The most interesting UNESCO sites in the world. The fifteen most famous world heritage sites are untouchable by UNESCO. Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel
World Heritage sites included in the UNESCO special list are of enormous 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 capabilities of the human mind.
As of July 6, 2012, there are 962 sites on the World Heritage List (including 745 cultural, 188 natural and 29 mixed), located in 148 countries. Among the objects there are individual architectural structures and ensembles, for example - the Acropolis, cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, historical city centers - Warsaw and St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square; and there are also entire 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. States on whose territory World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
In this photo collection you will see 29 objects from different parts of our planet that are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tourists view the Buddhist sculptures of the 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 Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. Buddhism was first introduced to China in these places during the reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The Bayon Temple in Cambodia is famous for its many giant stone faces. There are more than 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, which range 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. So if you have the finances and free time, then you need to buy air tickets and go on your travels!
One of the parts of the archaeological site of Al-Hijr - also known as Madain Salih. This complex, located in the northern regions Saudi Arabia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (1st century BC - 1st century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures associated with the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, which was a center of caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Pre-Nabatean period.
The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) waterfalls are located in the Iguazu National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones. Depending on the water level of the Iguazu River, the park has from 160 to 260 waterfalls, as well as over 2,000 plant species and 400 bird species 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, located on Salisbury Plain in the English county of 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 at the Bafang Pavilion at the Summer Palace, the famous classical imperial garden in Beijing. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and restored in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998.
Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was given 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 Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. The Galapagos Islands were originally included on the World Heritage List in 1978, but were listed as endangered in 2007.
People skate on the ice of the canals at the Kinderdijk Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk is home to the largest collection of historic mills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decorating holidays taking place here with balloons 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. The site was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentine part of Patagonia and the 3rd largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland.
Terraced gardens in the northern Israeli city of Haifa surround the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center of the Baha'i religion, the number of professers of which worldwide is less than six million. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008.
Aerial photograph of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. According to the World Heritage website, within this small state there is a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was included on the World Heritage List in 1984.
Colorful underwater scenes of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This thriving ecosystem is home to the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish. 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 tomb of a Nabatean king carved from sandstone. This city, located between Krasny and Dead Seas, is located at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, Syria and Phenicia. Petra was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007.
Rock art made by the San people in the Drakensberg Mountains to the east South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg region for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock art in the Drakensberg Mountains, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
General view of the city of Shibam, located in the east of Yemen in the Hadhramaut province. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All the houses here are built of clay bricks; approximately 500 houses can be considered multi-story, as they have 5-11 floors. Shibam is often called " oldest city skyscrapers in the world" or "Desert Manhattan", this is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction.
Gondolas on the shore Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice is a seaside resort, a center of international tourism of world importance, a venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was included in the UNESCO World Heritage program in 1987.
Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues made of compressed volcanic ash (moai in Rapa Nui) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3,700 km off the coast of Chile. Rapa Nui National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995.
Visitors walk along the Great Chinese wall in the Simatai region, northeast of Beijing. This largest architectural monument was built as one of the four main strategic strongholds to defend against 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 - former capital Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi and its monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
A Tibetan pilgrim turns prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in the Tibetan capital Lhasa. The Potala Palace is a royal palace and Buddhist temple complex that 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.
Inca citadel Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, has become a center mass tourism. The city is visited by 2,000 tourists per day; In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands that the number of tourists per day be reduced to 800.
Buddhist pagoda Kopon-daito on Mount Koya, Wakayama Province, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the first Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, a branch of Japanese Buddhism, settled here.
Tibetan women walk around the Bodhnath Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist shrines. On the edges of the tower crowning it are depicted “Buddha’s eyes” inlaid with ivory. Kathmandu Valley with an altitude of about 1300 m - mountain valley and historical region of Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples 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.
A bird flies over the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum-mosque located in the Indian city of 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.
Situated in north-east Wales, the 18-kilometre Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a feat of Industrial Revolution-era civil engineering, completed in the early years of the 19th century. Still in use more than 200 years after its opening, it is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte Aqueduct was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "landmark in the history of civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution". This aqueduct is one of unusual monuments plumbers and plumbing
A herd of elk grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, to the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In 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 added Old Havana and its fortifications to the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded to a population of over 2 million, its old center retains an interesting mixture of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and courtyards.
World Heritage sites included in the UNESCO special list are of enormous 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 capabilities of the human mind.
