24 of them in our country. The most famous, of course, are the Moscow Kremlin with Red Square, the historical center of St. Petersburg, the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, Lake Baikal, volcanoes of Kamchatka, golden mountains of Altai, Kizhi churchyard on Kizhi island in Onega lake, the ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, the historical center of Yaroslavl, architectural monuments of Veliky Novgorod, Vladimir, Suzdal, the Ferapont Monastery and the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Kolomenskoye.
It is incredibly difficult to choose the very best of those that are outside the Russian Federation. One of such wonderful places is Belovezhskaya Pushcha in Belarus, more than others are known - megalithic structure Stonehenge in England and the "Lost City" Machu Picchu - the most mysterious monument of Inca culture in the world. We also like the royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal, the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre National Park in Italy and the town of Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic.
We will tell you more about several amazing man-made monuments and natural wonders honored to be under the protection of UNESCO.
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. The ruins of almost 1000 temples of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th-15th centuries have been preserved here. Among them famous temple Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with a huge amount of sculptural decorations. Every year more than a million tourists come to Cambodia to see these places of worship with their own eyes.
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Al-Hijr is the largest surviving archaeological site of the Nabataean civilization, located in Saudi Arabia. 111 tombstones (1st century BC - 1st century AD), many of which are luxuriously decorated, a system of wells, as well as almost 50 inscriptions from the pre-Nabathean era, and several cave drawings are well preserved here.
Los Glaciares National Park is a picturesque area in Argentina, with many glacial lakes, including Argentino, 160 km long. The local glacier is the third largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. Massive blocks of ice often break off from its edge, forming massive icebergs.
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Through located near the Red and Dead Seas Peter passed caravan routes between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Half built, half carved into the rocks and surrounded by mountains, Petra combines ancient oriental traditions with Hellenistic architecture.
The Sydney Opera House is one of the outstanding architectural structures of the 20th century. The opera building consists of three interconnected "shells", which house the main halls for performances and a restaurant. These "shells" lie on a wide base, where walking terraces and squares are equipped. The structure of an unusual shape is located on the cape of the peninsula in Sydney Bay and fits perfectly into the landscape of the ocean coast.
The 18 km long Pontcysillte Aqueduct in Wales, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is a masterpiece of construction from the Industrial Revolution. More than 200 years after its discovery, it is still in use for its intended purpose and handles about 15,000 boats a year. This aqueduct is also an unusual monument to plumbers and plumbing.
Dolomites, Italy
summer palace and the imperial park in Beijing is a masterpiece landscape gardening art China. It was first built in 1750, restored in 1886 after the destruction caused by the war of 1860. natural objects- hills and open water - skillfully woven into architectural ensemble, harmoniously combined with pavilions, palaces, temples and bridges.
Included on the World Heritage List and the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Vatican City State, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Venice with its lagoon, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Agra, as well as the Iguazu National Park on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
The best countries and destinations for sightseeing tours
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- Austria Vienna
- Balkans: Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Turkey (Istanbul), Croatia and Montenegro
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- Spain: Barcelona and Madrid
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- Baltic States: Latvia (Riga)
- Scandinavia: Norway, Finland
- France: Paris and its
World heritage sites included in the special list of UNESCO are of great interest to the entire population of the planet. Unique natural and cultural objects make it possible to preserve those unique corners of nature and man-made monuments that demonstrate the richness of nature and the possibilities of the human mind.
