New Inscriptions in 1982

The 1982 WHC Session added 24 Sites bringing the total to 134.

Aldabra Atoll

Aldabra Atoll
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

Aldabra Atoll comprises a remote raised coral atoll inhabited by over 100,000 Giant Tortoises.

The atoll consists of a group of four larger islands, forming an oval ring of land crossed by channels and enclosing a shallow lagoon. The tortoises are at the top of the local terrestrial food chain, feeding on grass and shrubs. 400 endemic flora and fauna (sub)species have been recorded on the islands, and they also hold vast waterbird colonies.

Community Perspective: you can count yourself lucky to visit Aldabra, not only because of the costs involved but also the good weather conditions needed to set foot ashore. Solivagant made a memorable visit by cruise ship in 2008, was eventually able to land and saw a characteristic “Tortoise lawn”. Myles did a diving trip in 1997 and found it incomparable as "Every kind of dive experience can be had at Aldabra". All other reviewers have worked at Aldabra in some capacity.

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Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura
Photo by Solivagant.

The Sacred City of Anuradhapura was the first capital of Ceylon and an important Buddhist holy place.

Its sacred bo tree was grown from a cutting from the tree in India where Buddha achieved enlightenment and was brought here in the 3rd century BCE. The old capital flourished for 1,300 years until it was abandoned after an invasion in 993 CE. Its architecture includes characteristic Sinhalese stupas.

Community Perspective: You must join the pilgrims and adhere to the dress and photography rules. The pagodas are so numerous a casual visitor will lose interest after a while. Bernard did a good visit of almost 6 hours and provided tips on what to see and how to get around.

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Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia Mounds
Photo by Daniel C-Hazard.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site comprises the archeological remains of an agricultural settlement of Pre-Columbian civilizations in the Mississipi region.

10,000 people may have lived here and at its peak (11th century) there were some 120 earthen mounds, of which 81 remain. They were used as burial sites and provided defensive protection to public buildings. The 30m high Monks Mound is the largest prehistoric earthen structure uncovered so far in the New World.  

Community Perspective: a little-known site among the general public, but reviewers enjoyed climbing the main mound, the site museum and appreciated the importance of this “largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico”. 1.5 hours should be sufficient to cover it. It lies close to St. Louis in Missouri and Eero Saarinen’s Gateway Arch.

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Cyrene

Cyrene
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Archaeological Site of Cyrene represents a Greek colony that was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world.

Later in its history, it became a Roman city. The impressive remains include the sanctuary of Apollo, the Acropolis, and the Agora. Cyrene was known all across the Mediterranean in its heydays and played a role in myths and legends. It was destroyed by an earthquake and a tidal wave in 365. The rediscovery of its ruins in 1705-1706 has been very influential on the development of Neoclassicism.

Community Perspective: it’s a long way east along the coast to get there and you could spend a long time wandering. Solivagant has been the only reviewer so far.

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Djémila

Djémila
Photo by Michael Novins.

Djémila shows the unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment.

This mountain village has some of the best-preserved and most beautiful Roman ruins in North Africa. They belong to a Roman colony known at the time as Cuicul. The remains include a theatre, two fora, temples, basilicas, arches, streets, and houses. Also, impressive mosaics have been uncovered.

Community Perspective: Constantine and Setif are the major cities from where you easily can visit Djémila as a half-day trip. The site is covered in flowers in Spring.

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Florence

Florence
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Florence is the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture.

Florence became world-leading in the arts and trade in the 14th - 17th centuries, which is reflected in its prestigious buildings. The principles developed here exerted their influence all over Europe. It formed artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Guided by the banking family De Medici palazzi were built, the Uffizi artmuseum was founded and Brunelleschi finished the gigantic Duomo.

Community Perspective: “Even a packed 8-day schedule will not cover all worthwhile sights”, Els concludes after a study trip to the city. Florence can be overwhelming and the Duomo and the Uffizi are usually too crowded, but there is so much more: over 25 individual monuments are named in the OUV statement!

