'Uruq Bani Ma'arid
'Uruq Bani Ma'arid covers the western part of the largest sand sea on Earth, the Ar-Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter).
The site covers more than 1.27 million ha of hyper-arid desert landscape, which holds a great variety of sand dune formations. It also includes the southern end of the Tuwayq limestone escarpment with its many wadis and salt flats. Arabian Oryx, Arabian Sand Gazelles and Arabian Mountain Gazelles have been successfully reintroduced in the reserve.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Ancient Jericho
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan comprises the archeological remains of a prehistoric, permanent urban settlement.
The tell covers structures from the Neolithic and the Bronze Age and also includes the perennial spring that supplied the settlement with water during its long history. It shows the shift of populations in the Near East to a sedentary lifestyle and the level of social organization it required.
Community Perspective: Solivagant (re)visited in 2014 and found a severely neglected site.
Ancient Tea Plantations of Pu'er
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er covers an ancient tea production area sustained by the traditional knowledge of the Blang and Dai peoples.
Nine traditional Blang and Dai villages are located near old tea groves. The tea growers use a system of domesticating wild tea trees. The wooden dwellings in the villages hold space for tea processing and storage. The landscape is considered to be the place of origin of Pu’er tea.
Community Perspective: the tea plantations can be visited on a day trip from Jinghong, as detailed by Anthony. According to Boj, the most traditional villages are Nuogang and Wengji.
Anticosti
Anticosti is an island where the virtual disappearance of life in the oceans 447-437 million years ago can be traced via fossils and layers of sediment.
The findings reflect the first recorded mass extinction event, which affected about 85% of marine organisms. The island's thick limestone layer holds the best-preserved fossil record of marine life at the end of the Ordovician and Silurian Periods. It especially allows for the study of shells and soft-bodied organisms that lived on the sea floor.
Community Perspective: although the site holds the same name as the island, included only are its coastline and the channels of its two principal rivers. Michael has described three ways to visit this remote island.
Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University
The Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University are two properties that show the transformation from classical astronomy to modern astrophysics.
The Observatory of Kazan Imperial University (19th century) is located in the historical center of Kazan, while the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory (1901) lies in the countryside. The latter was specially designed for large-scale observations and studies under the conditions most suitable for night observations.
Community Perspective: a 'near miss' for many, as the Kazan Observatory lies right in the city center very close to the already inscribed Kazan Kremlin. The site has stayed unreviewed so far.
Bale Mountains National Park
Bale Mountains National Park covers a variety of landscapes, most notably Africa’s largest area of afro-alpine habitat above 3,000m with glacial lakes and volcanic peaks.
The park has several distinct and unique habitats, such as the Northern Grasslands (Gaysay Valley), Northern Woodlands (Park Headquarters), Afro-alpine Meadows (Sanetti Plateau), Erica Moorlands, and the Harenna Forest (a moist tropical rainforest). It holds endemic mammals such as Mountain Nyala and Bale Monkey, and has the most important remaining population of Ethiopian Wolf. The area serves also as a genetic reservoir for Wild Forest Coffee.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Cold winter deserts of Turan
The Cold Winter Deserts of Turan testify to the survival of flora and fauna in an arid cold winter climate.
The 14 components across three countries span diverse desert ecosystems across more than 1,500 kilometres. They are important for both breeding and migrating bird species, and provide habitat for globally threatened mammals, such as Goitered Gazelle, Saiga and Urial.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Deer Stone Monuments
The Deer Stone Monuments and Related sites of the Bronze Age are beautiful examples of Bronze Age megalithic monumental art made by nomad cultures.
The four sites in Central Mongolia together hold more than 160 elaborately decorated deer stones and numerous burial mounds and petroglyphs. The standing stones can reach up to 4 meters. Together they show the religion, sacrificial ritual, and funeral practice of the Central and Northern Asian Bronze Age nomads.
Community Perspective: Astraftis visited a deer stone field near Uushgiin övör and appreciated their artistic value.