As of July 1, 2009, there are 890 sites on the World Heritage List (including 689 cultural, 176 natural and 25 mixed) in 148 countries: selected architectural structures and ensembles - the Acropolis, cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, the historical center of Warsaw (Poland) and St. Petersburg (Russia), the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square (Russia), etc.; cities - Brasilia, Venice along with the lagoon, etc.; archaeological reserves - Delphi, etc.; national parks - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Yellowstone (USA) and others. The states on whose territory the World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
1) Tourists inspect the Buddhist sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes ("Dragon Gate") near the city of Luoyang in Chinese province Henan. There are more than 2,300 caves in this place; 110,000 Buddhist images, more than 80 dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) containing relics of the Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on the rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. For the first time Buddhism in China was introduced in these places during the reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty. (China Photos/Getty Images)
2) Bayon Temple in Cambodia is famous for its many giant stone faces. There are over 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, ranging from nondescript piles of brick and rubble scattered among rice fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat, considered the world's largest single religious monument. Many of the temples at Angkor have been restored. More than a million tourists visit them every year. (Voishmel/AFP - Getty Images)
3) One of the parts of the archaeological site of Al-Hijr - also known as Madain Salih. This complex is located in northern regions Saudi Arabia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (I century BC - I century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures dedicated to the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, which was the center of the caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Donabatean period. (Hassan Ammar/AFP - Getty Images)
4) The waterfalls "Garganta del Diablo" ("Devil's Throat") are located on the territory of the Iguazu National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones. Depending on the water level in the Iguazu River, the park has from 160 to 260 waterfalls, as well as over 2000 varieties of plants and 400 Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Christian Rizzi/AFP - Getty Images) #
5) The mysterious Stonehenge is a stone megalithic structure, consisting of 150 huge stones, and located on the Salisbury Plain in English county Wiltshire. This ancient monument is believed to have been built in 3000 BC. Stonehenge was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
6) Tourists stroll by the Bafang Pavilion in the Summer Palace, Beijing's famous classical imperial garden. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and rebuilt in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. (China Photos/Getty Images)
7) The Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was presented to the United States by France, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Seth Wenig/AP)
8) "Solitario George" (Lonely George), the last living giant tortoise of this species, born on Pinta Island, lives in the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. Galapagos Islands were originally inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, but were listed as endangered in 2007. (Rodrigo Buendia/AFP - Getty Images)
9) People skate on the ice of the canals in the Kinderdijk Mills area, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk has the largest collection of historic windmills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decoration with balloons of the holidays passing here gives a certain flavor to this place. (Peter Dejong/AP)
10) View of the Perito Moreno Glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz. This place was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentinean part of Patagonia and the 3rd largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. (Daniel Garcia/AFP - Getty Images)
11) Terraced gardens in the north Israeli city Haifa is surrounded by the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, the founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center the Bahá'í religion, which has fewer than six million adherents worldwide. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
12) Aerial photography of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. According to the World Heritage website, within this small nation lies a unique collection of art and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Giulio Napolitano/AFP - Getty Images)
13) Colorful underwater scenes of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This thriving ecosystem hosts the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 coral species and 1,500 fish species. Big barrier reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. (AFP - Getty Images)
14) Camels rest in the ancient city of Petra in front of Jordan's main monument, Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, supposedly the tomb of a Nabataean king carved out of sandstone. This city, located between the Red and Dead Seas, is at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, Syria and Phoenicia. Petra was added to the World Heritage List in 1985. (Thomas Coex/AFP - Getty Images)
15) Sydney Opera House - one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, which is a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP - Getty Images)
16) Rock paintings made by the San people in the Dragon Mountains located in the east South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg area for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock paintings in the Dragon Mountains, which were inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. (Alexander Joe/AFP - Getty Images)
17) General view of the city of Shibam, located in the east of Yemen in the province of Hadhramaut. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All houses here are built of clay bricks, about 500 houses can be considered multi-storey, as they have 5-11 floors. Shibam is often referred to as " the oldest city skyscrapers in the world" or "Desolate Manhattan", it is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. (Khaled Fazaa/AFP - Getty Images)
18) Gondolas near the coast Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice - seaside resort, center international tourism world significance, the venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. (AP)
19) Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues from compressed volcanic ash (moai in the Rapa Nui language) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3,700 km from the coast of Chile. Rapa Nui National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995. (Martin Bernetti/AFP - Getty Images)
