New Inscriptions in 1999

The 1999 WHC Session added 48 Sites bringing the total to 628.

Ancient Merv

Ancient Merv
Photo by Els Slots.

The State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” comprises the multi-layered remains of a major Central Asian oasis city.

This location within the Murgab River oasis was home to a series of cities from the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the 9th century Arabic Caliphate and the Seljuk Empire. The Seljuk city was walled and held a major religious complex, of which the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar with its brickwork and mural paintings remains.

Community Perspective: an extensive site, and “a guide is really needed in Merv as mud wall succeeds mud wall”.

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Atlantic Forest South-East

Atlantic Forest South-East
Photo by Els Slots.

The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves comprise 25 protected areas of rare remnants of Atlantic Forest.

The areas range from mountain summits to beaches and include marine and coastal ecosystems. Brazilian Atlantic Forest is the richest rainforest in terms of biodiversity. It has high endemism and a large number of tree species. Rare and threatened animals found here include primates such as the woolly spider monkey, southern muriqui, and four species of tamarin, while ocelot and jaguar occur as well.

Community Perspective: Jureia - Itatins Ecological Station seems to be the favourite location of our reviewers as it is within reach from Sao Paulo. Iain described some additional coastal locations, and João covered Intervales State Park.

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Beemster Polder

Beemster Polder
Photo by Els Slots.

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) was constructed in 1612 as one of the first experiments in the Netherlands in reclaiming agricultural grounds from the water.

The polder was laid out in a rational geometric pattern based on the ideals of the Renaissance. The area is split by roads into squares of 1800 meters, with canals, farmland and farmhouses. The new land was not only used for farming, the wealthy people from Amsterdam built their country residences here.

Community Perspective: There is no real monument or place where you can ‘see’ this site – it is by its very essence featureless, just flat and featureless. However, Ian found the town of Middenbeemster quite a nice place and Echwel tried the philosophical approach.

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Belfries

Belfries
Photo by Els Slots.

The Belfries of Belgium and France symbolize the growing independence of cities from the feudal system in the Middle Ages.

The site comprises 56 bell towers that were built between the 11th and 20th centuries. The towers are mostly found in town centers, and connected to the local town hall or church. They were used as watch towers but also as meeting places for the city councils.

Community Perspective: “They’re all different” – so you have to visit a couple of them to get the idea. Fortunately, they are often located in towns that are also part of the Flemish Beguinages WHS, or are WHS in their own right – Nan has provided a list of possible combinations.

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Brimstone Hill Fortress

Brimstone Hill Fortress
Photo by Christoph.

Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park preserves one of the best-preserved historical military fortifications in the Americas, designed by the British and built by slaves.

The complex of fortifications originates from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located on the island of St. Kitts, making use of the natural setting of a steep double-peaked hill close to the sea. The fort was abandoned and mostly disbanded in 1853.

Community Perspective: interesting history, but mostly the panoramic views from the fortress are praised. Kelly's review provides practical details of a visit.

 

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Campeche

Campeche
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Fortified Town of Campeche retains many of its old colonial Spanish city walls and fortifications which protected the seaport from pirates and buccaneers.

It was the most important seaport in the Gulf of Mexico. To protect the goods that had to be shipped to Spain, a series of fortifications were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walled city was laid out to a chequerboard plan with many Baroque religious and secular buildings.

Community Perspective: Known for its colourful houses and (sometimes overly-restored) bastions, most reviewers find it relatively uninspiring for a Spanish-colonial WHS.

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Cueva de las Manos

Cueva de las Manos
Photo by Nan.

Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas, contains unique prehistoric rock art.

The cave lies in the valley of the Pinturas River, in an isolated spot in the Patagonian landscape. It stands out for the stencilled outlines of human hands. Animals and hunting scenes are also depicted. They were made by local hunter-gatherers between 9,000 and 1,300 years ago, and are among the earliest and best preserved in South America.

Community Perspective: located in a remote but lush canyon, the site nowadays can best be reached on a day trip from Perito Moreno. This can be done by car if you have your own wheels; Els has explained which route to choose. There are also daily tours, for which Chelenco Tours is recommended.

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Dacian Fortresses

Dacian Fortresses
Photo by Els Slots.

The Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains are Iron Age defense works built as protection against Roman conquest.

