UNESCO sites were never something I would go out of my way to plan my trip around. However, I realized that I have actually visited quite a few UNESCO sites! Some of these places are some of the coolest places I have visited, and some aren’t as exciting, but rather the area in general is protected and preserved.
What is a UNESCO World Heritage site?
UNESCO World Heritage Site was established in 1972. So what is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? it is a landmark or area which is chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties.
Here are all the UNESCO sites that I would recommend you visit!
UNESCO Castles, Palaces & Chateaus
1. Schonbrunn Palace l Austria
Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers, located in Hietzing, Vienna.
2. Mont St. Michel l France
Le Mont-Saint-Michel is an island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The abbey has been a church and a prion in its’ long history.
3. Palace of Versailles l France
The Palace of Versailles was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI.
4. Notre Dame l France
Notre-Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The cathedral was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.
5. Neuschwanstein Castle l Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and in honour of Richard Wagner.
UNESCO Cities, Towns & City Centers
6. Cesky Krumlov l Czech Republic
7. The Loire Valley l France
8. City of Budapest l Hungary
9. Historic Center of Florence l Italy
10. Historic Center of Rome l Italy
11. Venice and its Lagoon l Italy
12. Amalfi Coast l Italy
13. City of Bath l United Kingdom
14. Old and New Town Edinburgh l United Kingdom
15. Liverpool l United Kingdom
UNESCO Sites
16. Acropolis l Greece
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.
17. Pompeii l Italy
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city located near Naples. Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area, was buried under 13 to 16 feet of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
18. Stonehenge l United Kingdom
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons.
19. Westminster Abbey l United Kingdom
Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England.
20. Tower of London l United Kingdom
The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.
21. Statue of Liberty l United States
The Statue of Liberty is a sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel.
UNESCO National Parks
22. Hawaii Volcano National Park l United States
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
23. Mesa Verde National Park l United States
Mesa Verde National Park is an American national park and located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States.
24. Grand Canyon National Park l United States
Grand Canyon National Park, is located in northwestern Arizona. The park’s central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Wonders of the World.
25. Olympic National Park l United States
Olympic National Park is an American national park located in the State of Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula.The park has four regions: the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the west side temperate rainforest and the forests of the drier east side. Within the park there are three distinct ecosystems which are subalpine forest and wildflower meadow, temperate forest, and the rugged Pacific coast.
What are some UNESCO sites I need to add to my future travels? Leave them in the comments!
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