New Inscriptions in 2000

The 2000 WHC Session added 61 Sites bringing the total to 689.

Arequipa

Arequipa
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of the City of Arequipa is one of the most interesting examples of Latin American architecture and town planning.

Frequent earthquakes, the abundant presence of volcanic rock, known as silla, and the city’s geographical isolation lead to the development of a distinct local architecture. It is characterized by the robustness of its walls, extensive use of archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces and baroque decoration of the facades. The artistic designs show the integration of European and native characteristics, resulting in some of the best mestizo Baroque buildings in the world.

Community Perspective: The convent of Santa Catalina and the ornate facade of La Compania are the highlights, but it is a pleasant city overall with a harmonious appearance.

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Assisi

Assisi
Photo by Els Slots.

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites comprise a hill town and sanctuary, from where the Franciscan movement spread across the world from the 13th century.

Assisi was the birthplace of Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order. The medieval town holds many Franciscan religious buildings, of which the Basilica of San Francesco is renowned for its art - notably paintings by Cimabue and Giotto.

Community Perspective: Visited by both pilgrims and tourists in large numbers, they come here as much for the religious relics as for the picturesque setting and the aperol spritz. The San Francesco Basilica with its fine frescoes and paintings is the one building interior not to miss. Matejicek has highlighted some of the other included Franciscan sites.

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Atapuerca

Atapuerca
Photo by Els Slots.

The Archaeological Site of Atapuerca is where fossils and stone tools of the earliest known hominids in Europe were found.

The Sierra de Atapuerca, an ancient karstic region, contains several caves that were inhabited from 1 million years ago. Several remains of the Homo heidelbergensis were found here, the predecessor to the Neanderthal. People from the Neolithic and Bronze Age also left paintings and engravings on the cave walls.

Community Perspective: Solivagant has explained the confusing ways of access. Clyde discovered a walking trail, an easy way to see something without having to succumb to a guided tour that is only given in Spanish.

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Bardejov Town

Bardejov Town
Photo by Els Slots.

Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve is an intact example of a medieval town that was located on a major Central European trade route.

The fortified town which has preserved its city walls for a substantial part has kept its late medieval urban layout. Landmark sights include the Gothic St. Egidius Church, the Town Hall and the dozens of Burghers' houses that adorn the central square on three sides. The small 18th-century Jewish quarter with its Great Synagogue and a unique set of surviving buildings is also included.

Community Perspective: The inscribed area is rather small and its medieval core is well-restored (although the Jewish quarter seemed to have gotten less attention, as was Hubert's experience in 2015). Overall it doesn’t take much time to visit and there are no unmissable highlights.

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Bellinzone

Bellinzone
Photo by Els Slots.

The Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-town of Bellinzone are the well-preserved remnants of a defensive stronghold guarding a main pass in the Alps.

The earliest constructions that have survived date from the ca. the 10th century. During the remainder of the Middle Ages, the fortifications and town expanded. It includes the castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro.

Community Perspective: An area of great views. Especially Castelgrande feels overly restored, so Montebello is most people’s favourite.

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Blaenavon Industrial Landscape

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
Photo by Nan.

The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape resulted from the early production of iron and coal in its mines and ironworks, which were driving forces of the Industrial Revolution.

This area in South Wales shows a remarkably complete example of a late 18th and  19th century industrial complex, that included mines, manufacturing, methods of transport (railway, canal), and housing for the workers. The Big Pit (1880), a deep coal mine, has remained in use until 1980.

Community Perspective: The Big Pit underground tour is the main attraction here. Blaenavon Ironworks is also worth visiting. Be aware that the site can be hard to access on public transport on Sundays and that severe weather conditions can lead to the closure of the Big Pit.

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Brugge

Brugge
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Historic Centre of Brugge represents a medieval town built mostly in brick Gothic, which also was the birthplace of the Flemish Primitives painting school.

From the 13th-15th centuries, Brugge was a thriving international trading center due to the production of cloth and the presence of a Hansean warehouse. Numerous Gothic buildings and churches were built. The patronage of the arts supported the works of the Flemish Primitives such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.

Community Perspective: The medieval centre is well-preserved and the Belfort offers some of the best views over the city. A boat trip through the canals is also worth it. The ambiance of the town is magnified in the early morning and late evening hours when all of the day-trippers have left for the day and you can wander the streets by yourself.

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Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik

Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik
Photo by Els Slots.

The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik shows a blend of Gothic and Renaissance church architecture.

The cathedral was built in three phases between 1431 and 1535. Its style started out as Venetian Gothic, but was turned to Renaissance by the two later architects. These were also responsible for the characteristic sculptures. Only slabs of stone from the island of Brac were used, even for the dome where stone wedges held the tiles in place.

Community Perspective: It has its own special charm: the location close to the shore, the bright white of the facade, and the 74 small sculptured heads that represent eminent Sibenik citizens that adorn the exterior.