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Leptis Magna

Leptis Magna
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna comprises the remains of the Phoenician port Lpgy, which was integrated into the Roman Empire in 46 BCE.

When Septimus Severus, who was born here, became Roman emperor in 193 CE, he remodeled the urban plan of Leptis Magna. He added major monuments in a style influenced by African and Eastern traditions. It subsequentially became one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman world. Its Antique port is a fine example of Roman technology.

Community Perspective: Among the best of all “Roman ruins”, especially for its state of completeness.

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Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island
Photo by Michael Novins.

The Lord Howe Island Group represents an island system developed from submarine volcanic activity with a characteristic insular biota.

It consists of islands and rocks that are home to many species of nesting seabirds and other endemic or rare animals. It also features the most southerly coral reef in the world. Besides Lord Howe Island, the designated area includes the Admiralty Group, Mutton Bird and Sail Rock, Blackburn (Rabbit) Island, Gower Island and Ball's Pyramid.

Community Perspective: airfares and accommodation are extremely expensive because of the tourism restriction of 400 beds. Climb the peaks, visit the Lord Howe Island Museum or enjoy its beaches.

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M'Zab Valley

M'Zab Valley
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

The M'Zab Valley in the northern Sahara holds five traditional fortified villages (ksour), which are perfectly adapted to their environment and where the traditional building techniques have been kept up.

The Ibadis settled here from the 11th century on, making the most of the defensive possibilities and creating a water distribution system to make life in the semi-desert possible. Their settlements were built around a citadel and included palm groves. The five ksour included are El Atteuf, Bou Noura, Beni Isguen, Melika, Ghardaia.

Community Perspective: one of the most interesting areas in Algeria, with Ghardaia as the main component. The area has been prone to ethnic clashes in the past and a guide is obligatory to enter the walled cities.

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National History Park

National History Park
Photo by Solivagant.

National History Park - Citadel, Sans-Souci, Ramiers comprises an immense fortress and a palace that symbolize Haïti’s independence and the end of slavery.

The massive stone structure was built by up to 20,000 workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications designed to keep the newly-independent nation of Haiti safe from French incursions. The Sans-Souci Palace, which stands at the foot of the road to the Citadel, was the residence of King Henri Christophe, a key leader during the Haitian slave rebellion.

Community Perspective: reviewers recall adventures from the past while describing a visit to this site, though even after Haïti became less and less safe, it still could be fairly easily visited from the Dominican Republic. Jacob has provided the most recent insights, reaching it by using a flight between Fort Lauderdale and Cap Haitien.

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Old Havana

Old Havana
Photo by Els Slots.

Old Havana and its Fortification System represent a colonial city that was an important stop on the crossing between the New World and the Old World.

As its importance required military protection, a set of 18 fortifications along the coast and the harbour were built. The Castillo de la Real Fuerza is the the oldest extant colonial fortress in the Americas. Other important remaining castles include Castillo del Morro, La Cabaña fortress and San Salvador de la Punta Fortress. The site also includes the old city center (Habana Vieja) with its harmonious architecture and its 19th-century extensions.

Community Perspective: the fortifications arguably are the most spectacular part of this site, while Habana Vieja has come to resemble a tourist trap (however, some still enjoy its vibrant atmosphere).

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Olinda

Olinda
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda has maintained its colonial urban fabric from its heydays when it was a centre of the sugarcane industry.

The town was built on hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is dominated by rich religious and public buildings, many painted in vivid colours, and includes lots of greenery. Among these are 20 baroque churches, chapels and convents.

Community Perspective: a fairly small, typical Portuguese colonial town. The highlight is the Franciscan convent with its azulejos.

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Polonnaruva

Polonnaruva
Photo by Carlo Sarion.

The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa comprises the remains of the second capital of Sri Lanka.

The extensive city had its cultural heyday under the leadership of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century: the Buddhist stupas, royal palace, statues, parks and the large tank date from this period. It also holds remains of the earlier Indian Chola Dynasty when they ruled the island.

Community Perspective: The ruined city is so large that you need a rental bike or car to explore it fully. Highlights include The Quadrangle and the Gal Vihara group of statues.