20) Visitors walk along the Great Wall of China in the Simatai area, northeast of Beijing. This largest architectural monument was built as one of the four main strategic strongholds in order to defend against the invading tribes from the north. The 8,851.8 km long Great Wall is one of the largest construction projects ever completed. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP - Getty Images)
21) Temple at Hampi, near the South Indian city of Hospet, north of Bangalore. Hampi is located in the middle of the ruins of Vijayanagara - former capital Vijayanagara empire. Hampi and its monuments were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP - Getty Images)
22) A Tibetan pilgrim rotates prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. The Potala Palace is royal palace and Buddhist temple complex which was the main residence of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum actively visited by tourists, remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and continuing to be used in Buddhist rituals. Due to its enormous cultural, religious, artistic and historical significance, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. (Goh Chai Hin/AFP - Getty Images)
23) The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, has become a center of mass tourism. The city is visited by 2,000 tourists per day; In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands to reduce the number of tourists per day to 800. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP - Getty Images)
24) Buddhist pagoda Kompon-daito on Mount Koya, in the province of Wakayama, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, an offshoot of Japanese Buddhism, was the first to settle here. (Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA)
25) Tibetan women walk around the Bodhnath Stupa in Kathmandu - one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist shrines. On the sides of the tower crowning it, "Buddha's eyes" inlaid with ivory are depicted. The Kathmandu valley is about 1300 m high - mountain valley And historical area Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples here, from the Boudhanath stupa to tiny street altars in the walls of houses. Locals say that 10 million Gods live in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
26) A bird flies over the Taj Mahal - a mausoleum-mosque located in Indian city Agra. It was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The architectural marvel was also named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP - Getty Images)
27) Located in northeast Wales, the 18km Pontcysillte Aqueduct is an Industrial Revolution civil engineering feat completed in the early years of the 19th century. More than 200 years after its opening, it is still in use and is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte aqueduct was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "a milestone in the history of civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution." This aqueduct is one of the unusual monuments to plumbers and plumbing. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
28) A herd of moose grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, on the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In the Yellowstone National Park, which occupies almost 900 thousand hectares, there are more than 10 thousand geysers and thermal springs. The park was included in the World Heritage program in 1978. (Kevork Djansezian/AP)
29) Cubans drive an old car along the Malecon in Havana. UNESCO contributed Old Havana and its fortification inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded to over 2 million people, its old center preserves an interesting mixture of baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and patios. (Javier Galeano/AP)
Machu Picchu, which is translated from the Inca language as "Old Peak" is legendary city erected by the Incas in a lush highlands, on the peak of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the new wonders of the world, it is one of the most stunning places in the world. Dthe ancient city of the Incas cascades down the steep slopes on each side of the mountain, in separate terraces. HThe incredible ruins of Machu Picchu have been partially restored and are well maintained, giving visitors a good idea of what the city might have looked like in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Thousands of ancient temples, stupas and monasteries stretch endlessly in Pagan, the ancient capital of the kingdom of the same name. Here, the silhouettes of the temple spiers against the backdrop of sunrise or sunset are a magical sight worth a trip to this still unexplored country. The area is known for having the highest concentration Buddhist temples in the world, many of which were built in 1000 and 1100, when Bagan was the capital of a pagan kingdom, the first kingdom to unite the regions that later became modern Myanmar. According to the Burmese chronicles, Pagan was founded in the second century AD, and in 849 became the capital of the kingdom under King Pingbya, the 34th successor of the founder of early Pagan. Some temples and stupas have been restored, while others are just ruins. They vary in size and levels of architectural complexity, creating an intriguing mix of structures that compel travelers to scrutinize every temple they see.
In a unique jungle setting, not far from the city of Siem Reap, is another historic UNESCO World Heritage Site - Angkor Wat, which is known as the largest religious monument in the world. angkor watwas built by the Khmers in the 12th century and its architecture is stunning.Huge stone carved faces peer in all directions.Extensive and intricate bas-reliefs line the walls and doorways.Destructive passages and steep stone stairs require scouting before traversing them.Until its fall in the 15th century, Angkor Wat was the largest city in the world.
Stretching for a fantastic 8,800 kilometers that pass through the thickets of forests and steep mountain slopes, through rivers and lakes northern China- This is the Great Wall of China, deservedly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Great Wall of China is one of those undeniable sights that has been inspiring great adventures for travelers from all over the world for centuries. The construction of the wall began in the 3rd century BC, and the most popular section of the Great Chinese wall, is Badaling, it is only 75 kilometers from Beijing.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Roman Colosseum is the most large building left over from Roman times.Its imposing presence in the heart of the modern cityRomeis evidence incredible story cities and achievements of the Roman Empire. Travelers who saw the Colosseum for the first time are amazed at the huge size of this structure, given that they began to build itin 72 AD Today, the Roman Colosseum is still one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in the world.
Rising aboveAthenson top of the hill, the Acropolis stands as a proud monument of Ancient Greece. StructuresThe 5th and 4th centuries BC dominate the Acropolis, but the most famous is the Parthenon, the largest and most recognizable monument of ancient culture, it symbolizes the amazing history of this country.Steps away from modern Athens, the Acropolis is a powerful sight, sparkling under the Mediterranean sun during the day and spectacularly lit at night.