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Central Amazon Conservation Complex

Central Amazon Conservation Complex
Photo by Michael Ayers.

The Central Amazon Conservation Complex comprises four nature reserves which together represent the most important ecosystems of the Amazon.

These include várzea and igapó forests, which are seasonally flooded by silty river water, and blackwater rivers, which slowly flow through forested swamps or wetlands. Furthermore, Anavilhanas is the second-largest river archipelago in the world with some 400 islands. The area is also known for its fish such as the giant Arapaima, many plant species, and endemic birds.

Community Perspective: the easiest to reach (but possibly also the least rewarding) of the four components is Anavilhanas, which can be done on a day trip from Manaus. Els covered Mamiraua, João Jaú NP, and Amana Reserve so far is unreviewed.

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Central Suriname Nature Reserve

Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Photo by Michael Ayers.

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers an immense area of pristine tropical forest in the Guayana Shield.

The reserve is one of the very few undisturbed forest areas left in the Amazonian region with no inhabitants and no human use. Located at the upper watershed of the Coppename River, it contains areas of swamp forest and savannah. Typical granite inselbergs rise above the forest canopy. Globally rare fauna species found here include the Cock-of-the Rock, the Harpy Eagle, Jaguar, Giant Armadillo and Giant Otter.

Community Perspective: The reserve is serviced by organized multi-day tours from Paramaribo – a more independent visit will be tough. Geert and Michael each have described such a tour. Finding the wildlife in such a vast area isn’t easy, but Michael made the extra effort to see the cool Guianan Cock-of-the-Rocks.

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Churches of Chiloé

Churches of Chiloé
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Churches of Chiloé are outstanding examples of the mestizo culture that resulted from Jesuit missionary activities.

Groups of missionaries would travel around the islands of the Chiloé archipelago. In each zone, they would build a church, looked after by local laymen for the rest of the year. This tradition was started by the Jesuits in 1608 and later continued by the Franciscans. European and indigenous cultural traditions were combined to create this unique form of wooden architecture.

Community Perspective: these churches are a great excuse to visit the beautiful surroundings of Chiloé and taste its excellent seafood. Nan visited 7 of them on public transport, Allan tackled 11 by rental car. Timonator (14/16) found out that they only have regular opening hours in January and February – the rest of the year you have to look for someone with a key.

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Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
Photo by Solivagant.

The Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas (University of Caracas) is an outstanding example of the Modern Movement in architecture.

The University Campus was constructed between 1940 and 1960 by the Venezuelan architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva. He used the latest avant-garde ideas in architecture and spatial elements from Venezuelan colonial architecture suited to the tropical climate to create an open and ventilated solution. The complex also includes masterpieces of visual arts, like the "Clouds" of Alexander Calder.

Community Perspective: the campus is easily accessible by metro, and despite all the concrete a visit is interesting enough to see location-specific solutions such as “passages allowing students to walk in shadow during sunny days”. Solivagant ponders the University’s merits as a WHS.

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Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit
Photo by Els Slots.

The Curonian Spit is a narrow sand dune peninsula, preserved from erosion through human efforts since the 19th century.

After earlier settlements were buried by encroaching sand that came to the surface due to logging, the Great Dune Ridge that shapes this land was reinforced with trees and shrubs to prevent it from moving inland. The peninsula still is home to small Curonian lagoon fishing communities and there are archaeological sites such as buried villages to be found.

Community Perspective: most reviewers covered the Lithuanian side: Clyde hiked through the reserve, Jakob did it by bike, and Nan describes the area’s German links. Jarek visited it from the Russian side, which has a pine forest and a bird observation station.

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Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs

Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs
Photo by Els Slots.

The Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae) shows distinctive architecture and impressive murals depicting Christian themes.

These funerary monuments date from the Late Roman Empire when Pécs (then named Sopianae) was an important city in the Roman province of Pannonia. Among them are burial chambers, chapels and a mausoleum. Typical for the site is the two-storey building, with an above-ground chapel and a subterranean burial chamber. Some of these include murals.

Community Perspective: Pecs is a worthwhile destination in itself, and one can easily spend an hour or two checking out these Early Christian monuments. The main site, Cella Septichora, has a visitor center (which, like the underground mausoleum, is closed on Mondays).

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Echmiatsin and Zvartnots

Echmiatsin and Zvartnots
Photo by Els Slots.

The Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots bear witness to the development of Christianity in Armenia.

They are also prime examples of Armenian church design, characterized by its central-domed cross-hall layout. Echmiatsin is the center of the Armenian Church and holds the Echmiatsin Cathedral, the most ancient church in Armenia (301), as well as other 7th-century churches. Zvartnots was built to surpass the Echmiatsin Cathedral in grandeur: it was exceptionally high for its time and covered in bas relief.

