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 World Heritage Sites are places of awe that show us what both nature and humankind are truly capable of. Every one of the more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites named by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) are worth a visit, but some stand above the rest. Based on your suggestions and our own experiences, we’ve compiled a list of 7 more must-see World Heritage Sites to add to your travel plans. As with the first part of our list (read it here!), some of these sites are known the world over, while some are gems you may be less familiar with.
Moscow’s iconic Red Square has been linked with some of the most important events in Russian history since the 13th century. Serving as the centre of Moscow, Red Square garners its name from the old Russian word for “beautiful”. On one side sits the Kremlin, once home to the Great Princes of Russia and now the official residence of the Russian president. This royal citadel was built between the 14th and 17th centuries by the finest architects of Russia and Europe. On the other side of the square sits 16th-century St Basil’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments, as well as one of the most recognizable buildings in the country. Let’s not forget the famous mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin, marking Russia’s revolutionary past. Whether visiting for the powerful monuments or political history, Red Square is certainly a must-see! Set foot in the square for yourself during our Trans-Siberian Railway: From Beijing to Moscow tour
Among the world’s most famous heritage sites, Machu Picchu amply earns its place as one of the Seven Wonders of the New World. This ancient city was constructed in the 15th century and abandoned approximately 100 years later when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards. It only became known to the outside world once again in 1911, earning it the title of “Lost City of the Incas”. The ruins showcase the Inca Empire at its height. Perched high on a mountain providing dramatic views of the surrounding area, the complex includes approximately 200 structures ranging from plazas to temples to tombs. The questions surrounding these ruins lend them an almost mystical air—the exact role the city played in Incan understandings of astronomy and agriculture is still not known. Ponder these mysteries for yourself with our journeys to Peru
The rainforests of Sumatra include an incredible amount of diversity in a small area. The three parks that make up this World Heritage Site are home to approximately 10,000 species of plant, more than 200 species of mammal, and around 580 species of bird. A whopping 92 species are only found in this region of Indonesia. A visit here may give you the opportunity to spy the rare and unique Sumatran orang-utan, tiger, rhino and elephant, as well as the Malayan sun-bear. What’s more, these wild animals are set amidst astounding scenery, including mountains, waterfalls, lakes and caves. This is one of the largest conservation areas in Southeast Asia – yet it is only a remnant of the vast and diverse tropical rainforest that once stood here. It’s all the more important that we do what we can to assist with the conservation of this unique location, and one of the best ways is to participate in the sustainable tourism here. Learn how you can explore Sumatra with our Isles of Indonesia experience
Ethiopia’s ‘New Jerusalem’ was commissioned by King Lalibela in the 12th century, after Muslim incursions halted Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Instead, the king ordered the construction of an intricate and jaw-dropping complex of 11 medieval monolithic churches. These churches provide a stunning representation of Ethiopia’s rich history as one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Part of what makes this church complex so unique is that each building was hewn from living rock. Every feature, from doors to columns to roofs to separate floors, was painstakingly chiselled from the already existing stone. Their incredible architecture combined with their religious significance means these churches have been a focus of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians ever since they were built. Make your own visit to Lalibela with our Ethiopia: The Historic Route tour
India’s legendary Taj Mahal is perhaps one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. This stunning mausoleum was built in Agra for the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1648. To construct this one-of-a-kind treasure, Shah Jahan sourced stone carvers, painters and other artisans at the top of their trade from as far away as Central Asia and Iran. In the hundreds of years since, it has come to be known as a masterpiece of world heritage, with UNESCO naming it the “jewel of Muslim art in India”. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch the colours of the Taj change as the sun rises, or to sit in the perfectly manicured garden, taking in its sweeping majesty. Do so for yourself with our Best of North India journey
Built at the turn of the fourth century for Roman Emperor Diocletian, the Palace of Diocletian is unique in the way that it has seamlessly melded into the city itself. To call the structure a palace is an understatement—it more resembles a fortress or citadel, and nowadays, takes up half of the Old Town of the city of Split. The palace has been continuously inhabited since the seventh century, when a neighbouring city was destroyed by invasion. Refugees found shelter and built their residences within the palace’s walls, with the ruins of the palace being built into the very fabric of the city. Ancient structures were reused and repurposed in cathedrals, squares and other monuments. Today, it’s the world’s most complete remains of a Roman palace, and more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list! Explore it for yourself with our Croatia journeys
Argentina’s largest national park proudly holds a place as one of Earth’s great sites of natural beauty. Here, splendid mountains, turquoise lakes and great masses of ice meet to create spectacular panoramas. One of the park’s most unique features is the massive glaciers that cover half the site. In other parts of the world, glaciers start at heights of at least 2,500 meters above sea level, but this ice cap is so big that glaciers begin at only 1,500 meters—and slide all the way down to 200 meters! These glaciers form towering fronts of up to 60 meters high as they feed into massive Lake Argentino. It is truly a magnificent sight to see sections of the glacier break off with thunder-like cracks and topple into the frothing waters below. See this site with your own eyes on our Argentina tours Have you seen most of the sites on our list? Have we missed a must-see? Let us know by emailing bestway@bestway.com. Read Part 1 of our list of must-see World Heritage Sites.
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Posted by Kierra Jones