They were built by the Dacians, who lived in what is now Romania (between the Carpathians and the Danube). Sarmizegetusa Regia was the Dacian capital and the center of its political and religious power. It was built on a fortified hill. The other sites formed a system of defense works to defend the capital.

Community Perspective: the 6 locations are located in remote, mountainous areas. The most important among them is Sarmizegetusa Regia; the reviews are full of adventures in getting there, although the access road has reportedly since improved.

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Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings
Photo by Els Slots.

The Rock Carvings in Dazu show the harmonious coexistence of Tantric Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in medieval China.

These five clusters with diverse cave temple art shed light on everyday life of the 9th to 13th centuries. They also show the craftsmanship of their artists because of their grand scale and aesthetic quality.

Community Perspective: There are a lot of carvings and most of the figures are painted brightly. Baoding is the main site of the five inscribed components; Chris has visited three others as well and compares the experiences.

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Desembarco del Granma National Park

Desembarco del Granma National Park
Photo by Zoe Sheng.

Desembarco del Granma National Park has been recognized for its marine terraces and pristine sea cliffs.

The park, located in a tectonically active zone, includes both a terrestrial and a marine area. On land, there are several karst features and rich endemic flora, while coral reefs can be found in the sea. The submarine limestone terraces of Cabo Cruz and Maisí are like gigantic stepping stones.

Community Perspective: this is a remote site, it takes 4 hours of driving from Santiago de Cuba. The village of Las Coloradas holds a visitor center and accommodation options. As the place where Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and their fellow revolutionaries disembarked from the Granma, it has cultural relevance too.

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Diamantina

Diamantina
Photo by Carlo Sarion.

The Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina comprises a colonial city landscape created by the commercial and political explorers of Brazil’s interior.

Diamantina blossomed in the 18th and early 19th centuries because of diamond mining in the region, which was administered by the Portuguese Crown. Its centre has been well-preserved, with mostly Baroque architecture executed in wood and adobe.

Community Perspective: a relatively isolated, pleasant enough colonial town that doesn’t see many foreign visitors. Highlights include the Diamond Museum, the Market Square and the Casa da Glória with its picturesque passageway.

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Discovery Coast

Discovery Coast
Photo by Els Slots.

The Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves are eight nature reserves that protect Brazil’s Northeastern remnants of the Atlantic rainforest, probably the most endangered forest in the world.

They contain about 20% of the world's flora, including 627 species of endangered plants. There are no longer any corridors between the areas, which has led to an "archipelago of forests" and exceptionally high endemism. 620 bird species have been recorded, including 49 endemic.

Community Perspective: these reserves are not far from the city of Porto Seguro, but not all are open to visitors. Wojciech visited Pau Brasil NP and Els tried that too.

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Fossil Hominid Sites

Fossil Hominid Sites
Photo by Els Slots.

The Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa comprise three groups of limestone caves where early hominid fossils have been found that contribute to the understanding of the evolution of humankind.

The findings include two different hominid species: Australopithecus africanus and Australopithecus robustus. Among the inscribed locations is the Taung Skull site, where in 1924 the first example of the Australopithecus africanus was discovered. The oldest fossils date to 3.5 million years ago. The oldest stone tools have been discovered here too, and the oldest evidence of controlled use of fire.

Community Perspective: As always, early hominid sites ask a lot from your imagination. Sterkfontein is the most accessible of the 3 locations, but a more intimate experience can be had at Makapang.

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Graz

Graz
Photo by Els Slots.

The City of Graz - Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg comprises an ensemble of typical buildings from different epochs and in different architectural styles.

Being situated in a cultural borderland between Central Europe, Italy and the Balkan States, Graz and with the patronage of the Habsburgs, Graz absorbed various influences from the neighbouring regions. Today the old town still holds many monumental buildings, their age ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. At its western edge lies the baroque Eggenberg Castle.

Community Perspective: a beautiful centre with lots of interesting sites but without the crowds of Vienna or Salzburg. Ian's review gives a good overview of how to spend 24 hours in the city.

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Guanacaste

Guanacaste
Photo by Els Slots.

The 'Area de Conservación Guanacaste' covers diverse landscape and forest types, including a rare vast stretch of Pacific Tropical Dry Forest.

This ecosystem ranges from 12 miles into the Pacific Ocean, with its upwelling and coral reefs, to the coastal dry tropical forest and the lowland Caribbean rainforest it interacts with. It is a habitat for threatened or rare fauna species like the False Vampire Bat, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Jaguar, and Mangrove Hummingbird.