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This incredible prehistoric monument is one of the most visited attractions in England and is definitely unique place attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world every year. This huge prehistoric megalithic structure is located 130 kilometers northwest of London.It is assumed that this monument was erected between 3000-1500 BC, but there is no information about its origin or purpose of construction, which leads to various speculations and myths, some of which indicate religious or astronomical significance.As a result, a ring of Bronze Age stones has an almost mystical charm, especially during the summer and winter solstices when the light from sunrise and sunset is aligned with the stones. stonehenge, located near the citySalisbury.
dramatic, narrow mountain gorge allows you to go to the ancient city of Petra, a stone city with residential buildings and temples carved into the sandy rocks.This ancient capital The Nabataeans have roots that can be traced back to the 5th century BC.Discovered in the early 18th century, it was named " pink city”because of the color of the rocks and for obvious reasons, the “carved city”.Located in a mountainous area with limited access, it occupied a strategic position on an important trade route in the region.Today, Petra is the main attraction of Jordan.
Borobudur is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world and by far the most famous landmark in Indonesia.Nestled in lush tropical surroundings, with mountains and volcanoes, Borobudur looks stunning and calming.This massive temple complex, located on the island of Java, near the city of Yogyakarta, was built in the 700s, but after 200 years abandoned and forgotten for many centuries due to volcanic eruptions in the area, it remained relatively serene for centuries . Borobudurwas discovered in the 18th century by the British and later restored.
10. Tikal, Guatemala
The ancient Mayan city of Tikal is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.Central America. Located in the northernGuatemala, insurrounded by impenetrable jungle, this ancient city consists of over 3000 buildings. The Maya inhabited Tikal between 600 B.C. and up to 900 AD. Ancient pyramids, temples, plazas and foundations of all kinds of buildings show a complex society that once had hundreds of thousands of people. Tikalwas reopened in the middle of the 18th century and opened to tourists in the 1950s.Part of the city has been restored, but work continues, and some areas are still in the impenetrable jungle and are waiting in the wings.The ruins are located in the Tikal National Park, a biosphere reserve protecting the forest and wildlife in the area.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites- places and objects on the planet, in different countries selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in accordance with the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The Convention is designed to protect and preserve the outstanding cultural and natural values that constitute the heritage of all mankind. In order to save historical objects from destruction - they are included in the general list, which is annually replenished with dozens of places in different corners peace. Let's take a look at some of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mosque of al-Zeitouna, Tunisia
The Great Mosque or Mosque of al-Zeitun, located in the medina of the city of Tunisia, is the most great mosque in the country. Despite the fact that non-Muslims are forbidden to enter the prayer hall, only the inner courtyard of the mosque is worth a visit. The mosque of al-Zeytun is made in the classical style, with arcades, columns and capitals. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor, Egypt
The burial temple of Queen Hatshepsut is located at the foot of the rocks of Deir el-Bahri. This temple is very different from many other Egyptian temples. And this is the only sanctuary built in honor of the great female pharaoh.
The temple of Queen Hatshesput is as amazing as the female pharaoh herself. A huge pylon was erected next to this temple, to which a 30-meter dam with sphinxes adjoined. In front of the temple itself, an amazing garden of beautiful shrubs and outlandish trees was laid out. Now the temple is visited by more than a million tourists annually. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1959.
Bahai Gardens, Haifa, Israel
The main attraction of Haifa is the Baha'i World Center, surrounded by beautiful gardens spread out on terraces along the slope of Mount Carmel with original fountains and outlandish trees and plants. The Bahai Gardens in Haifa are one of the most visited places in the entire Mediterranean.
Renowned architects have been working for 10 years to create this eighth wonder of the world. All work was carried out exclusively by volunteers who came from 90 countries to contribute to the construction.
In the heart of the Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel, is the Shrine of the Bab. Designed by eminent Canadian architect William Maxwell, the structure of the Sanctuary of the Báb is a combination of Western and Eastern styles: granite columns, Corinthian capitals, and stately arches. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008.
Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra is rightfully considered the main attraction of Jordan. The Nabataean city of Petra was founded in these rocks about 4 millennia ago. Petra, which served as the capital of the kingdom, gradually gained enormous influence and unprecedented fame. The emergence of the city in such a remote place became possible thanks to the ability of the Nabataeans to control the flow of water, because in fact Petra is nothing more than an artificial oasis!
Flash floods often occur in this area, and the Nabataeans successfully controlled them using dams, cisterns, and aqueducts, which allowed them not only to survive long periods of drought, but also successfully trade water. Everything would have been fine until the Roman emperor Trajan came and destroyed the kingdom. Since the 16th century, no human has set foot here, until in 1812 the Swiss traveler-adventurer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt decided to find a lost city in these lands, about which there were many legends. As a result, the Swiss found the legendary lost city protected by sands and rocks! Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985.