Djerba
Djerba: cultural landscape, testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory, reflects how the local communities adapted to life in a water-scarce environment.
Between the 9th and the 18th century, the island was divided into small, clustered neighbourhoods called houma that were self-sufficient. The main centre for trade on the island was Houmt-Souk, and there were two urban residential neighbourhoods for Jewish communities (Hara Sghira and Hara Kbira). Notable remains among the 31 locations further include the synagogue of Ghriba, the church of St. Nicolas and many mosques.
Community Perspective: reviews of Djerba have not been flattering so far, but they pre-date the final inscription which seems more focused than the "crappy traces of archeology" of the Tentative Site.
Eisinga Planetarium
The Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker holds a mechanical model of the Solar System that contributed to the dissemination of astronomical knowledge to a wider audience.
Dating from the late 18th century, it is the oldest continuously operating orrery in the world realistically showing all planets known at the time. The model mechanically is in fine condition, still works perfectly and continues to be used for educational purposes.
Community Perspective: the highlight and OUV of this small site lies in the living room literally converted into a fully working solar system model; its workings will be shown to you during a 15-minute explanation after a small group has gathered. Do check availability beforehand on the official website.
ESMA Site Museum
The ESMA Museum and Site of Memory - Former Clandestine Centre of Detention, Torture and Extermination represents the illegal oppression of opposition executed by the dictatorships of Latin America in the 1970s-1980s.
The 'Clandestine Centre' was located at the Officer's Quarters of the Argentine Navy in Buenos Aires. More than 5,000 people were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered here, and further atrocities were committed by its officers and subordinates against political left- and communist-oriented opposition members.
Community Perspective: Joel speaks of a "harrowing" museum with a strong focus on survivors' testimony, though overall it is very Argentina-specific. The museum is easy to reach within Buenos Aires by bus or Uber.
Evaporitic Karst and Caves
The Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines comprise well-studied examples of karst phenomena in gypsum and anhydrite in a humid sub-tropical climate.
They consist of two different deposits from different periods: Triassic anhydrites and Messinian gypsum. The caves include the world's largest epigenetic cave and the largest karst salt spring in Europe. Over 900 caves have been explored and mapped so far, moreover, the discipline of speleology was born in this area.
Community Perspective: the nine components can be safely watched from a distance or by joining one of the cave tours. Tsunami describes a harrowing experience at the Spipola Cave.
Funerary and memory sites of the First World War
The Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front) testify to the unprecedented scale of a global war and mark the start of a new tradition of remembering the war dead.
After this war, for the first time, the individual victim was remembered. This resulted in military cemeteries and war memorials of diverse typologies where attention was paid to aesthetics. These sites still are visited by millions.
Community Perspective: The sites comprise 139 locations in Belgium and northern France. Notable is that the"commemoration of all victims is equal irrespective of nation, race, creed or military rank, the graves and engravings of names are uniform". Especially recommended to visit is the area around Verdun, which "is basically one whole cultural/memorial landscape shaped by World War I".
Gaya Tumuli
The Gaya Tumuli are the monumental burial places of the leaders of the unique Gaya Confederacy.
Gaya existed independently for about 600 years (ending in 562) by binding together component polities with similar cultural characteristics, but never developing into a true unified state. The seven tumuli sites are located on hilltops in the southern reaches of the Korean Peninsula, each at the centre of the respective polity.
Community Perspective: Korea is starting to overdo it a bit with the Tombs WHS, although this one covers yet another cultural tradition. Two components have been reviewed so far: Goryeong Daegaya (Kyle) and Gimhae Daeseong-dong (Zoë and GabLabCebu) in Gimhae, a satellite city of Busan.
Gedeo Cultural landscape
The Gedeo cultural landscape represents the traditional agroforestry practices of the indigenous Gedeo community.
