What are the world heritage abroad. Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia. Old quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg

Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that endowed a person with untold riches and made it possible to use its benefits to create comfortable living conditions. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution has always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this is the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia

In the northern part of Saudi Arabia is unique complex Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 graves dating back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegr, an ancient city that became the center of caravan trade.

More than 50 inscriptions were found on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the Donabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.

Longmen Grottoes, China

"Dragon Gate" or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. The amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, until 494 was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty.

After moving the residence to the new city, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.

2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the full-flowing Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, which make up a single complex, were made to the UNESCO heritage list.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, built in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman, has been preserved. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and way of life of the Khmers.

In addition to the Bayon Temple, over a thousand more unique temples, representing different eras and levels of development of civilization. Every year, millions of inquisitive tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.

Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones, silently resting among the endless fields sown with rice.

Stonehend, UK

The overall stone structure - Stonehend is located among the luxurious nature of the Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones, placed in a certain sequence, are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at the amazing creation of man, created in 3000 BC.

Influenced by time and natural phenomena unique monument antiquity began to collapse, so now it is guarded with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 they can only be looked at. To touch the stones, a special permit is required, which is issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.

Stonehand was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Lonely George, Ecuador

The only giant tortoise representing this species mammals, lives on the territory of the National Park, located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on the island of Pinta, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.

The most famous bachelor in the world is in the prime of his life, according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to breed. George has already found a female who has a genetic resemblance to the progenitors of the "groom", so there is every reason to believe that the genus of giant tortoises will continue.

Summer Palace, China

Among the fabulously beautiful landscapes of the imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, a magnificent summer palace, which to this day keeps the memory of the royal people who lived within its walls.

In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.

In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of the UNESCO World Treasury.

Statue of Liberty, America

The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolitan areas of the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift given by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.

"Lady Liberty" personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the struggle of Americans for their rights.

In 1984, "Lady Liberty" added to the list of UNESCO heritage.

Iguazu National Park, Argentina

On the territory of the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique heritage by UNESCO.

In addition to the species diversity of birds and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for an incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of falling streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.

The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise corner of the earth, filled with outlandish aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see the riches of the Argentinean region with their own eyes.

Kinderdijk, The Netherlands

On the picturesque banks of the canals located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills built several decades ago.

More than a thousand historical structures, named in Kinderdijk after the village in which they are located, have added to the bottomless treasury of UNESCO.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The decoration of the relief landscapes of the Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the amiable name of Perito Moreno. In size, it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.

An amazing masterpiece created by nature has become not only an ornament Argentine Patagonia, he replenished the world treasury of UNESCO. The talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.

The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spreads to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant rise in the water level in the southern part of the lake.

Cubic meters of icy liquid put pressure on the walls of the glacier, breaking the shackling barrier. Such an action is a bewitching spectacle and takes place sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.

Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel

In the north of Israel, the picturesque town of Haifa is located, the territory of which is lined with unique terraced gardens created many years ago.

In the luxury of amazing vegetation, the beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the Baha'i religious trend that is popular today, is buried.

The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man in 2008 was included in the list of unique heritage of UNESCO.

Vatican

The Vatican is a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is world center Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 by architect Bernini.

Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres join near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where the faithful gather to hear and see the pontiff.

The inhabitants of a small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of previous generations, part of which is the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art that are preserved behind the walls of the sacred basilica.

In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.

Petra, Israel

The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Hollowed out in the sandstones, residential quarters rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.

Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts have been preserved, amazing temples built many centuries ago.

The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list, in addition, since 2007 it has been called another "wonder of the world."

Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a unique system of 3,000 isolated coral reefs and over 900 picturesque islands. He lies in the waters coral sea and annually attracts millions of divers, eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.

With over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on a planet that is visible even from space.

In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the treasury of UNESCO, and earlier it was given the status of "wonder of the world."

Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park Belarus. In 1993 he received the status biosphere reserve, and a year earlier entered the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The picturesque nature protection object is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions, the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
On the picturesque landscapes of the amazing area, excellent conditions have been created for the habitat of many species of animals, among which are those listed in the "Red Book" of Belarus.

In the dense thickets of relic forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - bison, which tourists from different parts of the globe come to see.

Rock paintings in Alta, Norway

Another cultural and historical heritage of UNESCO is the rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who hunted here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of those who lived in coastal zones and on the mainland of the people, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.

Over 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that northern sections The land was previously inhabited.

For the first time, they started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, it was then that the first petroglyphs were found. In the course of further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum, open to tourists, was established.

Urnes Stave Church, Norway

Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outlines of the Urnes Stave Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, loom. An amazing masterpiece of wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.

The masters who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.

Durable wood, harvested for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been fortunate enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.

Arc Struve

A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground by means of stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.

The Struve Arc has been used to determine the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Sweden. The total length of the network, on which the triangulation points are located, is 2820 kilometers.

34 strongholds of the Duga, named after one of its founders, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO World Treasury.

Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today, a unique monument of ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.

The Caves Lavra got its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.

From the day of its foundation, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra became the spiritual and cultural stronghold of Kievan Rus, and its fame thundered far beyond the borders of the state.

Basilica of the Nativity and Pilgrims' Trails, Palestine

A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity, built in 339 AD. The place for the foundation of the basilica was not chosen by chance, it is believed that it was here that Jesus Christ was born.

In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original building.

In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage trails, bell towers, magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of luxurious plains and picturesque plateaus, swampy terrain covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers that cut through the open spaces of the park filled with life.

On the territory of the park you can see hundreds of rare species of plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction. Amazing natural complex located in the north of Australia, where the tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by the fact found during archaeological excavations. rock painting. The drawings depict the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.

Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, in 1981 listed as a UNESCO site.

Rainforests of the east coast of Australia

In the eastern part of Australia, along the dizzying cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, there are mysterious rainforests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This is a unique area that includes several luxury parks and amazing reserves, is of tremendous importance for modern science. Indeed, on its territory there are geologically important objects, such as, for example, craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rainforests have become home to endemic species representing the local fauna.

Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

450 kilometers of tropical rain forests lie along the northeast coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and the rarest representatives of the richest Australian flora and no less diverse fauna.

Wet in 1988 rainforests replenished the treasury world organization UNESCO.

Fraser Island

At over 120 kilometers long, Fraser Island is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with moist tall forests, and the golden bends of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed "hanging" lakes filled with fresh water.

In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO Treasury.

Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay and the islands adjacent to it are a fabulously beautiful place, known for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10,000 dugong individuals (the largest population of these animals in the world) live in the waters washing the coast.

Secondly, in the coastal waters you can see the huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.

Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations- stromatolites. They owe their appearance to algae colonies that are active underwater.

Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay into the natural treasure, in 1991, which added to the lists of UNESCO.

Macquarie Island

In the boundless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, lost tiny island Macquarie. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate with the Indo-Australian.

As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks, stored at a depth of more than 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, fell on the relief surface. In 1997, Macquarie Island was added to the richest treasury of UNESCO.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, resembling a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. In the "shells" located on a solid foundation, a magnificently decorated hall and a fine restaurant were located.

Erected in 1973, the building took its place among the UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.

The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of an amazing project. Having changed the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.

Convict settlements, Australia

Of the thousands of camps established by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th century), eleven located on Norfolk Island, Tasmania, around Sydney, were listed as UNESCO sites in 2010.

The prisons were designed to hold hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. They were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-education of criminals.

This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, implemented through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in the colonies.

Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua

The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. The design of the exterior and interior clearly shows the features of eclecticism, with a refined luxury characteristic of the style and an abundance of decorative details, harmoniously combined into a single ensemble.

Magnificent stained-glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Golgotha) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.