As of July 1, 2009, the World Heritage List included 890 sites (including 689 cultural, 176 natural and 25 mixed) in 148 countries: individual architectural structures and ensembles - the Acropolis, cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, historical Center Warsaw (Poland) and St. Petersburg (Russia), 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. States on whose territory World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
1) Tourists examine the Buddhist sculptures of the 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 Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. Buddhism was first introduced to China 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 more than 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, which range 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, located in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (1st century BC - 1st century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures dating back to the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, which was the center of caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Pre-Nabatean period. (Hassan Ammar/AFP - Getty Images)
4) "Garganta del Diablo" (Devil's Throat) waterfalls are located in 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 species of plants and 400 bird species 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 Salisbury Plain in the English county of 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 at the Bafang Pavilion at the Summer Palace, the famous classical imperial garden in Beijing. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and restored in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. (China Photos/Getty Images)
7) Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was given 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 Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. The Galapagos Islands were originally included 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 area of the Kinderdijk mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk is home to the largest collection of historic mills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decorating holidays taking place here with balloons gives a certain flavor to this place. (Peter Dejong/AP)
10) View of the Perito Moreno glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. The site was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentine 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 northern Israeli city of Haifa surround the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center of the Baha'i religion, the number of professers of which worldwide is less than six million. 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, this small state is home to a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was included 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 is home to the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish. The Great 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, believed to be the tomb of a Nabatean king carved from sandstone. This city, located between the Red and Dead Seas, is at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, Syria and Phenicia. Petra was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985. (Thomas Coex/AFP - Getty Images)
15) The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP - Getty Images)
16) Rock paintings made by the San people in the Drakensberg Mountains, located in eastern South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg region for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock art in the Drakensberg Mountains, which were designated a UNESCO 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 Hadhramaut province. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All the houses here are built of clay bricks; approximately 500 houses can be considered multi-story, as they have 5-11 floors. Often called "the world's oldest skyscraper city" or "Desert Manhattan", Shibam is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. (Khaled Fazaa/AFP - Getty Images)
18) Gondolas along the shore of the Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice is a seaside resort, a center of international tourism of world importance, a venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was included in the UNESCO World Heritage program in 1987. (AP)
19) Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues made of compressed volcanic ash (moai in Rapa Nui) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3,700 km off 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 to defend against 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 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. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP - Getty Images)
22) A Tibetan pilgrim turns prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. The Potala Palace is a royal palace and Buddhist temple complex that 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) Inca citadel Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving 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 that the number of tourists per day be reduced to 800. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP - Getty Images)
24) Kompon-daito Buddhist pagoda on Mount Koya, Wakayama Province, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the first Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, a branch of Japanese Buddhism, settled 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 edges of the tower crowning it are depicted the “eyes of Buddha” inlaid with ivory. Kathmandu Valley, about 1300 m high, is a mountain valley and 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 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 the Indian city of 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) Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18-kilometre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a feat of Industrial Revolution-era civil engineering, completed in the early years of the 19th century. Still in use more than 200 years after its opening, it is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte Aqueduct was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "landmark 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 elk grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, to the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In 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 promenade in Havana. UNESCO added Old Havana and its fortifications to the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded to a population of over 2 million, its old center retains an interesting mixture of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and courtyards. (Javier Galeano/AP)
World Heritage refers to various natural or man-made sites that should be preserved for future generations because of their special cultural, historical or environmental significance. As of 2012, there are 962 points on this list, 754 of them are cultural monuments, 188 are natural and 29 are mixed.
UNESCO was established in 1945 and its purpose is to protect and preserve places of special value or physical significance for all humanity. In 1954, during the construction of the Aswan Dam, Abu Simbel, a man-made temple carved into the rock, was flooded. The responsible organization allocated money so that the building could be dismantled and moved to a more high place. This unprecedented action took four years, and highly qualified specialists from 54 countries were involved in its implementation in a short period of time.
Today on the pages of Forum-Grad we will discuss a rather interesting topic - the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Aldabra Atoll
The atoll consists entirely of corals and is a group of four islands separated by narrow straits. It is located north of Madagascar in Indian Ocean. Belongs to the state of Seychelles.
Aldabra is considered the second largest in the world after Christmas Island (Kiritimati) in the Kiribati archipelago. Its dimensions are: 34 km long and 14.5 km long, height above sea level up to 8 m. The area of the internal lagoon is 224 sq. m. km.
Since the 17th century, it was used by the French to hunt giant sea turtles, as their meat was considered an exquisite delicacy. For a long time, pirates also ruled these places, because the atoll is located far from populated areas.
In 1982, this piece of paradise was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique natural monument. This is one of the few islands on our planet that has not been touched by civilization. Currently, it is home to a huge population of giant sea turtles (more than 152 thousand) and two completely unique species of bats. Entry to this nature reserve is strictly controlled, and all approaches by sea are guarded.
Giant statue in China
The huge Maitreya Buddha is carved into a rock at the confluence of three rivers - Minjiang, Qingyijiang and Daduhe near the city of Leshan in China. According to ancient legend, a famous monk named Haithong of the Tang Dynasty, worried about the frequent shipwrecks and deaths of people in the whirlpool just opposite this rock, vowed to carve a stone statue of a seated Buddha. He raised funds and began construction, and his followers completed the work. Most big monument in the world it was built over 90 years - from 713 to 803.
For the convenience of visitors, a special path “Nine Turns” was built here, consisting of 250 steps. Next to the path there is a pavilion where tourists can relax and admire the face of the giant up close.