The Gedeo have used the forests for millennia for the cultivation of enset (a plant that is the ingredient for a staple flatbread) and later coffee. They developed a system of customary laws and norms to use the forests sustainably. The area also includes ritual sites such as megalithic clusters of steles.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Gordion
Gordion comprises an archeological site that best represents the Phrygian civilisation.
The remains consist of a citadel and burial mounds of Phrygian rulers, dating from the Iron Age. Its monumental fortified gate complex has been preserved. The largest of the tumuli, the “Midas Mound”, is over 50m high and has a burial chamber inside which is the oldest known standing wooden building in the world.
Community Perspective: the reviewers were pleased to see such an ancient site with noteworthy remains still in situ. It officially has only one component, but the archeological sites can be found both before and after the 'modern' village when following the main road.
Hopewell
The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks comprise the remains of ceremonial centers of the Hopewell culture.
The site comprises eight monumental earthen enclosure complexes, often used for burials. They were constructed with geometric precision to align with astronomical cycles. The Earthworks were created during the Middle and Late Woodland Periods of North America (1-1000 CE).
Community Perspective: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park - Mound City, Newark Earthworks - Great Circle and Seip Earthworks are considered the key components among the eight locations. From the ground, the scale of these circle mounds are difficult to fully appreciate. All are best accessible by car from Columbus, Ohio.
Jewish-Medieval heritage of Erfurt
The Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt comprises three medieval Jewish buildings from the heydays of Jewish life in Central Europe.
The Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House were embedded within the architecture of their Christian surroundings. The authentically preserved buildings are among the rare remaining examples from this period before the pogroms of the 14th century started.
Community Perspective: the synagogue has now opened as a museum and includes display of the "Erfurt treasure". Reception can be chilly. The mikveh can be visited by guided tour only (Saturday) and the (difficult to identify) stone house is closed.
Jodensavanne
The Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery comprises the remains of early Jewish colonies.
The sites date from the second half of the 17th century, when Jewish settlers from Europe established agricultural plantations here and developed an autonomous community. The Beraha VeSalom synagogue within the property is considered the first synagogue of architectural significance in the New World.
Community Perspective: the site lies not far from the international airport and can be combined with a trip in or out of the country. The settlement remains are quite basic.
Khinalig
The Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route reflects the living tradition of long-distance transhumance of the Khinalig.
The semi-nomadic Khinalig people, a distinct ethnic group within the Caucasus with their own language, seasonally move their animals over 200km between the summer pastures in the mountains and the winter pastures in the lowlands. They live in the highest inhabited mountain village in Azerbaijan. Along the route monuments such as shrines and bridges can be found that testify to its traditional use by these people.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Koh Ker
Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar comprises the remains of an early and short-lived capital of the Khmer Empire.
Koh Ker influenced later Khmer architecture with its stone constructions and spatial layout. It also produced the distinct Koh Ker Style in sculpture, which is characterized by the monumental size and dynamics of the sculptures. They had a lasting influence on decorative styles in South East Asia.
Community Perspective: It's a day trip from Siem Reap, and can be combined with Preah Vihear on the same itinerary (although this shortchanges Koh Ker a bit if you leave it til the end). The archeological site, best known for its layered pyramid, is rather spread out and you need a car. Frederik spent a full day here and provided details on its architecture.
Kuldiga
The Old town of Kuldiga is a well-preserved and harmonious townscape with traditional Baltic architecture.
The town, previously known as Goldingen, developed between the 13th and 20th centuries under the influence of the Hanse Towns, the Duchy of Courland and Russia. It has a scenic location at the intersection of two rivers.
Community Perspective: a romantic town with the remarkably wide Ventas Rumba waterfall as its natural landmark. It lies deep into the Latvian countryside and is best accessed by car.
Maison Carrée of Nîmes
The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is a well-preserved Ancient Roman temple that signifies the impact of the imperial cult in the Roman provinces.
It stood among other religious and political institutions at the heart of the forum of the Roman colony of Nemausus, at a time when Rome focused on consolidating its empire. This first-century building in the classic Vitruvian architectural style has survived in excellent condition.
