New Inscriptions in 1992

The 1992 WHC Session added 20 Sites bringing the total to 377.

Angkor

Angkor
Photo by Els Slots.

Angkor is the archeological site covering the capital of the Khmer Empire and its artistic masterpieces.

The Khmer Empire encompassed much of Southeast Asia, and had a lot of political and cultural influence on the whole region until its downfall in the 14th century. Khmer art developed here in Angkor evolved from that of the Indian sub-continent and became highly influential in the region as a distinctive style.

Community Perspective: Spectacular. Breathtaking. Overwhelming. A childhood dream come true. Gorgeous architecture and preservation. “I had bought a 3-day pass, but I easily could have stayed longer cause there's so much to see”.

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Ban Chiang

Ban Chiang
Photo by Els Slots.

Ban Chiang is considered the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in South-East Asia.

When this mound was discovered in 1966, it attracted enormous publicity due to its attractive red-painted pottery. The first scientific excavation uncovered several skeletons together with bronze grave gifts. Rice fragments have also been found, which prove that the Bronze Age settlement was made by farmers and it marks the beginnings of settled agricultural communities in the region.

Community Perspective: a visit is centered around the Ban Chiang National Museum which very well displays all discoveries in the area and there is a second area accessible inside a Buddhist temple that holds a smaller archaeological site. Solivagant goes into detail about the controversial dating history of the site that continues to confuse scholars and travel guides.

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Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral
Photo by Els Slots.

Bourges Cathedral is considered a beautifully decorated masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Its construction began at the end of the 12th century, following the plan of the ambitious archbishop Henri de Sully who had brought "modern" ideas from Paris. He wanted to create a large and tall building, with three rows of stained-glass windows above each other so that there was a lot of light. The sculptures on the doors and in the interior are great Gothic works of art. Most stained glass windows were added in the 14th-16th centuries.

Community Perspective: “just another nice cathedral”, and another French Gothic one as well. It’s worth a visit for its atmospheric interior and the sculptures at the western entrance.

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Butrint

Butrint
Photo by Els Slots.

Butrint is a relict cultural landscape representing an example of Mediterranean history from the time of the Greek colony until the Middle Ages.

The site, which was inhabited from prehistoric til Ottoman times, has a fine natural setting. Major remains include the well-preserved ancient Greek theatre and the paleo-Christian basilica with beautiful mosaics.

Community Perspective: easy to reach by boat from Corfu (or the Albanian mainland), this is a vast site spanning a large time span. The mosaics unfortunately are generally not visible to the public. Nan has provided tips for visiting on public transport.

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Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Český Krumlov is best known for its remaining medieval urban layout and fine architecture of the old town and Krumlov Castle.

Construction of the town and castle began in the late 13th century at a ford in the Vltava River, which was important in trade routes in Bohemia. The town became the seat of the Duchy of Krumlov and underwent Renaissance and Baroque transformations.  It has a picturesque setting in the bend of the river with a dominating position of the castle.

Community Perspective: “A highlight of central Europe”. The Baroque theatre at the Castle, as well as its grounds, a walk along the river and St. Vitus church are recommended things to do. A very popular site with Asian tourists!

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El Tajin

El Tajin
Photo by Els Slots.

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City comprises an archaeological site along Mexico’s Gulf Coast that was at its height between 800 and 1200.

It is the best preserved and most thoroughly excavated pre-Hispanic town of its period, after Teotihuacan fell into decline and before the rise of the Aztecs. Numerous structures including ball courts, temples, houses and public buildings have been preserved. They are decorated with reliefs and paintings.

Community Perspective: This site recently has been through rough times during Hurricane Grace and COVID-19. Solivagant provides a view from before that era, while Shandos and Els had to make do with more limited access. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Niches and the panels on the side of the Juego de Pelota Sur depicting an imminent beheading.

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Fraser Island

Fraser Island
Photo by Carlo Sarion.

K’gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world.

It has over 100 clean freshwater dune lakes, spectacular coastal dune formations, sand cliffs and sandy beaches. Up to 50m tall rainforest trees grow on the dunes. Notable fauna includes various threatened species of frog. Dingoes were once common on the island, but are now decreasing.

Community Perspective: The site is strictly limited to 4WD vehicles, so most people opt for a guided tour. Clyde has described what you may expect from a 2-day tour from River Heads, while Carlo did a 1-day tour from Rainbow Beach.

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Huanglong

Huanglong
Photo by Els Slots.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area is renowned for its beautiful karst features such as travertine pools and limestone shoals.

The mountain scenery is dotted with lakes and unique travertine terraces. Calcite deposition has led to the pools being rich in algae and minerals, which results in orange, yellow, blue and green coloured waters.