Community Perspective: located in northern Costa Rica not far from Liberia airport, this is a contiguous area of seven protected zones. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is the most visited of those, while Horizontes Forestry Experiment Station is easily accessible too. 

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Hoi An

Hoi An
Photo by Els Slots.

Hoi An Ancient Town is the best example of a traditional trading port in Southeast Asia.

From the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An attracted ships and traders from the rest of Asia and Europe. Its architecture is of traditional Vietnamese design, with Chinese, Japanese and European influences. Its grid of narrow streets has remained, lined with timber-framed historic buildings.

Community Perspective: It has become a very touristy place – maybe do like Frederik and explore it at 5 a.m. to see the local fishermen getting ready for the day. The Chinese-styled shop-houses are picturesque and you should try to enter one of the old merchant's houses and the Fukian Assembly hall.

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Hortobágy

Hortobágy
Photo by Els Slots.

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta is the biggest grassland that remains in Central Europe.

Hortobágy sustains a pastoral society with cattle, sheep, oxen, and horses, tended by herdsmen. The landscape features numerous manmade structures such as Early Bronze Age burial mounds, tells that mark the sites of ancient settlements, bridges, and csárdas (inns).

Community Perspective: “It evokes flatness and dullness and general boredom”, according to Nan quoting a German proverb. Large parts of the WHS are protected and can officially only be visited with a special permit (although this doesn’t seem to be frequently checked). Hubert and Clyde have pointed out some things (birds) to see in the areas that you can explore on your own. Tiszacsege fish csarda is recommended for an authentic lunch.

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Ibiza

Ibiza
Photo by Els Slots.

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture, is renowned for its marine ecosystems, Phoenician ruins and fortified acropolis.

The marine ecosystem along the shoreline of the islands of Ibiza and Formentera is notable for its well-preserved Posidonia, a kind of seagrass. Ibiza has its roots as a Phoenician harbour and the 16th-century fortifications of its Upper Town have influenced harbour towns in the Spanish New World.

Community Perspective: Puig des Molins is the most interesting of the Phoenician sites to visit, and the Ses Salines Nature Reserve on Formentera is worth taking the ferry for from the party island of Ibiza proper.

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iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Photo by Michael Novins.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park covers five interlinked ecosystems along a 220km stretch of coast, including Lake St. Lucia.

It includes marine areas the Indian Ocean, sandy beaches, dunes, wetlands, forests, lakes and savannah. Lake St. Lucia has a shifting salinity due to varying climatic cycles. Notable wildlife includes nesting turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks and waterfowl.

Community Perspective: it’s a huge park with several completely different ecosystems. It can be easily explored on your own self-driving from the city of St. Lucia, with Cape Vidal most recommended for the views. The area is touristy and its specific water-related values are often overlooked in favour of the reintroduced Big 5 fauna.

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Island of Patmos

Island of Patmos
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint John "the Theologian" and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos represent a traditional Greek Orthodox pilgrimage centre.

The Cave of the Apocalypse is venerated by both Catholics and Eastern Orthodox as the place where St. John the Apostle had his visions around 95 CE. A fortified monastery dedicated to him was added in 1088. The associated settlement of Chorá dates from late medieval times and includes mostly 17th-century small churches and residential houses.

Community Perspective: Patmos Island is reachable by ferries from Rhodes, Mykonos and Samos, and a bus awaits for the uphill transfer to Chora. The sites can even be covered on a day trip, but when you stay overnight you can enjoy the rest of this pretty island.

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Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Photo by Els Slots.

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park is a product of the Counter-Reformation that is still a pilgrimage site.

It's an example of a so-called Calvary: a man-made landscape symbolizing the stages that led up to Christ's crucifixion. Many were built in Europe in the 17th century after the Counter-Reformation. This outstanding example includes a total of 44 buildings, among them many diverse chapels, and set within a park with Renaissance, Baroque and Mannerist elements that use the natural topography.

Community Perspective: one of Poland's most famous and important religious sites, and a place more for worshippers and pilgrims than tourists. It is easy to reach by minibus from Krakow, although the bus stops in the town centre and then you have to walk up the mountain for around 30 minutes. On-site, you can follow one of the two Calvary paths. Tsunami visited during the famous Passion Play.