Almost until the middle of the 13th century, a huge seven-story wooden structure protected the statue from the weather, but over time it collapsed, and the structure remained defenseless against the natural elements. Garbage left by tourists began to accumulate at the foot, and the waters of three rivers washed away the base in the shape of a lotus.
The local department hired 40 workers to restore it to its former glory. unique statue. About $700,000 was invested in the project and another $730,000 was invested in improving security systems.
Every year, more than 2 million travelers from all over the world come to see the seated Buddha and add about $84 million to the budget of the Leshan tourism department.
Hatra, or El-Khadr
This is an ancient destroyed city as part of the Parthian kingdom, the ruins of which are still located in Northern Iraq in the province of Nineveh, northwest of the country's capital, Baghdad. It was founded in the 3rd century, and its heyday occurred in the 2nd-1st centuries BC.
The total area was about 320 hectares, in shape it resembled an oval, surrounded by a double line of high stone walls with four gates oriented to the cardinal points. The most powerful defensive wall, two meters high, was made of stone, behind which there was a deep ditch up to 500 meters wide. There were 163 defensive towers at a distance of 35 meters from each other.
The city belonged to the Arab princes, who regularly paid tribute to the warlike Persians, and was located at the crossroads of the main trade routes of that time. In the center there was a palace and temple complex with an area of about 12,000 square meters. meters. Due to its transit location, El-Khadr included religious buildings of different directions; it was even called the “House of God.”
Thanks to good defensive structures and vigilant round-the-clock security, the ancient city withstood even the attacks of the legionnaires of the Roman Empire in 116 and 198 AD, but in 241 Hatra fell under siege by the Persian ruler Shapur and was soon destroyed and consigned to oblivion.
House Schröder by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld
This house was specially built in 1924 for the 35-year-old widow Truus Schröder-Schrader and her three children in the small Dutch town of Utrecht. The building is distinguished by innovative solutions in the original and unusual for those times exterior design, as well as the appearance of spacious balconies and huge windows.
The project and the entire internal layout were developed by the novice architect Gerrit Thomas Rietveld. The widow proposed a number of unusual innovations, which it was also decided to implement. So, an elevator was built in the kitchen on the ground floor, in which ready-made dishes were served upstairs directly to the set table. All the interiors of the first level are quite traditional for that time. The walls are made of antique bricks.
But on the second floor, according to the owner of the house, the entire space remained completely open, and it can be divided into several rooms at any time using sliding walls. All wardrobes and beds are transformable, assembled during the day and unfolded at night. Instead of the usual curtains, like all the neighbors, multi-colored plywood panels were used.
Currently, the unique house belongs to the Central Museum of Utrecht and there are guided tours that take about an hour.
This building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List because it had a significant influence on further architectural trends, and also became the first open-plan house in the world history of architecture.
Krak des Chevaliers
Krak des Chevaliers (or Krak de l'Hospital) is a unique crusader structure located in the state of Syria on the top of a cliff 650 meters high. The nearest city of Homs is 65 km east of the castle.
This is one of the well-preserved fortresses of the Order of Hospitallers in the world. In the 10th century, this castle became his headquarters, where during the crusade a garrison of 2,000 soldiers and 60 knights could be accommodated.
In addition to the powerful walls, many buildings in the Gothic style were reconstructed and restored. These included a large conference hall, water storage tanks, a chapel, an internal aqueduct, storage areas and two stables that could house up to 1,000 horses. In the rock mass under the building there were underground storage facilities for food and water supplies, which could have been enough during a long siege for 5 years.
At the end of the 12th century, during the next crusade, King Edward I of England saw the impregnable fortress, and soon his castles appeared in Wales and England, very similar in structure to Krak.
Monastery of Alcobaça
Cistercian monastery "de Santa Maria de Alcobaça", located in Portuguese city Alcobaça, founded by King Afonso Henriques in 1153, served as a tomb for the rulers of Portugal for two centuries. The cathedral is the first building in the Gothic style built on the territory of the ancient state.
Architecture is historically valuable. The two wings of the main facade are made in the Baroque style, and between them there is a church, the facade of which seems to connect these two directions. At the top there is a balcony supported by four statues - they symbolize the main virtues: justice, fortitude, prudence and sobriety.
In 1755, the whole country was shaken by the great Lisbon Earthquake, which was very destructive, but the temple survived - only the sacristy and part of the service buildings were damaged. However, the original appearance historical place could not be restored. Near the entrance to the church is the Hall of the Kings, where there are statues of all the monarchs of Portugal, and the history of this place is written on the walls using blue and white azulejos tiles from the 18th century.
After viewing this masterpiece of early Gothic architecture, other interiors of famous cathedrals in Europe seem gloomy and not so aesthetic. These buildings demonstrate the perfect skills and dedication of medieval craftsmen. And the entire ensemble of “de Santa Maria de Alcobaça” is one of the most beautiful monuments of Portuguese art.