The monumental construction of the temple was created according to a project developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.

Since 2011, Leon Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO Treasury.

Island City Mozambique

The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.

A tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is immersed in the luxury of exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.

But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. Built in the same style, the buildings were built of makuchi stone and decorated in accordance with the building traditions laid down in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing city-island of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.

Prehispanic city of Teotihuacan

Teotiukan - holy city(previously considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and completed only by the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and a high level of cultural development have made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.

Remarkable architecture of Teotiucan, especially large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed according to the principles of geometry.

Since 1987, the pre-Spanish city of Teotiucan has graced the UNESCO Treasury.

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is adorned with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name of Sian Kaan. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs that have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.

The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of strange birds enliven the dense thickets of forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions favor the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates typical of this region.

The picturesque biosphere reserve Sian Kaan in 1987 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.

Historic city of Meknes, Morocco

Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement flourished over time and turned into the picturesque city of Maknes. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a pronounced Spanish-Moorish flavor.

Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of the past centuries of prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historic city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

Bikini Atoll

Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could safely be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear clear waters Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence of the locals. In 1946, they were relocated from their native island, and the picturesque landscapes and water area became a test site for American nuclear weapons.

For 12 years, more than 60 nuclear explosions have thundered on the atoll, the first hydrogen bomb was tested here, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such exposure.

Silent witnesses of the unfortunate events were the ships that sank during the ongoing tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb.

Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

Lake Malawi National Park

The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, in the waters of which many interesting representatives of the underwater fauna live.

The deep-water lake with the purest water has sheltered dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.

The unique lake in 1984 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.

Old quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a fortified city, which at different times was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing into possession from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.

So it was until 1867, after the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind of the former power of the architecture of the military era.

The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 1994.

curonian spit

curonian spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different sections ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.

The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by man since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece, exposed to the winds and the sea. To negate the negative impact natural factors, work is underway to strengthen the forest plantation and sand dunes.

In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.

Los Catios National Park, Colombia

On 72,000 hectares of picturesque Colombian land, the Los Catios National Park is spread, which in 1994 replenished the UNESCO treasury.

The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The territory of the park has become home to a huge number of amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.

Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

Shallow lakes of the Great rift valley(Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) is a unique nature reserve, on the territory of which an incredible variety of birds lives, among them over 12 endangered species. Birds can only survive if they are within the Great Rift Valley, which is safe for them.

The emerald expanse of lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes covered with emerald thickets of forests that have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).

The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in shallow water. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and the lake system, in 2011, listed as a UNESCO site.

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 comes under the protection of 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 transport bridge across 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 on the protection also of the 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 folk art - music, dance, oral epic tradition, theater, calligraphy, fine arts, traditional crafts and crafts. 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.

Guilin National Park

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, the volcanoes of Kamchatka, the golden mountains of Altai, the Kizhi churchyard on Kizhi Island in Lake Onega, the ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, the historical center of Yaroslavl, the architectural monuments of Veliky Novgorod, Vladimir, Suzdal, the Ferapontov Monastery and the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye.

Choose the very best of those that are outside Russian Federation, incredibly difficult. One of such wonderful places is Belovezhskaya Pushcha in Belarus, more than others are well-known - the megalithic structure Stonehenge in England and " lost city» Machu Picchu is 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 are the famous temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple in 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 the 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

The Summer Palace and Imperial Park in Beijing is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape art. It was first built in 1750, restored in 1886 after the destruction caused by the war of 1860. Natural features - hills and open water - are 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

All articles about excursion tours on the "Subtlety"

• Austria Vienna
• Balkans: Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Turkey (Istanbul), Croatia and Montenegro
• United Kingdom: England, London and its 10 free attractions, Scotland
• Spain: Barcelona and Madrid
• Italy: Venice, Rome, Sicily
• Baltic States: Latvia (Riga)
• Scandinavia: Norway, Finland
• France: Paris and its

In our world, there are many objects that are unique in their kind and constitute the world heritage of mankind.