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Laurisilva of Madeira

Laurisilva of Madeira
Photo by Solivagant.

The Laurisilva of Madeira is a relict of a previously widespread laurel forest type, that is important for biodiversity conservation.

This primary laurel forest within the Parque Natural da Madeira holds evergreen trees and bushes in very steep valleys. It is home to a variety of species endemic to Madeira, such as over 70 vascular plant species, 500 species of invertebrates, the Madeiran Laurel Pigeon and the Madeira Pipistrelle. Moss and lichen species, threatened elsewhere, are abundant.

Community Perspective: Be aware that this site is not equal to the National Park, but consists of patches of forest in the northern section. Recommended starting points to access the forest are in Ribeiro Frio (easy trail to the Balcoes panoramic viewpoint), Rabacal (hiking the Levada 25 Fontes or to the waterfall Cabo do Risco).

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Litomysl Castle

Litomysl Castle
Photo by Els Slots.

Litomyšl Castle is a monumental Renaissance castle dating from the late 16th century.

This aristocratic country residence was built as an Italian-style arcade castle. Despite later reconstructions of interiors especially at the end of the 18th century, including the addition of a fine neoclassical theatre, the appearance of the castle remained almost intact including the unique sgraffito exterior decoration.

Community Perspective: The rectangular blocks of sgraffiti are the most outstanding part of the exterior. For the interior, try to get on a tour that takes you to the theater.

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Lorentz National Park

Lorentz National Park
Photo by Roman Bruehwiler.

Lorentz National Park is an outstanding example of the biodiversity of New Guinea, and one of the most ecologically diverse national parks in the world.

This very large park is located where the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates collide. It contains a full altitudinal array of ecosystems spanning marine areas, mangrove, tidal and freshwater swamp forests, lowland and montane rainforests, alpine areas, and equatorial glaciers. Puncak Jaya (4884m) is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes. The endangered Dingiso tree kangaroo is found here, as well as short-beaked echidna, long-beaked echidna and two threatened species of crocodiles.

Community Perspective: Zoë tried to get grips on the park using Wamena as a base. Lake Habbema (a birders' favourite) is the only part that is accessible by road, according to the IUCN evaluation. It is also possible to fly with Asian One Air from Timika to Akimuga, which lies in the core zone but provides no infrastructure to explore the natural surroundings.

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Miguasha National Park

Miguasha National Park
Photo by Gary Arndt.

Miguasha National Park protects the world's greatest palaeontological record of fossils from the Devonian Period, known as the 'Age of Fishes'.

The fish, invertebrate and plant fossils were found at a coastal rock formation. Five of the six main fossil fish groups from this period (dating from 370 million years) can be found here. A great quantity of some of the best-preserved fossil specimens of lobe-finned fish, ancestors to the tetrapods (believed to be the first four-legged air-breathing terrestrial vertebrates), were found here.

Community Perspective:  the museum with its collection of well-preserved fossils comes recommended, while there isn’t much to see ‘outside’ anymore.

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Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi
Photo in the Public Domain.

Mount Wuyi is a scenic landscape of forests and deep gorges, which became the cradle of Neo-Confucianism.

The area contains several archaeological sites, including a Han City established in the 1st century BCE, and a number of temples and study centres associated with the birth of Neo-Confucianism in the 11th century CE. Its natural values include the beauty of the gorges of the Nine-Bend River, the monoliths of local red sandstone, its subtropical forests, and its reptile, amphibian and insect species diversity.

Community Perspective: Hiking and rafting seem to be the main things to do here, according to the reviewers so far.

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Mountain Railways of India

Mountain Railways of India
Photo by Els Slots.

The Mountain Railways of India are three fully operational railway tracks that are fine examples of 19th-century technology and the changes they brought with them.

These railways built during the British colonial period stimulated population movements between the plains and the mountains. Heavy and complex engineering, including multi-arch viaducts, tunnels, retaining walls, and a very large number of curves, was used in order to overcome the mountain conditions.

Community Perspective: “a great experience”, both for the landscapes and the use of the original railway equipment and infrastructure. The site includes the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (covered by Solivagant), the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Els), and the Kalka-Shimla Railway (Jarek).

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Museumsinsel (Museum Island)

Museumsinsel (Museum Island)
Photo by Hubert.

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin, comprises an ensemble of museum buildings that show the evolution of modern museum design.