Temple Wat Yai Chai Mongkon, Ayutthaya, Thailand
This temple was erected in 1357 for a community of monks from the Pa Kaeo Sect and was originally called Wat Phra Chao Phya Tha. The temple was intended for meditation, which, along with the monks, was also practiced by King U-Thong. In 1592, in honor of the victory over the Burmese, another king, Naresuan, built a majestic pagoda, after which the temple changed its name and became known as Wat Yai Chai Mongkon.
Here is a statue of the Reclining Buddha in yellow saffron robes. In addition to the Reclining Buddha, you can admire the statues of meditating Buddhas, also dressed in saffron robes. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
The sacred city of the Itza people, known as Chichen Itza, is located 75 miles east of the city of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán. In translation, from the language of local tribes, this name means "Well of the Itza tribe." Archaeologists consider it one of the places of power associated with the Mayan culture. The ancient city covers an area of about six square miles, where once there were hundreds of buildings, of which today only ruins remain. About three dozen surviving buildings are of great interest to researchers. The most famous structure is the step pyramid of Kukulkan.
It has a square at the base and its height reaches 23 m. they form an image of seven isosceles triangles, which, in turn, make up the body of a thirty-seven-meter snake, “creeping” as the sun moves to its own head, carved at the base of the stairs. It is on this light show that tourists most often come. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.
Victoria Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji), Mumbai, India
Victoria is the largest railway station in India. The dome of the station building, one of the largest in the world, is visible from afar. A few years ago, it was renamed in honor of the King of India - Chhatrapati Shivaji. But the people still call him Victoria. The covered platform has a length of 400 meters. Ceilings of steel and glass support massive columns, their capitals are made of iron, some of white sandstone.
Thick walls, voluminous spaces, spacious verandas provide coolness inside the building. The facade of the building is decorated with protruding bay windows, decorative columns, figurines of fairy-tale characters. The main function of the dome is to amaze the imagination and serve as a guide. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004.
Novodevichy convent, Moscow, Russia
The Novodevichy Convent, in the south-west of Moscow, in the bend of the Moskva River, was founded in 1524 by the vow of Grand Duke Vasily III in memory of the capture of Smolensk in 1514. Novodevichy was an important link in the defensive ring of the Moscow guard monasteries. In 1871, at the expense of the Filatievs, an orphanage-school for orphans of "non-noble rank" was opened; there were also two almshouses for nuns and novices. By 1917, 51 nuns and 53 novices lived in the monastery.
In 1922 the monastery was closed, and the "Museum of the Emancipation of Women" was created in it. By 1926 it was transformed into a historical, household and art museum, since 1934 a branch Historical Museum. Since 1980, the residence of the Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna has been in the Novodevichy Convent. In 1994, a convent was re-established under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna. Since 1995, services have resumed in the cathedral on patronal feasts. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004.
Plaza of Spain, Rome, Italy
One of the most famous and beautiful squares Rome is located in the center of the city Plaza de España. It got its name due to the fact that in 1620 the palace of Spain, or the Palazzo di Spagna, which housed the embassy of this country, appeared on it.
In the northern part of the Plaza de España is the Spanish Steps. Before her in 1627-1629. architect Pietro Bernini built the Barcaccia Fountain in the form of a sunken boat. The steps of the Spanish Steps lead to the church of Trinita dei Monti towering over the square. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1959.
Desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is one of the main attractions of Jordan along with the city of Petra. This is an example of an extraordinary sandy landscape, consisting of an almost perfectly smooth surface of pink-golden sand and rising above it all. colorful hills from sandstone. Calm and silence reign here, only separate, lonely settlements occasionally disturb the desert with their presence.
In the desert are the remains of the ruins ancient temple Nabataeans. Also in the expanses of Wadi Rum there are protected areas for breeding antelopes, which are monitored by members of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
Perito Moreno is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz. The glacier is 78 km away. from the village of El Calafate. This huge accumulation of ice was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, who first explored the region in the 19th century.
Perito Moreno has an area of 250 km² and is one of the 48 glaciers fed by the southern part of the Patagonian Glacier. This natural phenomenon is the third largest source of fresh water in the world. Unfortunately, from year to year the glacier collapses and loses its value. There is a certain charitable organization that accepts donations in order to keep the glacier alive. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1981.