Community Perspective: Despite their importance, these are quite sober churches and one can only guess at the former beauty of Zvartnots as it’s ruined like an Ancient Greek temple. They are easily visited on the way to or from Yerevan or its airport.

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Ferapontov Monastery

Ferapontov Monastery
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery is a Russian-Orthodox monastic complex whose interior is considered one of the purest examples of Russian medieval art.

The monastery was built in the Rostov architectural style and blends in with the surrounding landscape. The wall paintings were made by Dionisy the Wise, the greatest Russian artist of the end of the 15th century, and are the only examples of his work remaining in full.

Community Perspective: The setting of the monastery is very picturesque and the frescoes are well-preserved. It is a bit hard to reach by public transport, but you can do so via taking a bus from Vologda (Wojciech) or joining a Russian day tour (Martina).

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First Coffee Plantations

First Coffee Plantations
Photo in the Public Domain.

The Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba forms a unique testimony of agricultural exploitation for coffee production.

The remains of 171 historic coffee plantations are located in the mountain valleys of the Sierra Maestra. They were established in the 19th and early 20th century, by French colonial plantation owners who had fled Haiti after independence.

Community Perspective: from Santiago de Cuba, the most accessible seems to be La Isabelica which has been visited by all reviewers so far.

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Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz

Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
Photo by Christoph.

The Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz is a series of landscape parks developed in the spirit of the Age of the Enlightenment.

Inspired by trips abroad (Italy, England), Prince Leopold III Friedrich Franz of Anhalt-Dessau and his friend Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff were the first to introduce landscape gardening to continental Europe. It took 40 years to complete the extensive landscape. The result served not only aesthetic purposes but also educational and economic goals.

Community Perspective: Wörlitz Park is considered the best among the inscribed series of gardens and landscape features. FK has provided a nice overview of all components. Overall, urban sprawling and the Autobahn distract a lot from what might have existed in the past.

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Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen

Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen
Photo by Els Slots.

The Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites comprise dense groups of megalithic funerary and ritual monuments.

The dolmens, usually two or more undressed stone slabs supporting a huge capstone, were Neolithic and Bronze Age burial chambers. These sites hold the most diversified examples worldwide. The surrounding areas have provided evidence of how the stones were quarried, transported and raised and generally about the prehistoric people who built them.

Community Perspective: The large dolmens at Ganghwa Island are often visited as they lie close to Seoul. Clyde has explained how to get there on public transport. Kyle and GabLabCebu have described the cluster in Gochang, which has the largest concentration of dolmens perhaps anywhere in the world, and Philipp added Hwasun.

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Greater Blue Mountains

Greater Blue Mountains
Photo by Els Slots.

The Greater Blue Mountains Area is a sandstone plateau that holds a high diversity of eucalypts, representing all four existing groups.

It is an area of rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep, inaccessible valleys and swamps. It also contains ancient, relict species of global significance such as the recently discovered Wollemi pine, a 'living fossil' dating back to the age of the dinosaurs. Notable fauna includes platypus and echidna.

Community Perspective: They’re an easy day trip from Sydney (there’s a direct train to Katoomba) and hiking is the main thing to do. Nan visited on a particularly smoky occasion…

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Gunung Mulu

Gunung Mulu
Photo by Frederik Dawson.

Gunung Mulu National Park is renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity and its karst features that hold some of the largest cave systems in the world.

The Sarawak Chamber is one of the largest in the world, the Deer Cave is the largest cave passage and the Clearwater Cave System is the longest mapped cave in Asia. Deer Cave also has one of the largest colonies in the world of free-tailed bats. All caves are rich in specific cave fauna and feature fine examples of speleothems and other karst features. The park is also rich in flora species with a high percentage in endemism.

Community Perspective: located in a remote part of Malaysian Sarawak and realistically only accessible by plane, this outstandingly managed park (the visitor experience has improved a lot since 2010) warrants a visit of at least 3 days. You can take part in a variety of guided (cave) tours and watch the spectacular Exodus of the Bats. Be aware that afternoons often are rained out.

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Gusuku of Ryukyu

Gusuku of Ryukyu
Photo by Els Slots.

The Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu are a group of nine stone monuments and archeological sites on the island of Okinawa.

They are the remains of the ancient Ryukyu kingdom, which flourished between 1429 and 1609. The “Gusuku” were walled compounds, which evolved into forts and castles of local chieftains. They were both political and religious centres. Some are still used for traditional religious rituals such as nature worship. The unique Ryukyu culture was heavily influenced by the economic and cultural interchange with Japan, China, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Community Perspective: A good excuse to come to Okinawa, you’ll find a different version of Japan. It is also a must for anybody interested in visiting castles or even haunted places. Four of the components are located in the capital Nara, so they are easy to access. Randi has described the ones in northern Okinawa.

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Gyeongju

Gyeongju
Photo by Els Slots.