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.

The list of this organization contains objects among which there are separate architectural structures and ensembles, for example - the Acropolis, cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, historical city centers - Warsaw and St. Petersburg; and there are whole cities - Brasilia, Venice, along with the lagoon and others. There are also archaeological reserves - for example, Delphi; National parks - marine park Great Barrier Reef, Yellowstone (USA) and others. The states on whose territory the World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.

It is worth noting that UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places and objects on the planet, in different countries, which are 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. The first three places in terms of the number of objects are occupied by Italy, Spain and China.

In this photo collection you will see places from different corners our planet, which are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

tourists visiting Buddhist sculptures Longmen Grottoes ("Dragon Gate") near the city of Luoyang in the Chinese province of 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.

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.

One of the parts of the Al-Hijr archaeological site - also known as Mada'in 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.

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 plant species and 400 bird species The Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984.

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.

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.

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.

"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. The Galapagos Islands were originally inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, but in 2007 they were marked as endangered.

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.

View of the Perito Moreno glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentine 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.

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 of the Baha'i religion, the number of professing which in the world is less than six million. This site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008.

Aerial view 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.

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. The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.

Camels rest in the ancient city of Petra in front of Jordan's main monument, Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, believed to be the sandstone tomb of a Nabataean king. 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.

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.

Rock paintings made by the San people in the Dragon Mountains, located in eastern 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.

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 of skyscrapers in the world" or "Desert Manhattan", it is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction.

Gondolas on 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.

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. National Rapa Nui park included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995.

Visitors walk along the Great Chinese wall 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.

Temple in Hampi, near the South Indian city of Hospet, north of Bangalore. Hampi is located in the middle of the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi and its monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, notes fresher.ru.

A Tibetan pilgrim turns the prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. The Potala Palace is a 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.

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.

Buddhist pagoda Kompon-daito on Mount Koya, in Wakayama province, 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.

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 are depicted "Buddha's eyes" inlaid with ivory. Kathmandu valley with a height of about 1300 m is a mountain valley and a historical region of Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples here, from the Boudhanath stupa to tiny street altars in the walls of houses. locals It is said that 10 million Gods live in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979.

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.

Located in northeast Wales, the 18km Pontcysillte Aqueduct is a civil engineering feat from the Industrial Revolution, 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

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.

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.

During the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is taking place these days in Cambodia, the UNESCO World Heritage List was replenished with 19 new items - these are 14 cultural and 5 natural sites. In addition, the boundaries of three objects were expanded.

To date, the World Heritage List has 981 sites in 160 member countries of the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage - 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed sites. During the 37th session, which will last until June 27, 5 natural objects of Europe, Asia, South America and Africa were added to the list.

Natural objects:

Tajik National Park "Pamir Mountains" (Tajikistan)

"Pamir Mountains" is the first natural site of Tajikistan in the World Heritage List. The total area of ​​the park is over 2.5 million hectares. It is located in the east of Tajikistan, in the center of the so-called Pamir mountain junction, from which the highest mountain ranges Eurasia. Alpine plateaus are located in the eastern part of the object, and pointed peaks are located in the western part, the height of some of them exceeds 7 thousand meters. There are 170 rivers, more than 400 lakes and at least 1,085 glaciers, including the longest glacier outside the polar regions in mountain valley. The park also serves as a habitat for rare and endangered species of birds and mammals in Tajikistan.

For example, the Marco Polo mountain sheep (Ovis ammon polii), the snow leopard irbis and the Siberian mountain goat live here. Since strong earthquakes are not uncommon in this area, the territory of the park is sparsely populated and practically does not experience the influence of agriculture and permanent settlements. The park provides unique opportunities for studying the overlay and plate tectonics of the earth's crust.