Monte Alban
According to prominent world-famous scientists, this is a fairly large settlement of ancient people in the southeast of Mexico, the state of Oaxaca. Just 9 km from the state capital, on a low ridge of a mountain range passing through the valley, lies a man-made plateau. It contained the very first in all historical region a city that played a significant role as the socio-political and economic center of the Zapotec civilization.
In the early 30s, the ruins of this ancient settlement were discovered by the Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso. Many pundits equate this discovery to the sensational discovery of the true location of the legendary Troy.
“Mexican Troy” turned out to be a city of high culture; local craftsmen could already process rock crystal and make unique gold jewelry back in 200 BC.
During the excavations, 150 four-chamber crypts, palaces and pyramids very similar to those built by the Mayans, an ancient observatory, a giant amphitheater with 120 rows for spectators, powerful stone stairs 40 meters wide, a structure resembling a stadium and much more were discovered.
The walls of the buildings are decorated with frescoes, relief images of human figures and stone mosaics. Original funeral ceramic urns in the form of gods and various animals were discovered.
Impressive ruins of the center ancient civilization Monte Alban are located in such a way that they are visible from anywhere in the central part of the Oaxaca Valley
Lalibela
This small town in northern Ethiopia, located in the Ahmara region at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level. It is a center of pilgrimage for the entire population of the country, because almost all the residents of the town are Christians of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Lalibela was built as the New Jerusalem in response to the Muslim seizure of the Christian holy site in the state of Israel, so many historical Buildings have names and architecture similar to the ancient buildings of Jerusalem.
According to 2005 data, the city's population was 15 thousand people, most of whom (about 8,000) were women. This medieval religious center is famous for its monolithic, three-nave churches carved into volcanic tuff, built at the turn of the 11th - 13th centuries. The bas-reliefs and wall paintings of these ancient structures mix Christian and pagan symbols and motifs.
Thirteen temples seem to grow out of the ground. “Bete Mariam” is considered the oldest, and “Bete Medhane Aleyem” is the largest church in the world, carved into the rock. According to legend, the ashes of King Lalibela rest in the last of the rock-cut churches, Bete Golgotha.
These unique works of architecture by ancient craftsmen are also monuments of the engineering thought of medieval Ethiopia - near many of them there are wells that are filled with water using a complex system based on the use of artesian wells.
Eight hundred years ago people could supply water to a height of 2500 meters!
Ellora
It is a simple village in the state of Maharashtra, India, near the city of Aurangabad. It is famous for the fact that nearby cave temples of different religions are carved into the rocks, the creation of which dates back to the 6th – 9th centuries of the new era. Of the 34 caves in Ellora, 12 in the south are Buddhist, 17 in the center are dedicated to Hindu gods, and 5 to the north are Jain.
Most of the ancient shrines have their own names, the most famous is “Kailas”. This beautiful, perfectly preserved example ancient architecture considered one of the most precious monuments in India. In the granite canopy above the entrance to this place, sacred to all Hindus, colossal statues of Shiva, Vishnu and other gods revered in the country are carved.
Next comes the huge goddess Lakshmi - she reclines on lotus flowers, and majestic elephants stand around. On all sides the temple is surrounded by monumental lions and vultures, they are frozen in different poses, and guard the peace of the heavenly kings.
One of the legends says that this piece of paradise was built by one Rajah - Edu of Elichpur - in gratitude for healing with water from a spring located on the territory of the temple.
Vishvakarma has a multi-storey entrance and Big hall, in which there is a sculpture of Buddha reading a sermon.
"Indra Sabha" is a two-level monolithic Jain temple.
"Kailasanatha" is central place the entire sacred complex, and during the construction of this miracle in the town of Ellora, more than 200,000 tons of rock were removed.
Ancient construction complex in Wudang Mountains
The Wudang Mountains in China are famous for their ancient monasteries and temples. Once upon a time, a university was founded here to study medicine, pharmacology, nutrition, meditation and martial arts.
Back during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the first religious center was opened in this area - the Temple of the Five Dragons. Major construction on the mountain began in the 15th century, when the Yongle Emperor summoned 300 thousand soldiers and built complexes. At that time, 9 monasteries, 36 hermitages and 72 shrines, many gazebos, bridges and multi-tiered pagodas were built, forming 33 architectural ensemble. Construction lasted 12 years, and the complex of structures covered the main peak and 72 small peaks - the length was 80 km.
The “Golden Hall” is one of the most famous; its production required 20 thousand tons of copper and about 300 kg of gold. According to scientists, it was forged in the capital of China, Beijing, and then transported piece by piece to the Wudang Mountains.
The Purple Cloud Temple consists of several halls – “Dragon and Tiger Hall”, “Purple Sky Hall”, “East”, “West” and “Parent”. The shrines of Wu Zhen have been kept here since its founding.
During the troubled times of the Cultural Revolution in China (1966-1976), many places of worship were destroyed, but later restored, and now the complex is visited by tourists from all over the world.
The architecture of the ancient Wudang Mountains complex combines the best achievements of Chinese traditions over the past fifteen hundred years.