Gyeongju Historic Areas, comprising the former capital of the Silla Kingdom, is a repository of ancient Buddhist and secular treasures.

Numerous statues, reliefs, pagodas, the remains of temples and palaces, royal tombs and even an ancient astronomical observatory have been preserved in and around Gyeongju. They date from the Kingdom’s flowering period of the 7th - 10th centuries.

Community Perspective: Most find the sights overrated, except for the cute Cheomsongdae Observatory. Clyde has visited all (sub)locations and GabLabCebu highlights Mt. Namsan.

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High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago
Photo by Els Slots.

The High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago shows outstanding examples of geological processes caused by glaciation.

Historical Ice Ages have shaped the landscape of these two components on opposite sides of the Gulf of Bothnia. The High Coast is important for research on isostasy, in which the land rises as the weight of the melting glaciers is lifted. This is a still continuing process that leads to the emergence of new islands and lakes. Kvarken features unusual moraine ridges (“De Geer moraines") that were formed when boulders and stones were pushed to the edge of the melting continental ice sheet.

Community Perspective: the site provides excellent views if you get to a higher viewpoint and enjoyable hiking. The area is good for birding as well. Finnish Kvarken has been covered by John (cruising) and Els (driving+hiking), while the Swedish High Coast was done by John (cruising), Clyde (driving+hiking) and Nan (public transport+hiking).

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Holy Trinity Column

Holy Trinity Column
Photo by Els Slots.

The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is a demonstration of Central European religious faith and Baroque artistic expression.

The 35m high column is the most splendid example of a Baroque column construction craze all over Central Europe, which started out with Plague columns decorating many town centres in the 17th century and later turned to Trinity columns. Its construction started in 1717. It is the work of the master stonemason Václav Render, who designed it and mostly paid for it himself, with further sculptural decoration added by Andreas Zahner.

Community Perspective: Impressive for its sheer size and a good excuse to visit the town of Olomouc. The sculptures are especially fine. Matejicek has placed its history into perspective.

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Imperial Tombs

Imperial Tombs
Photo by Els Slots.

The Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are examples of funerary architecture built on the principles of feng shui.

These impressive mausolea were built over the course of five centuries, not only as places to rest the dead but also to accommodate royal ceremonies and to impress. The works combine the architectural arts of the Han and Manchu civilizations.

Community Perspective: After two extensions, this site geographically has strayed far from the well-known Ming Tombs near Beijing (which are usually part of a combination tour with the Great Wall, and where you’ll be “given a dull tour of a few reconstructed buildings”). Zos visited remote Ming Xian Ling in Zhongxiang.

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Ischigualasto / Talampaya

Ischigualasto / Talampaya
Photo by Els Slots.

The Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks protect geological formations of the Triassic Period where the evolution of vertebrate life can be witnessed.

These contiguous parks are rich in diversity of both plant and vertebrate fossils of the entire Triassic Period, when dinosaurs and mammals came into existence. Some of the oldest known dinosaur remains were found in this location, which makes it one of the most important palaeontological sites in the world.

Community Perspective: The sites are best reached from the town of La Rioja, although they still are 200km away. Count on a very full day of travel to visit them both. Michael has described how to reach Talampaya on public transport; for Ischigualasto you need a car. At both locations guided tours are conducted in an orderly fashion, but ”you need to really love rock formations and hard to see petroglyphs to get much out of it”. Read Frederic's tale to understand how weather-dependent a visit is.

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Island of Saint-Louis

Island of Saint-Louis
Photo by Luis Filipe Gaspar.

The Island of Saint-Louis holds a characteristic French colonial city and oceanic port.

Saint-Louis was the capital of the French colony of Senegal from 1673 until independence in 1960. It has preserved its colonial architecture with magnificent residences, along with its regular town plan. The site also includes the 19th-century Faidherbe Bridge.

Community Perspective: The overall impression of Saint-Louis isn’t a good one (rubbish everywhere, including in the water), but there are some fine buildings in the center.

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Isole Eolie

Isole Eolie
Photo by Els Slots.

The Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) consists of seven islands off the northern coast of Sicily that are known for their worth for the study of volcanology.

Especially Vulcano and Stromboli stand out, as both have lent their names to types of eruptions (Vulcanian and Strombolian). The Aeolian Islands are also among the earliest studied for their volcanic features, which started in the 18th century

Community Perspective: Almost all reviewers so far have visited the island of Vulcano, which is accessible by ferry from Milazzo. Its volcanic crater can be climbed easily and the smell of sulphur will stay with you. Tsunami has covered Lipari and Stromboli. 

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Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba

Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba
Photo by Els Slots.

The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba comprise complementing urban and rural settlements that were developed by the Society of Jesus as part of their missionary activities.

In Córdoba proper, the Jesuits were allocated one of the blocks in the checkerboard plan of the city, where they built a university (Colégio Maximo), a college and a church that also held the Jesuit political/administrative bodies. The rural estancias, supported by complex hydraulic systems and worked by indigenous farmers and African slave labourers, were to provide the necessary resources through farming and textile production.