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Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve encompasses both mountainous and lowland tropical rainforest, as well as savannahs and coastal plains, full of diverse wildlife and plants.

The river basin holds spectacular lagoons, namely Laguna Brus and Laguna Ibans, many rivers and waterfalls. Endangered mammals like the critically endangered Mexican Spider Monkey, the Giant Anteater, Ocelot and Jaguar can be found in this Reserve, as well as an impressive 411 documented species of birds.

Community Perspective: the few reviewers that have visited it praise the amazing wildlife and the indigenous culture. The truly adventurous have reported on a full descent of the river from the headwaters to the coast.

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Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans

Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
Photo by Michael Novins.

"From the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, the production of open-pan salt" represents the extraction and production of salt from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans was an early Enlightenment architectural project to rationalize industrial buildings and processes. They were connected by a pipeline to the older saltworks of Salins-les-Bains, where salt was retrieved from deep underground.

Community Perspective: This is one of the more imaginative WHS of France. At Salins-les-Bains you can do an underground visit to the mines, while at Arc-et-Senans a Utopian work of architecture awaits (you can also stay overnight here in one of the original buildings that has been turned into a hotel).

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Sabratha

Sabratha
Photo by Solivagant.

The Archaeological Site of Sabratha comprises an originally Phoenician coastal trading post that was remodeled during its time as a Roman colony.

After the Punic Wars, Sabratha became incorporated in the Roman Province of Africa under Julius Caesar. This brought new prosperity, resulting in the construction of public monuments such as the Forum, the Temple of Jupiter and the Theatre. There is also a Christian basilica with remains of mosaic floors.

Community Perspective: not as large as the Leptis Magna site, and its well-preserved Roman theatre is its main attraction.

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Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve
(c) Peter Howard, African Natural Heritage.

The Selous Game Reserve is a largely undisturbed wilderness that holds one of the largest fauna reserves in the world.

Its main type of vegetation is Miombo woodlands. The landscape is furthermore characterized by ‘sand rivers’ – usually dry river beds that come to life after heavy rains. Selous has a high diversity and density of fauna species, including (at the time of inscription) over 100,000 elephants, over 2,000 black rhinos and 18,200 hippos.

Community Perspective: Be aware that the northern (and most visited) part of the park nowadays is called Nyerere National Park. Animal numbers are dwindling because of poaching, and off-road driving is still practised here. A standard trip will include a boat safari on the Rufiji River, a short guided walking safari, and a standard car safari. Zoë has a tip for Getting In: “As much as you love self driving for flexibility or prestige etc just fly in and go on a tour”.

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Shibam

Shibam
Photo by Watkinstravel.

The Old Walled City of Shibam is one of the earliest and most perfect examples of vertical construction.

Shibam, nicknamed "The Manhattan of the Desert", was built on a hill to escape the floods of the wadi Hadramawt. The dense setting of its mud-brick tower houses goes back to the need for protection against rivalling clans. Most houses date from the 16th century, when Shibam was recovering from a severe flood. It enjoyed prosperity as a stop on the caravan trade routes for incense and spices.

Community Perspective: located “in the middle of the desert”, it has escaped severe war damage so far and can be reached by air or overland from Oman. See Christravelblog’s review for logistics.

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Sigiriya

Sigiriya
Photo by Els Slots.

The Ancient City of Sigiriya holds the ruins of a 5th-century rock fortress and palace.

This enormous complex, known as Lion Mountain, was constructed by Prince Kasyapa. At the level below the top, two very big lions claws give way to the final and most important stage of the complex, the palace. Along the way, visitors encounter non-religious mural paintings and the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language.

Community Perspective: The frescoes are amazing and the views from the top are wonderful (to some). Beware of the steep 30 USD entrance fee.

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Taï National Park

Taï National Park
(c) Peter Howard, African Natural Heritage.

Taï National Park contains one of the last areas of primary tropical forest in West Africa.

