UNESCO or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has designated several historic, cultural, geographical places around the world in different sovereign countries as World Heritage Sites. These sites are determined on the basis of excellence of contribution to the development of human society and culture. The world heritage sites of UNESCO show enormous cultural as well as otherwise development that has or had made human society to progress forward. These sites draw millions of tourists from home and abroad regularly. If you are interested in such sites you can travel to the countries these are located.
Here Are 10 Must Visit World Heritage Sites Of UNESCO Around The Globe:
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
One of the well known attractions of Peru that is a very important world heritage site. Built in 15th century over a hill that is more than 7000 feet high this Inca city strikes awe even today. How large number of stones were moved through the mountain slopes to make the city even baffles modern scientists. Incas even made arrangements so that water from river of the nearby valley could flow through the city. It was abandoned during Spanish invasion.
2. Easter Island, Chile
Though this island is situated in the middle of a vast ocean still it is frequently visited by tourists from Chile for its unique world heritage. This heritage is in forms of hundreds of curious looking strange statues know as Moai. These statues are works of the inhabitants of this island more than 1000 years ago. But how these are made and moved to the places these are now is still a mystery.
3. The Ancient Relics of Petra, Jordan
In recent time the middle eastern country of Jordan is attracting thousands of tourists for this ancient city built from carving rocks. These city was work of Romans as well as a nomadic kingdom. The relics of Petra can be dated back to 5th or 6th century BC to 2nd century AD. The most famous ruin is The Treasury that is spectacular to look at from outside.
4. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is a series of stones arranged in circular order mostly that can be seen in Silbury hill, Beckhampton avenue in England. There are several places containing these Stonehenge which are declared as one of the world heritage sites of England. The interesting thing about these thousand year old structure is this the purpose of these things can’t be told for certain. The speculations that have been made include astronomical observatory, place for druid rituals to site for alien landing.
5. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Like Machu Picchu a well known and much loved tourist spot of south east Asia that is also a world heritage site of UNESCO. Cambodia is a country with Buddhism that is one of its main religions. But this 12th century temple complex is mainly a Hindu one. It was built by king Suryavarmana II who was a Hindu king. The temple is very impressive and big looking from outside. Inside it has number of sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses as well as mythological relief.
6. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The archipelago of Galapagos in Ecuador is one the major UNESCO natural world heritage sites that was enlisted in the 70s of the last century. Charles Darwin made this island group known to the world first as he conducted his natural studies here. Galapagos has number of endemic or special biological species which can be seen on that island group only. One of such species is the giant tortoise that live for hundreds of years. It is one of the main attractions of the island chain.
7. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Like Galapagos, Komodo island of Indonesia has also been declared as world heriatge site by UNESCO. This is because of the population of giant monitor lizard which is only found here. At present there are nearly 6000 of these amazing looking creatures which are known as Komodo Dragons around the world. These lizards are extremely violent and dangerous but the behavior of these creatures is a subject of research to scientists in modern time.
8. Temple Of Borobudur, Indonesia
Apart from natural beauty the county of Indonesia has some interesting and major historic sites that are included in world heritage sites list by UNESCO. One of such sites is this 8th or 9th century AD stupa or temple of Borobudur. This structure has nine different platforms that follow the eight fold paths of Lord Buddha. The last one stands for enlightenment. The stupa or temple has unique carvings and statues in it. There are hundreds of statues of Lord Buddha in this temple. A must not be missed place while you are in Indonesia.
9. Ruins Of Ephesus, Turkey
Turkey has number of historic sites which have been declared as world heriatge sites by UNESCO. The legendary city of Troy is one of these. But a little lesser known site is the Greek city of Ephesus in Izmir, Turkey. Though it was a Greek city of 10th century BC but it thrived and became prosperous during Roman rule. Now tourists can see relics like the imposing library, amphitheater, pillars, plinths etc. A must visit place of Turkey.
10. Teotihuacan, Mexico
The country of Mexico has several historic places listed as world heritage site. Among these perhaps the most visited is the city of Teotihuacan. This is a Mesoamerican city that was built in 100 BC and continued to thrive till 250 AD. The population grew to 125,000 at one time. Now tourists can see remains of imposing pyramid like structures, paths or walkways, residential buildings, remains of palaces etc. The sight o0f Teotihuacan just makes you awestruck in wonder.