Community Perspective: the reviews still reflect that this once was part of a wider nomination of the city of Nîmes; all agreed though that the Maison Carrée is its outstanding monument. The stylistic contrast with the surrounding, later (= very modern) architecture raised eyebrows.
Memorial Sites of Genocide
The Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero are sites of remembrance of the genocide against the Tutsi population in 1994.
They comprise a church, a school and a hill where atrocities have occurred and tangible remains are left (buildings, weapons and graves). It also includes the main Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali. The sites serve an educational purpose for the Rwandans and the international community.
Community Perspective: of the 4 inscribed components, Solivagant visited Murambi and Els Nyamata, and both saw the Memorial in Kigali. It is recommended to visit at least one of the sites outside of Kigali to hear the local story.
Modernist Kaunas
Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939, represents the redevelopment of its urban landscape as Lithuania’s new capital.
Naujamiestis (New Town) and the adjacent Žaliakalnis (Green Hill) contain numerous examples of early Modernist architecture, adapted to its small scale and local character. Notable buildings include the Central Post Office, the Officers’ Club, the Bank of Lithuania, and the former Bank of Agriculture.
Community Perspective: the nominated area can be easily found on maps of Kaunas for its rigid plan and is easy to explore on foot; only the recommended Christ Resurrection church takes a detour.
Northern Martinique
The Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique comprise internationally renowned examples of volcanic morphologies and processes.
The Pitons du Carbet count 12 peaks and are shaped by lava domes. Mount Pelée (which is only partly included) is an iconic volcano, remarkable for its fierce eruptive style. It has produced a high number of eruptions, such as the deadly one in 1902-1905 which led to the construction of one of the first volcanological observatories in the world. The site further has the most diverse biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles (forest, plants).
Community Perspective: you can hike up Mount Pelée in a couple of hours, but it can be a wet experience and you may find the top covered in clouds.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park comprises three areas that are exceptionally rich in flora and fauna, notably vascular plants and primates.
The main vegetation consists of montane rainforest, but bamboo forests, savannas and high-altitude swamps are also found here. Almost 1,500 vascular plant species have been recorded. Primates include Chimpanzee, Angolan Colobus, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, Owl-faced Monkey, and Golden Monkey. The three locations are separated by tea plantations and settlements.
Community Perspective: Solivagant is the only one who has reported on a visit so far. In 2006 he came to Nyungwe’s forested mountains mainly to see primates (the significant bird numbers are much harder to find). The Colobus were of special interest…
Odzala-Kokoua
The Forest Massif of Odzala Kokoua comprises savanna ecosystems that have seen post-glacial forest recolonization.
It includes very rare types of forest. The fully overlapping Odzala Kokoua National Park is dotted with clearings, salt pans and savannas. The park protects a near-complete assemblage of Central African mammal species, except for Lion. It is essential to Forest Elephant migrations in the region, and is a critical stronghold for Western Lowland Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Central Africa.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Persian Caravanserai
The Persian Caravanserai represent the way of travel in desert regions before modern roads and railways existed.
The Caravanserai were built as road stations along trade routes (such as the Silk Road) and pilgrimage routes. Their design evolved over the centuries, from the Sassanian to the Qajar period, and also varied due to geographic setting.
Community Perspective: This is a serial site comprising 54 historic roadside inns from all over Iran. An easy one to visit lies in Bisotun, next to the eponymous WHS.
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala
The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala represent a distinct style of Hindu temple architecture, with exuberantly decorated exterior and interior surfaces.
They comprise three groups of temples from the 11th – 14th centuries. The Hoysala Kingdom tried to distinguish itself from its neighbours, resulting in the patronage of architecture, art, and literature by the royal family and elites. The Chennakeshava temple in Belur remains an important pilgrimage center.
Community Perspective: this site has been unreviewed so far.
Santiniketan
Santineketan is a holistic educational institution founded by the poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore based on a utopian ideal.