"Valley of the Whale" in Egypt
40 million years ago, “Wadi Al-Hitan” was the bottom of the World Ocean, which is why hundreds of skeletons of ancient mammals were preserved here. This unique valley is located 150 km southwest of the capital of Egypt - Cairo. Many whale remains belong to the extinct suborder Archaeoceti, representing one of the most important stages of evolution: the degeneration of terrestrial multi-ton monsters into marine mammals.
Fossil skeletons clearly show the appearance and lifestyle of these giants during their transitional period. In addition, they are all located in an area convenient for study and, importantly, vigilantly guarded.
In addition, there are remains of sea cows "Sirenia" and elephant seals "Moeritherium", as well as prehistoric crocodiles, sea snakes and turtles. Some specimens are so well preserved that the contents of their large stomachs can be studied.
All together helps scientists unravel the still existing mystery of the evolution of these largest mammals on the planet.
Pristine exotica tropical forests
Kerchin-Seblat National Park is the largest nature reserve on the island of Sumatra, its area is about 13.7 thousand square meters. km. Here you can see more than 4,000 species of plants, including the world's largest flower - Rafflesia Arnolda, its diameter is 60-100 cm, and its weight reaches up to 8 kg. In addition, this area is home to about 370 species of birds and rare animals (Sumatran tigers, elephants and rhinoceroses, Malayan tapir). There are also hot springs, the highest caldera lake and the highest peak on the island. And recently a muntjac deer was seen here, a species that was considered extinct back in the 30s of the last century.
The second largest is Gunung Löser, with an area of 7927 square meters. km. Located in the Aceh region and around the town of Bukit Lawang. This small town is considered the best starting point for walking around exotic place. Tours are only permitted with a trained guide and special permission.
The most interesting thing in this reserve is the large population of great apes - orangutans. Translated from Malay, it means “forest man”.
The third largest is Bukit Barisan Selatan with an area of 3,568 square meters. km, covering the provinces of Lampung, Bengkulu and South Sumatra. Here you can find very rare animals - the Sumatran elephant and the striped rabbit.
Tourists value Sumatra for its tropical forests with preserved in its original form nature, for strange plants and amazing representatives of exotic fauna. In addition, there are many beautiful and still active volcanoes.
"The Sistine Chapel of Primitive Painting"
“Lascaux” is located in France, 40 km from the city of Périgueux and is considered one of the most important Paleolithic monuments in terms of the quantity, quality and preservation of ancient cave paintings. The cave was discovered by chance in 1940 by four teenagers who noticed a narrow hole in the rock caused by a falling tree. After examination, scientists determined that the age of the rock paintings is more than 17,300 years.
The cave is quite small in size, the totality of all its galleries is about 250 meters, and average height 30 meters. Visitors were allowed in from 1948 to 1955, but then it was closed because the ventilation systems could not cope with the carbon dioxide that accumulated inside from the breath of numerous tourists, and the rock paintings could be damaged.
Air conditioning systems were replaced several times in the last century, but they were all ineffective, and historical heritage periodically closed for maintenance work. And only in the 21st century were powerful units installed that successfully coped with the task.
To preserve the wall paintings, they decided to copy all the images and made a concrete copy, where almost all the rock paintings are presented in the same sequence as the original. The cave was called “Lascaux II”; it is located only 200 meters from the present one and was first opened to travelers in 1983.
Takht-e Jamshid
Takht-e Jamshid in Greek “Persepoles” is the ruins of the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. This place is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in the history of the state of Iran. It is located on the Marvdasht plain at the foot of Mount Ramhat and was founded by the Great Persian King Darius I in 515 BC.
Area of this stone structure is 135 thousand sq. meters, it includes the “Gateway of All Nations”, “Apadana Palace”, “Throne Room”, the tomb of the “King of Kings”, an unfinished palace and a treasury. Construction lasted about 45 years and was completed during the reign of Xerxes the Great, the eldest son of Darius.
In Persepolis there are mainly remains of palace complex and religious buildings. The most famous of them is “Apadana” with a ceremonial hall and 72 columns. Five kilometers away is the royal tomb of Naqshe-Rustam and the rock reliefs of Naqshe-Rustam and Naqshe-Rajab.
Here in those distant times there already existed water supply and sewerage, and slave labor was not used during construction. The walls of this unique complex were more than five meters thick and up to 150 centimeters high. You could get into the city by main staircase, consisting of two flights of 111 steps each made of white limestone. Then it was necessary to pass the “Gate of All Nations”.
But the powerful walls did not help, and in 330 the great conqueror Alexander the Great stormed the fortified complex and, during a feast in honor of the victory, burned the capital of the Persian kingdom to the ground, perhaps in retaliation for the Acropolis destroyed by the Persians in Athens.
Cradle of Humanity
The historical monument is located 50 km northwest of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa in the south of the African continent. Its area is 474 square meters. km, the complex includes limestone caves, including a group called Sterkfontein, where in 1947 Robert Bloom and John Robinson discovered the fossil remains of an ancient man - "Australopithecus africanus" aged 2.3 million years.