Community Perspective: Using Cordoba as a base, the estancias can be reached by adding one or two day trips by bus or car. Read Timonator’s review for the most recent info.

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Kazan Kremlin

Kazan Kremlin
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin is the chief historic citadel of Tatarstan which shows historical continuity and cultural diversity.

A fortified Islamic settlement since the 10th century, it was further developed in the next centuries until being conquered by Ivan the Terrible who turned it into the Christian See of the region. The Kremlin includes several religious, political and administrative buildings in a fusion of Tatar and Russian architectural styles.

Community Perspective: Kazan is a handsome city with plenty of interest (and controversy, as Solivagant explains). The place has become much more tourist-friendly since about 2016, as is reflected in the reviews. Notable sights include the 16th-century Annunciation Cathedral, the leaning Söyembikä Tower and the 21st-century Qolşärif Mosque.

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Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park
Photo by Els Slots.

Kinabalu Park comprises an array of flora-rich ecosystems across different altitudes and diverse geology.

The park is dominated by Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia at 4,095 meters. It is known for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species. It is also home to a multitude of endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech and Kinabalu Giant Earthworm.

Community Perspective: the site seems under-reviewed though it is visited regularly. Els describes a disappointing day trip, while birder Frédéric enjoyed himself better across two days. Both visits were restricted to the bottom of the mountain. Nafis was the first one to describe a climb of the mountain.

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Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle
Photo by Els Slots.

Kronborg Castle is a Renaissance castle built at a strategic position between the North Sea and the Baltic.

Located at a narrow stretch of water called the Sound, it allowed Denmark to control the passage into the Baltic Sea and extract a toll from the passing ships. Kronborg was a combination of a fortress and a richly decorated palace-castle. The current castle dates from 1574, but had to be almost fully reconstructed due to a fire in 1629.

Community Perspective: To most reviewers, it is “fairly typical of European palaces”. Solivagant zooms in on the castle’s Shakespearean links and Astraftis highlights its Renaissance features.

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Land of Frankincense

Land of Frankincense
Photo by Els Slots.

The Land of Frankincense includes frankincense trees, the remains of a caravan oasis and two ports, which were crucial to the incense trade.

Frankincense was one of the most luxurious trade items in Antiquity and its production and trade flourished in this region for centuries. The products from Wadi Dawka were transported to the fortified ports of Khor Rori and Al Baleed and the desert outpost of Shisr. Al Baleed was a stop along the ´Silk Road to the Sea´. Frankincense is still harvested in Wadi Dawka.

Community Perspective: these sites lie in the far south of Oman, so require a domestic flight to Salalah or a 1,050km drive through the desert to reach from Muscat. Visiting them all will take several days by rental car.

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Loire Valley

Loire Valley
Photo by Els Slots.

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a cultural landscape symbolic of human interaction with a major river.

It comprises historic towns and villages, great castles and cultivated lands, on a 200km long thin stretch along the river. The manmade features mainly trace back to the Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment. They include historic towns such as Blois, Orléans and Tours, and the Castle of Chambord, one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world.

Community Perspective: The area can be best explored by (rental) car, though John and Nan found buses and trains to several of its sights as well. The castles of Chenonceaux, Amboise and Chambord and the Fontevraud Abbey are among the highlights.  

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Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes
Photo by Els Slots.

The Longmen Grottoes are caves that hold over 100,000 stone sculptures that are manifestations of Chinese Buddhist art.

The carvings were created after Emperor Xianwen moved the Northern Wei capital to Luoyang in 493, and the tradition continued with the Tang Dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. The site also holds more than 60 stupas and 2,800 inscriptions carved on steles.

Community Perspective: The site’s strength lies in the multitude of Buddhist carvings that are present and the riverside setting. Solivagant recalls his visit in 1978, while Frederik explains the differences between the Northern Wei and Tang art.

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Major Town Houses

Major Town Houses
Photo by Els Slots.

The Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) are pioneering works of art and architecture in the Art Nouveau style.

Belgian architect Horta was one of the most prominent men in the Art Nouveau movement, a radical new decorative style that developed in the late 19th century. Characteristics are the use of industrial materials like steel and iron in the visible parts of houses, new decorations inspired by nature, and decorative façades of houses. The site comprises four buildings: Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and the Maison & Atelier Horta.

Community Perspective: the incredible interiors of these four are mostly “out of bounds for mere mortals”. The most accessible is the Maison & Atelier Horta. The others sometimes open up as well on special occasions or to exclusive group tours. Els describes an exclusive visit to Hôtel Solvay, and Caspar managed to get inside Maison Eetvelde.

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Maloti-Drakensberg Park

Maloti-Drakensberg Park
Photo by Els Slots.