The experimental settlement from the early 20th century had a rural setting. It offered a broad spectrum of classes in arts, language, humanities, crafts, and music, embracing many cultures and religions. The buildings were designed in an eclectic style, moving away from colonial architecture. The site is also strongly associated with Tagore's work and holds a collection of his manuscripts.
Community Perspective: Solivagant is the only one who has reviewed this site so far (over a decade ago), and he explains its values and nomination history.
Si Thep
The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments comprises three archeological sites representing the distinct Dvaravati culture and civilisation.
The medieval Dvaravati transformed Indian cultural and religious traditions into their own architectural and sculptural style. Buddhism and Hinduism coexisted in their town planning, and two of the sites (Khao Klang Nok and Khao Thamorrat Cave) were important Buddhist shrines. The third location, the ruins of the main town, holds the former Khao Klang Nai monastery which is decorated with unique sculptures of dwarf stucco figures.
Community Perspective: for the non-specialist, it is hard to distinguish the Dvaravati from Khmer or Indian styles. Most notable are the stucco sculptures at Khao Khlang Nai, almost hidden under a protective covering. The site, not far from Lopburi, is easy to visit by car. Thomas has provided info on how to do it on public transport from Bangkok.
Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor
The Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor comprises a key section in the harsh environment of Central Asia of this route where ideas and goods were exchanged.
This 866-kilometre stretch, crossing mountain ranges and the Karakum desert, lies at the heart of the network of Silk Roads corridors. In early medieval times, it was the place where the trade of Sogdians flourished. Later, caravanserais and monumental Islamic buildings were added. The roads crossed the Karakum Desert to end in Merv Oasis, and comprise 34 individual components spread across high mountains, plains, and deserts.
Community Perspective: the only components reviewed so far are found in Uzbekistan, where Nan visited a string of sites, Jarek did Paykent and Els covered Chor Bakr and the Bahoutdin Complex near Bukhara.
Tak'alik Ab'aj
The National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj comprises remains that show the transition from the Olmec to the Early Mayan culture.
Tak’alik Ab’aj flourished from the 9th century BC through to at least the 10th century AD as an important centre of commerce. The site comprises four groups of in total some 240 monuments, including ball courts, hydraulic systems, petroglyphs, a royal tomb, Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions and what is possibly an Olmec colossal head. It is renowned for the diversity of styles of sculptures from different cultures that congregated there.
Community Perspective: it needs a significant detour from the standard Guatemalan itinerary and the site lacks decent signposting to what can be found where. The ruins are mostly overgrown, but provide a worthwhile insight into this ancient city.
Talayotic Menorca
Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca covers nine clusters of archaeological sites showing prehistoric dry stone building techniques.
The tombs, houses and ceremonial structures were made of large stone blocks without mortar. They date from the Bronze Age to the late Iron Age and are a product of a relatively isolated island culture. This building tradition ended when the Romans occupied the island.
Community Perspective: the locations are quite spread out across the island, so are best explored by rental car or e-bike. Randi and Svein rated 18 of the structures, declaring Talati de Dalt and Torralba d’en Salort (both have a bit of everything), Torre d’en Galmes (the largest complex and the best-preserved settlement), Naveta des Tudons and the Cala Morell necropolis the best.
Tr’ondëk-Klondike
Tr’ondëk-Klondike testifies to the dramatic effects that the search for gold and precious minerals had on the indigenous people and the landscape.
The ancestral land of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in was overrun by newcomers in 1874 and eventually came under colonial authority in 1908. The eight selected sites include archeological remains and settlements of indigenous inhabitants, traders and colonial settlers.
Community Perspective: best visited on a tour from Dawson to understand its history.
Tugay forests
The Tugay Forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve represent one of the largest remaining tugay ecosystems, a form of riparian forest associated with fluvial and floodplain areas in arid climates.