El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and Gran Desierto de Altar (Mexico)

The object with a total area of ​​714,566 hectares consists of two separate parts. To the east is a rocky desert and a hardened volcanic plateau formed by black and red lava flows, to the west is the Gran Desierto de Altar desert with a variety of dunes constantly changing shape, some of which reach 200 m in height. Dunes of various shapes wandering here - linear, star-shaped and domed - are adjacent to dry granite massifs up to 650 m high, which, like islands, rise against the background of the sandy sea, enhancing the amazing contrasts of this area. The massifs contain astonishingly diverse communities of plants and animals, including some endemic species, such as the pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis, which lives only in the north of the Sonoran Desert and in the southwest of Arizona, USA.

Another distinctive feature of the object, emphasizing its exceptional beauty, are 10 huge deep craters, almost perfectly round, formed, presumably, as a result of eruptions and collapses. The unique combination of the characteristics of the object determines not only its beauty, but is also of great scientific interest.

Mount Etna (Italy)

The 19,237 hectare site includes an uninhabited area located at the highest point of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Etna is the highest island mountain in the Mediterranean and the most active stratovolcano in the world. It has been established that the history of the eruptions of this volcano has 500 thousand years, and for documentary evidence volcanic activity Etna are available for at least the last 2700 years. The almost continuous volcanic activity of Etna continues to influence the development of volcanology, geophysics and other earth sciences. The volcano determines the basis for the existence of important terrestrial ecosystems and some endemic plant and animal species.

Etna's activity has turned it into a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes. With a range of diverse and observable volcanic features, such as summit craters, ash cones, a lava sheet, and a caldera known as the Valley of the Buffaloes (Valle de Bove), the site has become an important site for research and educational activities.

Namib Desert (Namibia)

The site, which is the only coastal desert in the world, includes an area of ​​more than 3 million hectares and a buffer zone of 899,500 hectares. There are extensive dune fields formed under the influence of fogs, and two dune systems stand out: on top of the old, semi-fixed sands, there are younger mobile dunes. The peculiarity of the object is that its dunes are formed by sand brought by rivers, ocean currents and wind from areas located thousands of kilometers away from the coast.

The property also contains coastal lowlands and pebbly fields, rocky hills rising above the sands, coastal lagoons, dry rivers and other landscapes that combine to create an exceptionally beautiful spectacle. The main source of water in the Namib Desert is fog, which has created a completely unique environment in which endemic species of invertebrates, reptiles and mammals live, able to adapt to constant changes in the microclimate and ecological niches.

Xinjiang - Tien Shan (China)

The object with a total area of ​​606,833 hectares includes several parts: Tomur Peak (Pobeda Peak), Kalajun Steppe, Syuelin Ridge, Bayanbruk Nature Reserve and Bogdo-Ula. They are part of the world's largest mountain system, the Tien Shan, located in Central Asia. Xinjiang - Tien Shan has unique physical and geographical characteristics and is distinguished by picturesque landscapes, including amazing mountain peaks crowned with snow and ice, forests and meadows that have not been touched by a human hand, transparent rivers and lakes, red rock canyons. Next to them are vast desert areas, which creates a vivid visual contrast between the zones of heat and cold, dry and humid climate, desert and abundance of life.

The relief and ecosystems of the object have come down to us since the Pliocene epoch and represent a unique monument of continuous biological and ecological evolutionary processes. The site also includes part of one of the largest highland deserts in the world, Takla Makan, known for its giant dunes and violent sandstorms. In addition, Xinjiang - Tien Shan serves as an important habitat for endemic and relic plant species, some of which are rare and endangered.

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 should be included in a special 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 within the framework of the Convention "On the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage", which proclaimed universal responsibility for the preservation 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, the Great Abu Mena in Egypt, Versailles, the Acropolis of Athens, the 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 the entire historical center of certain cities falls - 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" - the Creation of man, 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, wild nature Tasmania, landscapes 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 - such 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 at the 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 activity

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 of the 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.