Community Perspective: It lies close to Jiuzhaigou WHS, to which it is often compared. It’s much smaller though and there is one main circular trail to walk, where you ascend from 3,000 to 4,000m (oxygen canisters are available!).

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Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Valley
Photo by Els Slots.

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area comprises a mountainous area with a series of lakes and waterfalls containing clear, mineral-rich water.

The natural beauty of the site lies in the over 100 coloured lakes and limestone terraces. They are the result of karst erosion and deposits. The Area also preserves important forest ecosystems that are the habitat of vulnerable mammal species such as giant panda and takin.

Community Perspective: It’s a large and well-kept site, best discovered on foot and over multiple days (you can stay just outside the entrance). Be aware that it can get very cold here in winter and that it is very popular with Chinese tourists (but not so much with foreign visitors).

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Kasbah of Algiers

Kasbah of Algiers
Photo by Solivagant.

The Kasbah of Algiers represents a typical Mediterranean Muslim urban landscape that has been influential across the region.

The Old Town with its labyrinths of lanes is enclosed by ramparts. The historic buildings, dating mostly from the late 16th and 17th centuries, include the remains of the citadel, ancient mosques, Ottoman palaces, as well as traditional houses.

Community Perspective: Solivagant summarizes it as “I can’t think of any cultural WHS I have visited which has been in a worse condition than the Algiers Kasbah.”, and he also shares his research on the site’s boundaries. In light of the frequent safety warnings regarding visiting this site, Juha found the Lower Kasbah quite safe to walk around on your own and the quiet and labyrinthine alleys of the High Kasbah may be better done with a guide.

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Novgorod

Novgorod
Photo by Squiffy.

The Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings are a veritable 'conservatory' of Russian architecture of the Middle Ages and later periods (11th-19th centuries).

(Veliky) Novgorod was an important center on the trade route between the Baltics and Central Asia and a former capital of the Novgorod Republic that covered northern Russia. It developed into one of the major centres of Russian culture, which exerted national influence on stone architecture and painting.

Community Perspective: Novgorod can be visited on a day trip from Sint Petersburg. Recommended is to walk around the Kremlin walls to be able to appreciate the different towers and to view the frescoes at the Church of Transfiguration.

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Prague

Prague
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Prague has seen continuous urban development from the Middle Ages to the present, resulting in an architectural ensemble of outstanding quality.

Prague’s riverine setting, townscape and individual buildings make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Many architectural styles can be seen, notably Gothic, High Baroque and Modernist. Prague played a prominent role in medieval Central Europe, attracting people from all over Europe who turned it into the intellectual and cultural centre of its region.

Community Perspective: “Prague is Europe in a nutshell and on a budget,” wrote Nan - but despite the tourist crowds, even repeat visits are worthwhile as there is so much to explore. Some ideas can be gathered from the reviews of Matejicek, Ian and Els.

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Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
Photo by Argo.

Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos hold the remains of two influential classical architectural structures.

Pythagoreion was an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments. In it lies the Tunnel of Eupalinos, 1,036 m in length and built in the 6th century BCE, excavated from both ends with a methodical approach in doing so. The Heraion of Samos was an 8th-century BCE sanctuary, the first of the gigantic Ionic temples, and after its destruction by an earthquake an even larger one was built with the largest known floor plan of any Greek temple.

Community Perspective: Pythagoreio (yes, named after the mathematician) is a town of scattered remains, but hiking in the area is pleasant and you can do so between the Heraion and the Tunnel. Els has described a visit to the interior of the Tunnel.

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Rammelsberg and Goslar

Rammelsberg and Goslar
Photo by Daniel C-Hazard.

The Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System constitute of one of the largest mining and metallurgical complexes for non-ferrous metals in Europe.

The Rammelsberg mining complex has an over 1,000 years long, continuous history of mining and metal production. The technological ensemble includes both surface and underground remains, including those for the management of water for drainage and power. The nearby town of Goslar achieved great prosperity in the late Middle Ages thanks to the revenues from mining, metal production and trade. It also played an important role in the Hanseatic League.

Community Perspective: Ian enjoyed a Christmassy Goslar, while Hubert has focused his review on the later addition of the Upper Harz Water Management system. The Rammelsberg mines can be visited by guided tours, of which Kbecq took two.

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Solovetsky Islands

Solovetsky Islands
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

The Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands is a late medieval Russian Orthodox monastic settlement in an inhospitable environment.

Located on six islands within the Solovetsky archipelago are a monastery-fortress, a monastic village, and some detached monasteries, their hydraulic and irrigation systems plus sacred and archeological sites. It also includes memorials to Solovetsky Special Prison Camp of 1923-1939, which was a model site for the GULAG system for political prisoners.