Between 1824 and 1830, five museums were built by the most renowned Prussian architects as part of a visionary project. Part of the Spreeinsel was allocated to this purpose, choosing a central urban setting to extend access to all people. The museums cannot be seen separate from their important collections.

Community Perspective: Major building works have been going on for a long time in the area and at least one of the five museums seems always to be closed, although Hubert made use of a small window of opportunity in 2009-2012 and Els saw it more or less 'finished' in 2023. Schinkel’s Altes Museum architecturally is probably the most interesting, while the Pergamon Museum is a favourite for its collection. The view of the Museuminsel from the boat trips on the Spree River is also recommended.

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My Son

My Son
Photo by Els Slots.

My Son Sanctuary was the religious centre for the capital of the Champa Kingdom.

The Sanctuary comprises a series of impressive tower temples decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The Champa adopted the Hindu religion in the 4th century, Hindu architecture was introduced from the Indian subcontinent and many temples to Hindu divinities were built.

Community Perspective: The site can easily be visited as a half-day trip from Hoi An. It has a lovely jungle setting and there is a circular footpath to guide you along the temples. The buildings are all ruins (due to their age and bombing in the Vietnam War), but the carving in brick is still impressive.

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Mycenae and Tiryns

Mycenae and Tiryns
Photo by Michael Novins.

The Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns comprise the remains of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilisation.

Between 1600 and 1200 BCE, the Mycenean kingdom was the most powerful in Greece. It served as an inspiration for the Homeric epics and tablets written with the earliest examples of the Greek language, linear B, have been found here. Among the remaining monuments are the massive defensive walls of both cities and the Lions Gate.

Community Perspective: Mycenae’s highlights include the Lions Gate and its on-site museum, while at the less-crowded Tiryns mostly the walls remain.

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Neolithic Orkney

Neolithic Orkney
Photo by Els Slots.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney refers to a group of large Neolithic ceremonial monuments found in a harsh physical environment.

The structures were built from 3000 to 2000 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests that they were important social and religious centres of a farming culture. Three sites are located close to each other: Maeshowe (a burial mound with an interior passage and chambers, holding more than thirty runic inscriptions), the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar (a series of tall stones forming a circle of 104m diameter). The fourth site, the neolithic village of Skara Brae, is a well-preserved settlement composed of stone-built houses.

Community Perspective: The four sites are well-covered by Clyde and Ilya, and Caspar visited some more neolithic remains on the Orkneys. Els has described the difficulties of getting there on public transport, you may end up walking (as Nan did). Solivagant did it as a 1-day return coach tour from John O’Groats. Don’t underestimate the popularity of this area in the high season (so book accommodation etc. well in advance).

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Nikko

Nikko
Photo by Carlo Sarion.

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are a traditional Japanese religious centre with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples harmoniously integrated in their natural surroundings.

The richly decorated buildings originate from the 17th century and form a perfect illustration of the Edo style of architecture. They lie in the forest and on mountain slopes, both of which hold sacred meaning in the Shinto belief.

Community Perspective: An easy day trip from Tokyo, but count on spending the whole day here as it is a highlight of Japan for most. Hubert has well-described a selection of the shrines you'll see.

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Peninsula Valdes

Peninsula Valdes
Photo by Els Slots.

Península Valdés comprises the most important breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale and is the habitat of several other marine mammals.

Only 11 kms wide, the narrow Valdes Peninsula has a dynamic coastal zone with active sand dunes and numerous cliffs, bays and lagoons. Over 1,500 Southern Right Whales visit its waters yearly to breed, and the area is essential for their conservation. It also is home to elephant seals, sea lions, orcas and penguins.

Community Perspective: Try to arrive “in season” to see the whales, elephant seals and orcas, as highlighted by Solivagant. Whale-watching tours are organized from the town of Puerto Pirámides, and more general tours of the peninsula’s wildlife from Puerto Madryn as well. You can also self-drive in the park, as described by Timonator.

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Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
Photo by Zos M..

The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river.

The river winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The park also contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important old-growth forests in Asia.

Community Perspective: a very popular site with Filipinos, so you will be among the masses. “Key to appreciating this site is to have to good guide who can explain everything well; otherwise, it will just be one ordinary cave trip like others elsewhere.”

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Robben Island

Robben Island
Photo by Els Slots.