Maloti-Drakensberg Park is renowned for its density of rock art and mountain landscape.

The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountain range in Southern Africa. Its natural beauty derives from the rolling high-altitude grasslands and the pristine steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges. It is an important habitat for plants (Drakensberg Alpine Region of South Africa) and a globally important endemic bird area. The diverse rock art was left behind by the San people who lived in the area for more than four millennia.

Community Perspective: this large area (one can easily spend 3 days) is good for hiking, seeing elands, and viewing the rock art at Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg, Main Cave at Giant’s Castle and Battle Cave at Injasuti. Another highlight is the drive up the Sani Pass to Lesotho.

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Mir Castle

Mir Castle
Photo by Els Slots.

The Mir Castle Complex is a piece of military architecture that reflects the long contentious history of the region.

The 16th-century castle has five towers made of alternating brick and large boulders. Its harmonious design shows Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance cultural influences. The castle was built by the Ilinich family to withstand attacks from the Crimean Tatars. Later it fell into the hands of the Radziwill family, which converted it into a Renaissance-style residential palace.

Community Perspective: the exterior is the most impressive part, although the finalisation of the reconstruction of the castle in 2013 has improved its visitor experience.

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Monastery of Geghard

Monastery of Geghard
Photo by Els Slots.

The Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley are renowned for their influence on Armenian monastic architecture.

The site contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the living rock. The monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. The main complex, situated within a defensive wall, dates from the 13th century and holds churches, chapels, cells for monks to live in, and princely tombs. The monastery had a school and library and was an important center of learning in the Middle Ages.

Community Perspective: An atmospheric site in a delightful deep valley. The buildings stand out for their delicate carvings. Geghard is a popular day trip from Yerevan, both with tourists and pilgrims.

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Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan

Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan
Photo by Els Slots.

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiang Irrigation System comprise the intellectual and spiritual centre of Taoism and an ancient water management system that has survived up to the present day.

In 142 CE, the philosopher Zhang Ling founded the doctrine of Chinese Taoism at Mount Qingcheng. It now holds eleven Taoist temples, constructed in the traditional architecture of western Sichuan. The origins of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System date back to 256 BCE, when a scheme making subtle use of the local topography was set up to counter the devastating flooding caused by the Min River. The original system has been preserved, but modern materials and technology have been utilized to enable it to perform until today.

Community Perspective: Dujiangyan Irrigation System nowadays is set up like a theme park, “a nice place to walk around; [but] the genius design of the irrigation system was hard to appreciate”. Mount Qingcheng is another cable car experience.

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Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes

Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes
Photo by Jonas Kremer.

The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons) comprise a vast underground series of galleries dug into two chalk plateaux.

They testify to the technological capabilities and culture of Neolithic populations. Shafts up to 16m deep were dug to get to the flint, which was used to make tools such as axes. No horizontal network joined the shafts; instead up to 5,000 shafts existed parallel to each other in some spots. The mine network stayed in use for centuries

Community Perspective: this is a WH Community Cult Classic, mostly due to the gradual opening up of the site to tourists, which can be learned from reading the reviews from the oldest to the most recent. Since 2015 there has been a modern visitor center and one can enter one of the shafts by pre-booked guided tour.

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Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park
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The Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, located in the Amazon Basin, is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. 

Ranging in altitude from 200 to 1000m, the park has Cerrado savannah, seasonally flooded forests, wetlands and evergreen rainforests. An estimated 4,000 species of flora as well as over 600 bird species and viable populations of many globally endangered or threatened vertebrate species live in the park. Among these are the giant otter, giant anteater, hyacinth macaw, giant armadillo, pink river dolphin, maned wolf, marsh and pampas deer.

Community Perspective: this site has not been reviewed yet. It has been virtually inaccessible for decades due to neglect and the production of illegal drugs. An update (2023) on the current possibilities can be found here in our Forum

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Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai
Photo by Digits.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai is seen as a precursor of the vast Gothic cathedrals.

The construction of the Cathedral lasted from 1146 until 1325. The building shows both a Romanesque core and Gothic elements, such as the choir, which were added later on. Its size is a result of the technological progress that was made during this era, while the sober decorations are said to be in the Carolingian tradition.

Community Perspective: The Cathedral seems to have been under scaffolding permanently between 2005 and 2017, according to the reviews. As of 2023, the main body of the church is fully visible again but restorations are going on inside.

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Palmeral of Elche

Palmeral of Elche
Photo by Jan-Willem.

The Palmeral of Elche is an oasis-like landscape of date palms, transferred to Europe from North Africa by the Moors.

The artificial oasis was constructed during the Arab occupation of this area in Spain over 1,000 years ago and used well-known techniques from the Near East and the Sahara region to let the palm groves grow. The ancient irrigation system, which is still functioning, has been preserved as well.

Community Perspective: Elche has a 5km long Ruta del Palmeral which strings together the main places of interest such as the Palm Grove Museum, the Municipal Park and the botanical garden Huerto del Cura.