Community Perspective: The site can be reached by plane through Arkhangelsk (as done by Alexander) or train through Murmansk or Sint Petersburg (by Wojciech). The monasteries and churches still need a lot of repairs; the museum of the Solovetsky Gulag however is a must-see.

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Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo
Photo by Els Slots.

Taos Pueblo is a traditional settlement from the pre-Hispanic period, that has been in continuous use until now.

The walled village consists of two five-storey adobe structures, kivas (underground ceremonial chambers), ruins of previous structures and a present-day Catholic church. It gives testimony to the culture of Pueblo Indians, that developed around 1400 after the disappearance of the Anasazi tribes in the region.

Community Perspective: an entrance fee is levied and many places in town are restricted areas, but most visitors find it an interesting experience. Joining a local tour and the bakery come recommended. Be aware that the pueblo can ‘close’ on short notice due to a funeral for example.

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Telc

Telc
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Telč is a medieval planned town that has preserved its original layout and the castle-settlement relationship.

Telč was created in the 14th century to expand into areas that were up to then covered by virgin forest. The triangular marketplace, with its variety of facades, and the castle are great works of Renaissance architecture.

Community Perspective: It has one of the prettiest town squares in Europe with an overall architectural coherence, although some find it a sterilized façade.

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White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal

White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal
Photo by Carlo Sarion.

The White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal are outstanding examples of Russian architecture from the 12th-13th centuries.

These eight monuments were made as part of a unique school of architecture which is characterized by the use of white limestone, fine stone carving and the apparent lightness of the buildings. This became a standard in Russian ecclesiastical architecture.

Community Perspective: Suzdal is the way to go to see “Old Russia”, while Vladimir is a mid-sized city but also with good monuments. Be aware that the monuments have different closing days. The site is within reach for a (long) day trip from Moscow.

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Wulingyuan

Wulingyuan
Photo by Shandos Cleaver.

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area contains over 3,000 tall quartzite sandstone pillars which create a spectacular landscape.

The forested landscape is often covered in mists and clouds, which adds to its beauty. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, and some 40 caves, as well as two large natural bridges.

Community Perspective: Better known as Zhangjiajie in the Chinese tourist industry, this is a large and popular park. Frederik and GabLabCebu each wrote extensive reviews on its highlights which need a visit of multiple days.

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Zamość

Zamość
Photo by Els Slots.

The Old City of Zamość is a planned town from the Renaissance with blended Central European and Italian architecture.

The city was built in the late 16th century by the Paduan architect Bernando Morando, on the instructions of Chancellor Jan Zamoysky. The new town was populated by merchants from all nationalities, religious tolerance was shown to attract people and a university was founded. Its homogenous, ‘ideal’ town plan has been preserved, as well as the market square with merchants’ houses and parts of its encircling fortifications.

Community Perspective: Located in the Eastern border region of Poland, this city has survived remarkably well. The Rynek with the Town Hall is its major attraction, while a walk along the fortifications is worth doing as well.

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Extended Sites in 1992

Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest
Photo by Els Slots.

Białowieża Forest is an ancient woodland, the only remaining part of the immense forest which once spread across the European Plain.

Pine, beech, oak, alder and spruce are found in the (partly) old-growth forests, and the many dead trees make it important for the conservation of fungi. These little disturbed forests are home to viable populations of large mammals such as wolf and lynx, and the European Bison was reintroduced here in 1929 and now forms the species’ largest free-roaming population.

Community Perspective: the site straddles the Polish-Belarusian border and crossing it here was relatively easy before the current crisis in diplomatic relations. The Polish side is covered by Solivagant, who clarifies which elements are part of the core zone and which aren’t, by Nan who describes a visit to the museum area and the Bison Reserve, and by Els and Clyde who entered the Strict Reserve with a guide. Tips for the Belarusian side are provided by Jakob, who cycled there from Poland, and Tamas who ended up at a “dodgy Sovjet era museum, with grey and brown displays of the local flora and fauna, and a gloomy zoo”.

Szucs Tamas Hungary - 25-Mar-11

Białowieża Forest

Belovezhskaya Pushcha was the greatest disappointment ever as a WH site. We have visited Belorussia as a part of a Baltic trip in August 2007, the first stop was Brest, the ideal jump off point to visit the national park. But the problems begun much earlier. Normally every trip begins with scrutinizing all the possible on-line (and some off-line) resources on the designated topic. Obviously the quality and quantity of resources vary. A WH site in Europe can have an elaborate website with all the necessary information , and there are a lot of reviews on different touristic and scientific sites that help the wishful traveler where to go and what to do. Belovezhskaya Pushcha was a black hole

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Glacier parks

Glacier parks
Photo in the Public Domain.

