What do Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, and the Roman Colosseum all have in common? They are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Reaching deep into every corner of the globe are historic treasures that are internationally protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Since its inception in 1972, UNESCO has designated 1121 World Heritage sites worldwide, the majority of which are in Europe. The organization has identified and designated specific landmarks, both humanmade and natural, that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and must be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Regardless of where in the world you travel, you are never far from a UNESCO World Heritage site. Identified for their natural beauty, cultural significance, or a combination of both, these sites epitomize the values, history, and triumphs of their home country. Visiting a World Heritage site is a fun and easy way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of your destination. These landmarks often laid the foundation for centuries of development and innovation, while the natural sites have been treated as sacred grounds. Exploring these destinations will give you a glimpse of the past and will give you a new appreciation for history and culture during your travels.
Planning a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site is much simpler than people realize. While some places require a pass or a ticket, others you might stumble upon without even realizing that it is a designated site! That's right, not all sites are located in the far corners of the Earth and require obscure travel arrangements to get there. The UNESCO sites in Europe alone include everything from Roman ruins and medieval castles to government building and charming towns that seem to be straight out of a fairytale. The entire Vatican City in Rome is a designated site and is completely free to enter and enjoy. Not all sites are hundreds of years old, either. The Sydney Opera House in Australia is a designated World Heritage site, proving that the word heritage does not necessarily mean old.
Visiting and learning about UNESCO sites is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience.
With over 1000 UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world, there's no time to waste!
Contact me today to start planning your next trip.