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Pantanal

Pantanal
Photo by Watkinstravel.

The Pantanal Conservation Area is a freshwater wetland ecosystem that seasonally floods.

In the rainy season, the rivers overspill and animals congregate at the remaining patches of dry land. The largest mammals migrate from the plain to the higher regions of the Amolar Mountain chain. Wildlife here includes a healthy jaguar population, plus marsh deer, giant anteater, capybara, and giant otter. Also, 650 species of birds have been recorded here.

Community Perspective: Be aware that the designated area covers only a small part of the wider region called Pantanal. It consists of Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, Dorochê Private Reserve, Acurizal Private Reserve, and Penha Private Reserve. We are looking forward to a more recent (>2004) and precise review, although the region’s flagship species such as tapir, giant otter, capybara and even jaguar can easily be seen in the tourist areas outside the core zone.

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Reichenau

Reichenau
Photo by Els Slots.

The Monastic Island of Reichenau developed around an influential Benedictine Abbey from the Early Middle Ages.

The island holds a group of medieval churches that retain elements of Carolingian, Ottonian, and Salian architecture. The Abbey housed a school, and a scriptorium and an artists' workshop. It reached its apex in the 10th and 11th centuries; with its monumental wall paintings and its production of lavishly illuminated manuscripts, it made a significant contribution to European art of that period.

Community Perspective: You actually have to go and look at three churches (St Mary and Marcus, St Peter and St Paul, and St George), that’s where the 10th-century murals are. St. George (the best) has very limited opening hours and needs a guided visit, so plan your visit accordingly.

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Rietveld Schröderhuis

Rietveld Schröderhuis
Photo by Els Slots.

The Rietveld Schröderhuis is considered an icon of the Modern Movement in architecture.

The house was constructed in 1924 by the famous artist Gerrit Rietveld. It was his first attempt at designing a complete house. He got the assignment from Mrs. Schröder, and together they developed this unique house. It was built according to the architectural principles of the "Stijl"-movement: only the typical colours red, blue and yellow are used, in combination with the non-colours white, grey and black. The furniture inside was also made by Rietveld, in the same style and colours.

Community Perspective: quite expensive to visit (19 EUR in 2023) and incredibly small. But “even if you are not a big devote of Modernist architecture it is worth the time to see inside, the huge amount of ingenious small details are enough to keep most people entertained.” Read Ian’s review for more about De Stijl movement. Recently (2022), they’ve eased visitor conditions by allowing photography and providing access with an audio guide instead of a tour.

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Roman Walls of Lugo

Roman Walls of Lugo
Photo by Els Slots.

The Roman Walls of Lugo are the only complete and intact urban defensive walls surviving anywhere in the former Roman Empire.

Their circumference is 2,117m and the height varies between 8 and 10m. The width of over 4m provides space for a walkway along the top of the walls. Five of the original gates and numerous interval towers are still intact. Lugo, called Lucus Augusti by the Romans, was a regionally important colonial town. The walls were constructed in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE.

Community Perspective: You can do a full loop of the walls by walking on the ramparts. In town, there is the Centro de Interpretación da Muralla de Lugo in Praza do Campo which gives detailed information on the walls' importance.

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Ruins of León Viejo

Ruins of León Viejo
Photo by Els Slots.

The Ruins of León Viejo comprise an archaeological site that holds one of the oldest Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas (1524).

It has been uniquely preserved because it didn't develop further after it had been hit by a volcanic eruption in 1578 and an earthquake in 1610. The ruins have become a valuable source of information about life in the early stages of the Spanish colonial period. It had a simple cathedral, church and convent, and an exact square layout with a plaza located in its center.

Community Perspective: Well-maintained and worth a detour, as long as you keep in mind that the remains are just the rough layouts of the exterior walls/room. You can get here on public transport from the city of Leon as well, see the description by Els.

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Shakhrisyabz

Shakhrisyabz
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz contains fine monuments from the Temurid period.

It was the non-formal capital of the Temurid Empire, the family seat and a city of culture and knowledge. Located in a fertile valley, the town has preserved its original town plan and part of its medieval town walls. The most notable Temurid monuments are the immense Ak-Sarai Palace and the white marble Tomb of Temur.

Community Perspective: It is an easy half-day trip from Samarkand by taxi/car. Shakhrisyabz is not as great as Samarkand or Bukhara, but more “Uzbek” (check out the bazaar!) and much less-visited.

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Southern Öland

Southern Öland
Photo by Els Slots.

The Agricultural Landscape of Southern Öland is a site that has been in agricultural use since prehistory.

One of its main features is the Stora Alvaret, a so-called "limestone pavement", a biological environment based on a limestone plain with thin or no soil. Local farmers have adapted to the circumstances and use it for grazing their livestock. Among the archeological sites are Alby, where excavations have revealed vestiges of wooden huts around a prehistoric lagoon, ringforts at Eketorp, and various Viking settlements.