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek comprises a mountain landscape shaped by geologic and glacial processes.

These four parks in the Yukon and Alaska offer combined marine, coastal, wild river and high mountain scenery with minimal extent of human modification. They hold over 200 glaciers, including some of the world’s largest and longest. Wildlife is abundant too, with a healthy population of grizzly bears.

Community Perspective: Glacier Bay is regularly visited by large cruise ships and good views are had from there. Tsunami describes an unforgettable journey on smaller boats and small airplanes, while J_neveryes explored Kluane by doing rewarding day hikes from Haines Junction.

Kelly Henry USA - 01-May-05

This must be one of the largest sites in area in the world. Glacier Bay is best seen from a boat. Even the view from a large cruise ship is unforgettable. An echoing rifle shot crack of the glaciers calving warns you of a giant splash and sea otters and whales can be seen from the waters.

Tatshenshini-Alsek doesn't have many roads but is full of wildlife, wide open spaces without even a power line or a road to spoil the view. Wrangell St. Elias has some of the largest mountains in North America as well as a historic abandoned copper mine.

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Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park
Photo by Els Slots.

Kakadu National Park comprises wetlands and cliffs, that have been used by Aboriginal cultures for over 50,000 years.

Its rock art reveals insights into hunting and gathering practices, social structure and ritual ceremonies of Indigenous societies. Its variety of ecosystems hold a huge diversity of flora. Large numbers of waterbirds live here, and the wetlands are the breeding habitat of the endangered saltwater crocodile and the pig-nosed turtle.

Community Perspective: The park is prone to flooding in the wet season, but two of the most popular sights are open all year: the rock art at Nourlangie Rock and the Yellow Water Cruise. May-October is the best time to visit, and the usual point of departure is Darwin (there is even a bus service). There’s enough to see to fill 3 days.

Klaus Freisinger Austria - 01-May-05

Even though I was in Kakadu only for two days, I enjoyed it a lot. This place is immensely fascinating and truly deserves its place on the WH list. The wildlife is great - yes, you can easily spot crocodiles -, the flora stunning, and the rock carvings and paintings add another interesting feature as well. I was there during rainy season, you could hardly go anywhere without a boat, and it was raining most of the time, but still this is one of my favorite places in Australia, if not the world. I hope that Kakadu will remain the wild place it is now, since I have heard that UNESCO has reprimanded Australia for allowing mining to continue in the park.

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Megalithic Temples of Malta

Megalithic Temples of Malta
Photo by Els Slots.

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are amongst the earliest free-standing stone buildings in the world.

Each of the monuments is different and all are massive, which would have required significant technical skill. Some are decorated with bas-reliefs with various motifs. They date from ca. 3000 BCE. Hagar Qin, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ta'Hagrat and Skorba are on the main island, while the Gigantija temples can be found on Gozo island.

Community Perspective: Ġgantija temple comes out as the most impressive, while Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra have the most scenic locations.

Ian Cade UK - 01-May-05

Megalithic Temples of Malta

These seven temples are distributed across Malta and its sister island of Gozo. They consist of some of the oldest freestanding buildings in the world, providing an insight into some of the earliest forms of human worship. As such there is no doubt about the legitimacy of this inscription.

The first group of temples we visited were those at Tarxien, in the suburbs of Valletta and only a few minutes [...]

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Potsdam

Potsdam
Photo by Hubert.

The Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin comprise an eclectic ensemble of architectural and landscaping masterpieces.

Potsdam was the residence of the Prussian kings until 1918; its majestic buildings were built mainly during the reign of Frederick II the Great (1740-1786) and according to designs of Peter Joseph Lenné. He incorporated influences from Italy, England, France, Flanders, Paris and Dresden.

Community Perspective: the Potsdam gardens are good for walking and an easy day trip from Berlin. The Sanssouci Palace is its main attraction, but it cannot be recommended to those with an allergy to “Stately Homes”. We can count on Hubert to perfectly describe a site like this!

Assif Germany - 01-May-05

I visited Potsdam twice in the summers of 2006 and 2007 and was surprised by how much reconstruction had been carried out in the meanwhile. Post-Communist Potsdam is now becoming the beautiful wealthy looking city it used to be before WWII. Except the justifiably most well known of Potsdam's attractions, namely Sans Souci Palace and park, the area is loaded with interesting sites to visit. Don't miss Alexandrowska - the Russian colony errected in the 19th Century for Russian settlers, which is covered by the Unesco title. It offers lovely traditional Russian wooden houses in ornated style. A small museum, though not very interesting for itself, offers you a glimpse into the interior of these traditional houses (www.alexandrowska.de).

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