"Taung Rock Fossil Site" - it was here that the famous Taung skull, belonging to an ancient man, was discovered in 1924. The Macapan Valley is famous for the abundance of archaeological traces found in the local caves, confirming the existence of people about 3.3 million years ago.
Fossils discovered here have helped scientists identify ancient hominid specimens dating back to between 4.5 and 2.5 million years ago. These same finds fully confirm the theory that our distant ancestors began to use fire about a million years ago.
Perhaps some of the readers will think that our topic contains a lot of numbers, but this is the story, and not of any individual person, but of our entire civilization.
Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that has endowed man with countless riches and allowed him to take advantage of its benefits to create comfortable conditions life. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution have always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this are 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 there is a unique complex of Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 burials dating from the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegra – ancient city, which became the center of caravan trade.
More than 50 inscriptions were discovered on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the pre-Nabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.
Longmen Grottoes, China
"Dragon Gate" or Longmen Grottoes is located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. An amazing ensemble consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, until 494 it was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty.
After moving the residence to new town, 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 deep Yishui River - these are precious monuments of the ancient Chinese culture, making up a single complex, were included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Bayon Temple, Cambodia
Among picturesque nature Angor Thoma preserves the amazing Bayon temple complex, built in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and everyday life of the Khmers.
In addition to the Bayon Temple, the Angkor region is home to over a thousand unique temples, representing different eras and levels of civilization. Every year, millions of curious 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 endless fields sown with rice.
Stonehand, UK
An oversized stone structure, Stonehand is located among the luxurious nature of 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 human creation created in 3000 BC.
Under the influence of time and natural phenomena The unique ancient monument began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 you can only look at them. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.
Stonehand was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
Lonesome George, Ecuador
The only giant tortoise representing this species of mammal lives in the National Park located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on Pinta Island, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.
The world's most famous bachelor is in the prime of his life; according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to have offspring. For George, a female has already been found that has genetic similarities to the “groom’s” ancestors, so there is every reason to believe that the line of giant tortoises will continue.
Summer Palace, China
Among the fabulous beautiful scenery In the imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day preserves the memory of the royalty who lived within its walls.
In 1860, 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 UNSO World Treasures
Statue of Liberty, America
The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolises in the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift presented 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 Americans’ struggle for their rights.
In 1984, “Lady Liberty” was added to the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina
In the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique UNESCO heritage.
In addition to the diversity of bird species and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for the incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of cascading 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 on earth, filled with the strange 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 with their own eyes the riches of the Argentine region.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
On the picturesque banks of the canals located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills built several decades ago rise majestically.
More than a thousand historical structures, named Kinderdijk, after the village in which they are located, have replenished UNESCO's bottomless treasury.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
The decoration of the relief landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is huge glacier with the sweet-sounding name Perito Moreno. In size it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.
An amazing masterpiece created by nature became not only a decoration of Argentine Patagonia, it joined the UNESCO world treasury. A 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 water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant increase in water levels in the southern part of the lake.
Cubic meters of icy liquid press on the walls of the glacier, breaking the binding barrier. Such an action is a fascinating spectacle and occurs sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.
Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel
Located in the north of Israel picturesque city ok Haifa, the territory of which is enhanced by unique terraced gardens created many years ago.
The beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the popular Bahai religious movement, is buried in the luxury of amazing vegetation.
The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man was included in the UNESCO list of unique heritage in 2008.
Vatican
The Vatican, 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 according to the design of the architect Bernini.
Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres connect near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where believers gather to hear and see the pontiff.
Residents small state carefully preserve historical and cultural heritage previous generations, of which it became a part unique architecture countries, and valuable works of art preserved behind the walls of the holy 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. Residential areas carved out of sandstones 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 and amazing temples built many centuries ago have been preserved.
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 consisting of 3,000 individually located coral reefs and more than 900 picturesque islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and annually attracts millions of divers eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.
Over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna - this is the largest coral reef on a planet that can be seen even from space.
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the UNESCO treasury, and earlier it was awarded the status of a “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 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The picturesque nature conservation site is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions; the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
The picturesque landscapes of this amazing area provide excellent conditions for the habitat of many species of animals, including those listed in the Red Book of Belarus.
In the dense thickets of relict forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - the bison, which tourists from different parts of the world come to see.
Rock paintings in Alta, Norway
Another UNESCO cultural and historical heritage is 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 traded here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of the people living in coastal areas and on the mainland, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.
More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.
People first started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, when the first petroglyphs were found. During further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites of Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum was founded, open to tourists.
Urnes Stave Church, Norway
Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outlines of wooden church Urnes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 craftsmen 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.
The durable wood, prepared 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 lucky enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.
Struve Arc
A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground using stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.
The Struve arc was used to establish 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, and Sweden. The total length of the network on which triangulation points are located is 2820 kilometers.
34 strongholds of the Arc, named after one of its creators, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO world treasury.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine
The 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 is a unique reminder ancient architecture reverently admires both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.