Robben Island has become a symbol of the way in which democracy and freedom triumphed over oppression and racism.

Robben Island, an island in Table Bay 12 km off the coast from Cape Town, has been used to isolate certain people since the end of the 17th century. From 1836 to 1931 the island was used as a leper colony and in the 20th century it became infamous as a gaol for political prisoners under Apartheid. Most of the remaining buildings reflect the late 20th-century maximum security prison for political prisoners.

Community Perspective: the obligatory tours to visit the island and its anti-Apartheid heritage get mixed reviews - the groups are large and there is no freedom to venture out on your own for a bit, but to most, it is still a moving visit.

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Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion
Photo by Els Slots.

The Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion is a historic vineyard landscape that is still in use.

The Romans introduced viticulture here, and the industry further developed during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. From the latter period, impressive “chateaux” remained as well as villages with modest stone houses for the workers. Further historic monuments included the Pierrefitte menhir and the Monolithic Church and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Emillion.

Community Perspective: St. Emilion is a pleasant town to visit, however very touristy. They even have a small tourist train that provides a glimpse of the vineyard landscape. Ian checked out some of its vineyards that produce high-quality red wines and their chateaux.

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Sammallahdenmäki

Sammallahdenmäki
Photo by Hubert.

The Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki is an outstanding example of Scandinavia’s Bronze Age society and its funerary practices.

The site consists of 33 stone cairns in several clusters. They were made of granite boulders that were quarried locally. It dates from ca. 1500-500 BCE. Two of the most spectacular burial cairns are the quadrangular "Church Floor" and the dike-like "Long Ruin of Huilu". The cairns may relate to rituals of sun worship.

Community Perspective: “just piles of stones” to some, but they lie in a quiet and atmospheric spot and you’ll find yourself traipsing through a moss-covered forest floor. It needs a 4km walk to reach by public transport. There are also guided tours on Thursdays in the short summer season.

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San Cristobal de La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna
Photo by Els Slots.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the first non-fortified Spanish colonial town, and its grid layout provided the model for many colonial towns in the Americas.

Founded in the late 15th century, it was built "ex novo" and was meant as colonial appropriation of the territory. The city comprises two distinct parts – the Upper Town and the Lower Town. The area contains several churches, the Dominican Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena, and private residences.

Community Perspective: The pleasant small city is worth visiting while on Tenerife, although it isn’t in the same league as its Latin American counterparts. It is dominated by colonial buildings from the 16th to 18th Century, beautiful churches, traditional Canarian houses with open courtyards and wooden balconies, and small squares framed by palm trees.

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Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca

Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is an example of an inland colonial town, founded by the Spanish in 1577.

The town was established to support the agricultural development of the area. It is located in the Andean highlands at about 2500m above sea level, in a strategic position between Quito and Lima. Cuenca was laid out according to a strict grid. Notable monuments include the New Cathedral, Old Cathedral, Carmelite Monastery, and Church of Santo Domingo. In the outskirts lies the archaeological site of Pumapungo, built in the 15th century by the native Inca-Canari community.

Community Perspective: The New Cathedral is the city’s main landmark, and it is worth going out to the ruins of Pumapungo. The center is easily walkable.

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Sighisoara

Sighisoara
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Sighisoara is a well-preserved small medieval city built by Saxon settlers.

The fortified city was strategically placed on a hill as protection against Tatars and other invaders from the steppes in the East. The city played an important commercial role due to its guilds of craftsmen and its position on the trade routes between Central Europe and the Ottoman Empire.

Community Perspective: the city, centering around the citadel, is easily explored on foot. The Clock Tower is considered a highlight (and Dracula’s house, if you’re into that).

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Sukur

Sukur
Photo by sukur.info.

The Sukur Cultural Landscape comprises a hilltop settlement that has survived unchanged for centuries.

The landscape includes the dry stone palace of the Hidi, the head of the community. On the lower ground lie villages with mud-walled houses, wells and terraced agricultural fields that also have ritual use. Remains of iron smelting furnaces have been preserved too.

Community Perspective: The site lies in the far northeast of Nigeria, in an area coloured red in most travel advisories due to Boko Haram terrorist activity, and is rarely visited by non-locals.

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Vigan

Vigan
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Town of Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia, tempered by Chinese, Ilocano and Filipino influences.