The reserve is irrigated by the Vakhsh and Panj rivers, with numerous meanders and cut-off bodies of water. The natural landscape holds the sandy Kashka-Kum desert on one hand and tugay forest with numerous lakes on the other hand. The area is the habitat of salt-tolerant trees such as the Asiatic Poplar and wildlife like Bactrian Deer, Goitered Gazelle and Striped Hyena.
Community Perspective: Szucs Tamas tells about his ordeals to reach it, and concludes: DO NOT GO THERE.
Viking Age Ring Fortresses
The Viking-Age Ring Fortresses are the remains of five monumental defense works that represent the stage of centralization of power in the kingdom of Denmark under King Harald.
The fortresses of Aggersborg, Fyrkat, Nonnebakken, Trelleborg and Borgring were constructed at strategic positions near important sea and land routes. The large infrastructure projects were executed within a short period in a precise and similar manner. The forts were only used for a few decades.
Community Perspective: Astraftis has provided the ultimate review for this site, covering all locations in detail. Other reviewers are less enthusiastic about these ring fortresses, of which Trelleborg is the easiest one to access.
Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia
The Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Medieval Anatolia show the development of a specific type of wooden architecture.
The use of wood in mosques was brought from Central Asia to Anatolia in the 11th century. The interiors of the mosques are characterized by wooden posts, a timber ceiling and wooden carvings. They also have colorful geometrical and floral paintings.
Community Perspective: the site consists of five mosques in different towns, even different provinces. Mahmut Bey Mosque, Eşrefoğlu Mosque, and Sivrihisar Mosque so far have been reviewed and are seen as worthy only of a slight detour.
Yogyakarta
The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks comprises a traditional Javanese townscape centered around the Kraton (the Sultan’s Palace) and is associated with rituals.
The main town elements such as markets and the Great Mosque were placed along an axis between Tugu Pal Putih (a monumental pillar facing the peak of Mount Merapi) and the southern town border at Panggung Krapyak. According to Javanese Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, the total was seen as a miniature representation of the cosmos.
Community Perspective: the focus of a visit should be the Kraton Complex and the Taman Sari Water Castle, fine examples of traditional Javanese architecture.
Zagori Cultural Landscape
Zagori Cultural Landscape covers an agro-pastoral landscape with numerous traditional villages.
It lies in Epirus, a mountain region in north-western Greece near the Albanian border. Most of the villages were founded in the 15th century and are examples of vernacular stone architecture adapted to the conditions of a mountain region. Besides buildings like schools and churches in the villages, they include stone bridges, stone paths, and stone staircases.
Community Perspective: best to be explored over 2 to 3 days by rental car and on foot, with the target to see Gorges, Bridges and Villages.
Žatec – Landscape of Hops
Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops covers an agricultural and industrial landscape processing the key ingredient for beer.
These rural hop fields have been in use for 700 years. The town has facilities for the drying, packaging and trading of the product. Žatec developed into a global center for the hops trade in the 19th century.
Community Perspective: the older reviews deal with the unremarkable town of Žatec, which was the original focus of the tentative site. The surrounding Saaz Hops cultural landscape has been added at a later stage and is well-described by Matejicek.
Extended Sites in 2023
Andrefana Dry Forests
The Andrefana Dry Forests represent centres of endemism within its western dry forests and south-western dry thorny forests.
The habitat in the four national parks and two special reserves evolved in isolation. The dry forests are known for their baobabs and many endemic species of fauna. In addition, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve covers a spectacular landscape of limestone karst pinnacles.
Community Perspective: this is a hard site to reach, "an “adventure,” and not for everybody". Practical details on how to get to Tsingy de Bemaraha for example can be found in the review by Els.
Lane Nevares USA -
Madagascar is not quite African and not quite Asian, but rather a land unto itself. As the world’s fourth largest island, the country is generally known for its delightful lemurs and bewildering Baobab trees. And while I wanted to meet those lemurs and walk under those Baobabs, Madagascar attracted me for another reason—the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
My traveling companion, Herr Kuls, and I landed in Morondava, on the western coast, on a bright May morning. Our guide Patrick met us off the plane, and introduced himself in excellent English. Morondava is a sandy, little place
Read OnGuimarães
The historic centre of Guimarães is known for its medieval building techniques, that have been transmitted to the Portuguese colonies.