The Pechersk Lavra received 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 resounded far beyond the borders of the state.
Basilica of the Nativity and pilgrim paths, Palestine
A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity of Christ, built in 339 AD. The location for the founding of the basilica was not chosen by chance; it is believed that this is where 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 structure.
In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage paths, bell towers, and magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of lush plains and picturesque plateaus, marshy areas covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers cutting through the park's life-filled expanses.
In the park you can see hundreds of rare plant species and endangered animals. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock paintings found during archaeological excavations. The drawings reflect the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.
Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, listed as a UNESCO site in 1981.
Rain forests of the east coast of Australia
In eastern Australia, along the vertiginous cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, lie the mysterious rain forests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This unique zone, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of enormous importance for modern science. After all, on its territory there are geologically important objects, such as craters extinct volcanoes, and the dense rainforests are home to endemic species representing the local fauna.
Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia
450 kilometers of tropical rainforests lie along the north-eastern coast of Australia. Dense, often impassable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and rare representatives of the richest Australian flora and equally diverse fauna.
In 1988, tropical rainforests were added to the treasury world organization UNESCO.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, which is more than 120 kilometers long, is the largest sandy island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with damp tall forests, and the golden curves 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 its surrounding islands are a fabulously beautiful place, famous for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10 thousand dugongs live in the waters washing the coast (the largest population of these animals in the world).
Secondly, in coastal waters you can see 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 colonies of algae that actively live under water.
Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay from becoming a natural treasure, which in 1991 was added to the UNESCO lists.
Macquarie Island
In the endless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny Macquarie Island is lost. 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 plate.
As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks stored at a depth of over 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle were deposited onto the relief surface of the papaya. In 1997, Macquarie Island joined UNESCO's richest treasury.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, reminiscent of a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera theatre. The “shells” located on a solid foundation house a magnificently decorated hall and a wonderful restaurant.
Erected in 1973, the building took its place among UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the largest architectural structure modernity.
The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of this amazing project. Changing 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 created by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th centuries), eleven, located on the islet of Norfolk, Tasmania, around Sydney, were included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 2010.
The prisons were designed to house hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. These were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-educating criminals.
This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, realized through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in 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. In the design of the exterior and interior, features of eclecticism are clearly visible, with the 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 Calvary) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.
The monumental structure of the temple was created according to a design developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.
Since 2011, León Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO treasury.
Mozambique island city
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.
The tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is surrounded by 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. The buildings, maintained in the same style, were built from makuti stone and decorated taking into account the building traditions established in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing island city of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.
Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan
Teotihucan, a sacred city (previously considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and was completed only at the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and high level cultural development made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.
The remarkable architecture of Teotihucan, especially the large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed using the principles of geometry.
Since 1987, the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihucan has been a UNESCO treasure.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is decorated with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name Sian Ka'an. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs, which 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 exotic birds enliven the dense forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions contribute to the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates, typical for such a region.
The picturesque Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1987.
Historic city of Meknes, Morocco
Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement blossomed over time and became the picturesque town of Maknes. Under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a distinctly 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 historical city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
Bikini Atoll
Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could easily be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence local residents. In 1946, they were resettled from their home island, and the picturesque landscapes and waters became a test site for American nuclear weapons.
Over 12 years, over 60 nuclear explosions occurred 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 radiation.
The ships that sank during the tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb, became silent witnesses to the unfortunate events.
Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was included in 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, the waters of which are home to many interesting representatives of underwater fauna.
The deep-sea lake with the purest water is home to dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.
The unique lake was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1984.
Ancient quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a fortified city that at different periods was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.
This was the case until 1867, after which the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind us of the former power of military-era architecture.
The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 1994.
Curonian Spit
Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. Unique stripe width different areas ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.
The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by people since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece exposed to wind and sea. To negate the negative impact of natural factors, work is underway to strengthen forest plantations and sand dunes.
In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.
Los Catios National Park, Colombia
Los Catios National Park is located on 72 thousand hectares of picturesque Colombian land, which was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1994.
The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The park territory became home to huge amount amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.
Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya
The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, home to an incredible diversity of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can survive only if they are within the safe Great Rift Valley.
The emerald surface of the lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes, covered with emerald thickets of forests, which 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 the shallow waters. 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 lake system, which was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 2011.
For a long time, people did not think about what they would leave to their descendants. Rulers were replaced, entire cultures were destroyed, not a trace remained of them. Later, people became smarter and preserved works of art, buildings of stunning beauty, interesting monuments, etc. Eventually, humanity 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 called more than successful.
World Heritage
At some point, people turned away from resource consumption and realized the need to protect natural 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 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 by what principles this list is compiled.
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 indicating certain criteria. Conventionally, they are divided into two parts.
For artificial objects, such criteria as reflection of the relationship of human values, the development of architecture, uniqueness or exclusivity, and connection with ideas in the public domain are important. Of course, beauty and aesthetics are also taken into account. There are six key factors in total.