The vegetation is mainly characterized by tall trees with massive trunks. A large number of epiphytes and lianas can be found. The humid forest is home to a breadth of flora and fauna: it holds about 150 endemic flora species, 250 bird species and endangered mammal species such as the pygmy hippotamus, bongo, chimpanzee, pangolin (three species) and forest elephant.

Community Perspective: this site so far has been unreviewed.

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Tasmanian Wilderness

Tasmanian Wilderness
Photo by Els Slots.

The Tasmanian Wilderness constitutes one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world and a cultural landscape for Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

Tasmanian Aboriginal people have lived here for approximately 40,000 years, of which traces can be found in prehistoric cave sites. Its nature is of exceptional beauty, with various distinctive landforms ranging from the alpine to wetland and coastal ecosystems. It includes some of the longest-lived trees in the world and is home to several marsupial carnivores.

Community Perspective: The lakes of Dove and St. Clair (part of the Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park) are the most accessible option for a short visit, and you may spot platypus, wombat and echnidna there. Shandos has given an overview of 5 of the included reserves.

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Tassili n'Ajjer

Tassili n'Ajjer
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

The Tassili n'Ajjer is a mountain range in the Sahara characterized by its impressive rock art and geological formation of sandstone "rock forests".

Erosion in the area has resulted in nearly 300 natural rock arches being formed, along with many other spectacular landforms. Its prehistoric rock paintings and other ancient archaeological sites date from neolithic times when the local climate was much moister, with savannah rather than desert. Over 15,000 rock paintings have been inventarized.

Community Perspective: This area near the Libyan border is covered by regular ‘desert’ tours departing from Djanet, a city best reached by flight from Algiers.

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Timgad

Timgad
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

Timgad is an example of Roman urban planning that extended from a military camp.

Timgad, called Thamugas by the Romans, was a Roman colony in North Africa founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 CE. Its typical grid plan included features such as paved streets, 14 baths and Trajan's Arch, a 12 m high triumphal arch.

Community Perspective: Solivagant explains how Timgad differs from other Roman ruins along the North African coast as it was built ‘ex nihilo’ as a Roman “ideal city”. Juha ranks its ruins “among the best outside of Italy”; he also provides information on how to get there.  

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Tipasa

Tipasa
Photo by Michael Novins.

Tipasa is an archaeological site that resulted from the Punic and Roman civilizations.

It was founded by the Carthaginians as a port and trading centre. They left behind one of the most extensive cemeteries of the Phoenician world. The site also includes the Royal Mauritanian Mausoleum, a Numidian circular funerary monument. As a Roman colony, it gained many prestigious structures including Christian religious buildings.

Community Perspective: be aware that it has three components: one in town, where most of what you’ll see is of Late Roman origin including the remains of four basilicas. The other one east of it, is a scruffy graveyard (see Zoë’s review). And the third, the Numidian Mausoleum, lies 11km southeast of the main archaeological complex (see Solivagant’s review).

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Extended Sites in 1982

Mount Nimba

Mount Nimba
Photo in the Public Domain.

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve comprises montane forests with a high number of endemic plant and animal species.

These species include multiple types of duikers, big cats, civets, and several types of viviparous toads. It also has a population of chimpanzees using stones as tools. The Nature Reserve consists of high-altitude grassland, plains savannah and primary forest including rain forest. Its diversity is supported by the occurrence of a variety of microclimates.

Community Perspective: Iain visited the Guinean part in 1995 and witnessed a landscape with “a number of tumbling sparkling rivers and waterfalls, several natural bridges and possibly the biggest bamboo I've ever seen”.

Iain Jackson Scotland UK - 20-Jan-10

I visited this site on Valentine's Day 1995. The weather was warm, sunny though hazy.

I based myself in the nearby town of Lola in Guinea which is about 45kms from the border with Cote d'Ivoire. About 70% of the park lies in Guinea with the rest in Cote d'Ivoire. Mont Nimba and surrounding peaks straddle the border into Liberia as, in the best of possible worlds, would the park. However those areas within Liberia have been ravaged by bauxite mining.

In Lola I stayed at the Savane Hotel and Dancing, no electricity, no hot water, no windows even in the bedrooms.

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