Vigan was founded as a trading town in 1572. Its town plan is of the traditional Hispanic checkerboard type. Most of the existing two-storey structures were built in the 18th-19th centuries when the town centre was settled by affluent families of mixed Chinese-Ilocano origin who conducted their businesses from their houses.

Community Perspective: Vigan is quite a remarkable oasis in a country where not many historic buildings are left, after centuries of earthquakes, fires and WWII. Get away from the main tourist street Calle Crisologo and enjoy the old houses with their Filipino/Chinese touches.

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Villa Adriana (Tivoli)

Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
Photo by Els Slots.

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) comprises the remains of the retreat of the well-travelled and erudite Roman Emperor Hadrian.

The palatial complex comprises some 30 buildings, designed in the architectural traditions of Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, and brought together into an ‘ideal city’. Its monuments also inspired architects from the Renaissance, Baroque and even later periods.

Community Perspective: It’s a vast complex, one can easily spend 2-3 hours here. It is not visited often compared to other Ancient Roman sites. “Pleasant, but rather forgettable” seems to summarize the general opinion, although it became Frédéric’s favourite of the three Villas in Tivoli (which he managed to all visit in one day on public transport).

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Viñales Valley

Viñales Valley
Photo by Els Slots.

Viñales Valley is a living cultural landscape where traditional agriculture is practiced.

The karst landscape holds fertile soil and a favourable climate, and farming started here in the 17th century. It got a boost in the 1860s because of the rise in tobacco cultivation, which still is the main crop. Tobacco production still is done via traditional, non-mechanical methods.

Community Perspective: it’s a rural area in a visually interesting setting. There are tobacco farms open to tourists where you can watch the process of growing this product.

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Wartburg Castle

Wartburg Castle
Photo by Nan.

Wartburg Castle represents the feudal period in Central Europe and is associated with a number of historic events.

Located on a hilltop and surrounded by forests, this “ideal castle” took shape in the late 12th century but was transformed to the current layout during 19th-century reconstructions. The Castle's history has been coloured by theological and artistic highlights rather than for military reasons. It was the home of St. Elisabeth of Hungary, the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible into German, and the site of the Wartburg festival of 1817.

Community Perspective: The impressive exterior stands out for its use of different styles and materials. A guided tour of the interior is worthwhile too, especially to see the ornate Festival Hall, the Ladies' Chamber and Martin Luther’s room. Brush up on your German because English and self-guided audio tours are not frequently available.

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Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus
Orekhovsky waterfall in Sochi, Photo in Public Domain.

The Western Caucasus is one of only two large mountain areas in Europe that has not experienced significant human impact.

Its habitats are exceptionally varied for such a small area, ranging from lowlands to glaciers. It’s also a centre of plant diversity. Fauna includes wolf, bear, lynx, wild boar and the reintroduced European bison.

Community Perspective: Iain managed to enter two of the included parks, but did not get far. Martina visited the same two and recommended Adygea for a good local experience. The most accessible component lies near Sochi, and Alexander seems to have found the easiest way in.

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Wooden Churches of Maramures

Wooden Churches of Maramures
Photo by Els Slots.

The Wooden Churches of Maramureş are examples of vernacular timber architecture.

The eight churches were (re)built in the 18th and 19th centuries after the last great Tatar invasions ended in 1717. They were a response to a Hungarian prohibition against stone Orthodox churches. The small churches are built from thick logs and are painted with rather 'naïve' Biblical scenes inside. The most characteristic features are the narrow, tall clock towers above the entrance.

Community Perspective: these churches require a scavenger hunt to reach them, but that is part of the fun in this Romanian backwater. Some can be done without your own car as well, as testified by John and Nan.

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Xochicalco

Xochicalco
Photo by Els Slots.

The Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco comprises a pre-Hispanic fortified city from the transitional Epiclassic Period.

The newer societies after the fall of Teotihuacán, Palenque and Tikal were much more militaristic and their cities were usually located in elevated defensive positions. Xochicalco is a well-preserved example of such a fortified settlement based on terraces, retaining walls and ramps. The buildings show cultural influences from various Mesoamerican regions.

Community Perspective: The site is quite spread out and needs about 2 hours to visit. It has a fine hilltop setting with the Pyramid of the Feather Serpent as its highlight. Nan and Frédéric have provided instructions for those who may wish to visit on a public bus.

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Extended Sites in 1999

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.