As for natural monuments, they must include phenomena or terrain of exceptional aesthetic qualities, represent an example of the main stages of history, geological or biological processes, or be important from the point of view of preserving the diversity of animals and flora. Only four criteria are presented.
Those located abroad or in Russia, which can be attributed to approximately equal extent to both one and the other group, are called mixed, or having cultural and natural significance. So, what exactly is included in the UNESCO list?
Record-breaking countries
UNESCO World Heritage sites are distributed extremely unevenly around the world. States in which it is located greatest number monuments are Italy, China, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, India, Great Britain, Russia and the USA. In total, there are more than 350 objects located on their territory, which is more than a third of the entire list. Almost all of these countries can be said to be heirs of great civilizations and to have natural resources. In any case, this beginning of the list is not at all surprising.
Man-made objects
There are 779 objects in this category as of 2014. 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, the Acropolis of Athens, the Taj Mahal, the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur in Indonesia, ancient Samarra, located on the modern territory of Iran, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan in Mexico, Cusco in Peru, Kizhi Pogost, church in Kolomenskoye, Stonehenge, Statue of Liberty, building It is often so difficult to single out one thing that it is so difficult to list the entire historical center of certain cities is included - this is especially often observed in Europe. All the most popular attractions among tourists certainly fall into this list. But sometimes, if some major changes have occurred, the property “leaves” the World Heritage Site. Two such cases are known abroad: the Elbe River valley near Dresden was excluded due to the construction of a highway; The white oryx reserve, a special type of antelope, in Oman was removed from the list due to a reduction in its territory and ineffective fight against poaching. The situation is likely to change over time, but even if not, every year a special committee considers new proposals for the inclusion of various sites abroad as World Heritage Sites.
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 interesting, but it is much more interesting to observe what was created without the help and intervention of people. The list of such monuments (as of 2014) includes 197 items. The facilities are located in 87 countries around the world. 19 of them are endangered (for one reason or another). By the way, the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites begins with the natural monument - the Galapagos Islands, which were awarded 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 humanity.
Mixed category
Some man-made structures are so closely connected with the landscape and environment that it is difficult to clearly call them man-made. Or, on the contrary, man 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 talk about each one briefly, they are so diverse and interesting in their own way. These include the national parks of Australia and New Zealand, Mount Athos, Machu Picchu, Meteora monasteries, wild nature Tasmania, landscapes and life of Lapland and much more. It is a real miracle that all this wealth has reached our time in exactly this form, and the common task of humanity 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 have been nominated as candidates. There are 52 objects in total, including one located on the territory of several states.
The list includes such names as the Moscow Kremlin, Samarkand, Chersonese Tauride, Bukhara, Lake Baikal, Lena Pillars, Putorana Plateau, Mount Sulaiman-Too, etc. Having carefully studied the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the territory of the CIS countries, you can even decide never to travel abroad without exploring your native land - such diverse and interesting objects are presented in it. Well, then you can look at your neighbors and move across three seas - you’ll have something to compare with.
There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ukraine at the moment, and 15 more are under consideration. From CIS countries this country ranks second in 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, and the beech forest of the Carpathians.
Status
It may seem that inclusion in a World Heritage Site abroad is simply a nice bonus, making it easier for tourists and travelers to choose where to go and what to see. But this is absolutely not true, because many objects are under threat of partial destruction or disappearance and need special treatment. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list allows us to further guarantee their safety. In addition, adding certain attractions to this list increases their prestige and popularity, which, in turn, attracts more tourists to country. The development of this sector of the economy makes it possible to obtain more funds, which can be used to restore the very cultural monuments that are on the UNESCO list. So this project is useful in all respects.
Objects under threat
Unfortunately, everything is not so rosy. There is a special section of the list that lists those natural and cultural monuments that are at risk of critical changes or complete disappearance. The reasons may be different: various types of disasters and incidents, wars, negative effects of climate and time. Not all of this can be controlled, so humanity may soon lose some of the sites included in the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage. There are currently 46 items on this “alarming” list. None of them are included in the World Heritage Sites in Russia. Abroad, such situations, unfortunately, are not uncommon. 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 3rd-5th millennium BC, so their importance is difficult to overestimate. And yet, numerous problems, construction and reconstruction plans, 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 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 decisions on objects applying for inclusion on 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 party to the Convention upon their request. There are 21 members in total on the committee. Most of their terms expire in 2017.
Similar lists
Of course, cultural and natural monuments are extremely important and valuable, but humanity strives to preserve not only them. As opposed to material objects, lists have been created containing the most significant examples of creativity, fields of knowledge, etc. Since 2001, UNESCO has been keeping records of masterpieces of oral and intangible creativity. But don't think that we're talking about about literary works - this list is much wider and more diverse than it seems. This includes the culinary traditions of different 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 humanity 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 every person is capable of creating something great, worthy of remaining in history forever. They also help us sometimes to stop and think how much beauty has been created by our ancestors and nature, and how terrible it would be to lose it.