This well-preserved town shows the evolution of these techniques from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Notable constructions include:
- The half-timbered houses
- Castle
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
- Palace of the Dukes of Bragança
- Town Hall
- Couros Zone
Ivan ManDy Philippines - 31-Jul-06
Guimaraes is a cute little town at the foot of a mountain. Its not spectacularly amazing but it does exude a certain Iberian charm that is so typcial in these part of the world
Read OnHa Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago
The Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago shows all stages of sea-inundation of tropical karst.
Ha Long Bay is the best example of marine invaded tower karst in the world. There are 138 marine lakes present in Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba, about one-third of the global number. The islands hold caves and grottoes, with stalactites and stalagmites. The limestone pillars are a unique natural feature of great scenic beauty and biological interest.
Community Perspective: Best visited on a boat tour (can be one day or multiple days, starting from Hanoi). The scenery is beautiful, but don’t be surprised by the pollution (although this seems to have improved in recent years) and the overtourism you will encounter. You need to be lucky with the weather as well, as it is often foggy.
Deborah USA -
I have just returned from a trip to Vietnam which included 2 days on a traditional Vietnamese junk boat in Halong Bay. The site itself is breath-taking, but unfortunately, there is little respect for nature shown by those operating the tour boats. I repeatedly saw boat operators throw their garbage overboard into the waters. These are the people who survive on tourism and ought to care more about protecting the very site which is bring the tourists to them in bus-loads. It was sad to see this and I hope the government forces people to clean up their act.
Read OnHyrcanian Forests
The Hyrcanian Forests comprise an 850km long massif covered in ancient natural broad-leaved forests.
They date back 25 - 50 million years when such forests covered most parts of the Northern Temperate region. The site has 17 components, mostly located at higher elevations. They show high floristic biodiversity (3,200 vascular plants), and are home to forest birds and the iconic Persian Leopard.
Zoë Sheng Chinese-Canadian - 13-Feb-19
I visited 2 parts of this nomination in January 2019. Abr Forest was my first stop and it is very tourist centric, with many guest houses and hikes around “Cloud Forest”. Unfortunately on day 2 it started snowing in the morning and the visibility was so bad it was really hazardous to take the 83 through the Khar Turan NP (not part of the Hyrcanian Forest nomination btw). Once I made it to Gonbad Kavus and visited Qabus I continued driving East.
Here I drove through the National Golestan Forest, formerly listed as a separate [...]
Read OnKoutammakou
Koutammakou, the land of the Batammariba, represents a traditional way of settlement known for the architecture of mud “takienta” tower houses.
Most of these buildings have two stories, and either flat or conical thatched roofs. They combine domestic functions with space for animals and granaries. Koutammakou also is a living cultural landscape where the agricultural society lives in harmony with the surrounding nature. This is expressed in sacred forests, rocks and intangible elements.
Community Perspective: a highlight of a trip to Togo, where a local guide with appropriate knowledge, contacts and language is absolutely essential. Solivagant visited villages in both Togo and Benin, the latter proving "a more fruitful area for exploration and interaction with the Battamariba".
Solivagant UK -
Anyone interested in Ethnology, Architecture, Cultural landscapes or African culture generally should try to reach this site. It consists of an area of country in NE Togo and NW Benin which is inhabited by the Battamariba people (who were called Tamberma by the colonial administration – we were told this meant “Good Builders”). Their “fortified” mud-brick houses called “Tata” (or Takienta”) are remarkable both visibly and as an introduction to their entire way of life and to their (animist) beliefs (photo). Walking the hilly savannah between the “villages”, seeing the daily life and agriculture and going inside a few houses is a fine travel experience which we did in Jan 2007, covering villages in both Togo and Benin.
Read On