George Vaughan Wales - 01-May-05

Butrinti is an extensive site covering most periods of Albanian and Balkan history - with the merciful exception of the 20th century. Many of the ruins are very striking but, because one is looking at an early Christian basilica one moment and maybe remains of fortifications built by an early 19th century local warlord the next, mental orientation can be quite difficult at times and a guide is particularly useful. If travelling independently, an excellently-produced guide-book is available but it may not be on sale at the site - this is Albania, after all - although it should be in the nearby town of Saranda. What is easy to appreciate, however, is the glorious siting of Butrinti, almost surrounded by a lake and against a mountain backdrop.

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Ferrara

Ferrara
Photo by Els Slots.

Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta are the first examples of Italian Renaissance town planning and its influence on the landscape.

In the late 15th century, the plan of the medieval city was redesigned and extended based on a complex urban plan on the orders of the ruling Duke Ercole d'Este I. Ferrara at that time grew into a cultural center, renowned for music as well as for visual arts. The Este family also carried out extensive land reclamation and building projects in the Po Delta, culminating in a network of noble residences.

Community Perspective: Ferrara has a certain charm, and it’s a university town so there is liveliness. Highlights here include the Palazzo Diamanti, the smaller Palazzo Marfisa d'Este, and the frescoes of the Palazzo Schifanoia. You can also cycle on the city wall. Some elements of the included Po Delta have been described by John.

Graeme Ramshaw - 01-May-05

Ferrara

Spent a pleasant midday strolling around the Renaissance city of Ferrara. Really enjoyed the unusual cathedral (pictured) and the frescoes of the Palazzo Schifanoia. Most striking, however, is the city-planning: from the winding alleyways of the medieval old town to the grid-like streets of the Renaissance-era Herculanean Addition. Throw in some fantastic parks and impressive architecture and Ferrara makes a wonderful day trip for those in the Emilia-Romagna region.

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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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Pyrénées - Mont Perdu

Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
Photo by Els Slots.

Pyrénées - Mont Perdu is a visually dramatic mountain landscape shaped by a pastoral transhumance system.

The protected area centered around the peak of Mont Perdu lies at the tectonic collision point of the Iberian and West European plates. The calcareous massif has several important geological, scenic and botanical values. A centuries-old transhumant system of grazing also continues within the area with frequent movement of herds across the French-Spanish border.

Community Perspective: On the Spanish side, the Ordesa Valley is the best suited for a visit and offers good hiking. The French side offers the Cirque de Gavarnie (you can even ski here!).

John booth New Zealand - 29-Apr-10

Pyrénées - Mont Perdu

The scenery in the Ordesa Valley I found reminiscent of that of Yosemite: high rock walls with numerous waterfalls. I reached the park by travelling by bus from Sabananigo (on the Jaca to Zaragoza rail line) to the attractive village of Torla. After paying the 4.50 euros to enter the Ordesa National Park I boarded the free bus that stopped first at the visitor centre at the entrance to the park, then at the Pradera car park inside the park. This is the starting point for a number of walking tracks around the park. By following the Rio Arazas to the WHS plaque I reached the view of Mount Perdido.

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Villages with Fortified Churches

Villages with Fortified Churches
Photo by Els Slots.

The Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania are examples of defensive vernacular architecture made by Saxons and Szeklers.

Southern Transylvanian villages were often organised around a fortified church, to protect them from invading Mongols and Turks. This type of village was introduced by Saxon settlers and later spread to neighbouring Szekler communities. The homogenous settlements date from the 13th to the 16th century and have preserved their original layout.

Community Perspective: the Churches are the main attraction, and the ones in Viscri and Biertan are the most rewarding to visit.

Solivagant UK - 15-Jun-05

Villages with Fortified Churches

This site is strictly described as “Villages with fortified Churches” rather than purely the churches themselves. In all honesty the Churches are the main attraction although some of the villages possess a rural charm. The Fortified Churches of Transylvania are not as impressive in my opinion as the Painted Churches of Bucovina but are still well worth seeking out whilst you are in the area seeing the WHS town of Sighisoara and the Dacian Fortresses of the Orastie Mountains. (This is a great “hot spot” area for WHS! In fact Romania as a whole is greatly undervalued I feel as European destination which is full of interest and, apart from the Danube Delta possibly, its 7 WHS are relatively easily accessible).

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