Community Perspective: Reachable by a bridge from Kalmar on the mainland, Southern Öland also has fine natural features (such as Ottenby Nature Reserve and the savannah-like grass of Stora Alvaret). The overall appearance is a bit similar to the Netherlands with several wooden mills on a flat landscape.

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St. George, Bermuda

St. George, Bermuda
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda is the earliest example of an English colonial town in the New World.

It consists of the Town of St George and fortifications on small islands commanding access to the Town and the harbour. Permanent settlement here began in 1612. The forts are authentic examples of the first defensive works built by early European colonists.

Community Perspective: the town is very quaint and looks a bit like an open-air museum for tourists. The best of the forts is Fort St. Catherine, which houses an interesting museum.

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Stone Town of Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar
Photo by Els Slots.

The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a well-preserved example of a Swahili coastal trading center.

Stone Town's Swahili architecture incorporates elements of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African styles. The houses are particularly noticeable because they have large and ornately carved wooden doors. Stone Town also was a major port for the slave trade, and in the city remains of the last slave market, the house of a slave trader and a monument commemorating the work of David Livingston in abolishing the slave trade can be seen.

Community Perspective: there is not a huge amount ‘to see and do’, but, to quote Squiffy: “beneath the seaport grime the charm of old Zanzibar was very apparent as every aspect revealed crenelated rooftops, arched windows, faded wooden shutters and carved arabesques”.

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Tarraco

Tarraco
Photo by Els Slots.

The Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco reflects the first and oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula.

It first served as a base for the conquest of the interior and then became a provincial capital. The city has been built on three terraces, adapting to its environments, and includes a Forum, Circus, Amphitheatre, villas and other public buildings. Its remains also illustrate the entire Roman period of the town, from the 3rd century BCE to the Early Christian Era and the end of Roman rule.

Community Perspective: Tarragona is an easy day trip from Barcelona. There are no real outstanding sights among its Roman remains, but the ensemble shows a complete cross-section of a Roman city. Several components lie quite far outside the city centre; of those the Ferreres Aqueduct and the Quarry of El Mèdeol are recommended for a visit.

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Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku
Photo by Els Slots.

“Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture” comprises the ruins of the capital of an important and distinct pre-Hispanic empire in the Andes.

The ancient city was mostly built of adobe, especially the residential buildings that have now faded away. For ceremonial and administrative architecture, lithic material was used. Notable remaining monuments include the Akapana (the major temple, a stepped pyramid), a semi-underground temple (with monolithic stelae and heads (clavas) built in the walls), and the Kalasasaya (an open temple built on a platform; it includes stelae and the Gate of the Sun frieze).

Community Perspective: Tiwanaku is usually visited as a day trip from La Paz. In addition to the architectural ruins, there are also two on-site museums that are worth seeing. Most reviewers find the site overall a bit underwhelming and it does not take much time to visit.

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Vall de Boi

Vall de Boi
Photo by Els Slots.

The Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí are renowned for their Romanesque decorative art and architecture.

The nine Early Romanesque churches lie in a narrow, steep-sided valley on the edges of the Pyrenees. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, they feature bell towers in the Lombard Romanesque style and rich wall paintings.

Community Perspective: Their locations make them very picturesque. A good introduction to their history and architecture can be had from the Centre del Romànic in Erill la Vall. Be aware that most of the original interiors (including wall paintings) have been removed to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.

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Verona

Verona
Photo by Els Slots.

The City of Verona is renowned for its military defensive architecture.

Verona’s surviving architecture and urban structure reflect the evolution over its 2,000-year history. Important periods were its time as a Roman municipium, the rule of the Scaliger family (1259-1387), and that of the Venetian Republic.

Community Perspective: Verona is rich in historic buildings, but the Roman Arena (Tsunami attended an opera performance here) and the medieval Castelvecchio seem to capture the reviewers the most.

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Wachau Cultural Landscape

Wachau Cultural Landscape
Photo by Els Slots.

Wachau Cultural Landscape comprises the Danube valley between Melk and Krems which has seen a long historical evolution.

There has been human occupation in the Wachau from Palaeolithic times. It is well-known for its cultivation of apricots and grapes, which are used to produce specialty liquors and wines. It also has picturesque historic towns dating back to the Middle Ages and impressive buildings, such as the fine Baroque abbeys of Melk, Dürnstein and Göttweig.

Community Perspective: the area is best discovered by boat or by bike. Recommended are the Melk Abbey Church with its painted spiral staircases, the Gottweig Benedictine Abbey and villages and little towns such as Duernstein or Spitz.

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Walled City of Baku

Walled City of Baku
Photo by Els Slots.

The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower comprises the remains of a historic town, that has been the capital of Azerbaijan since 1191.

The Old City has preserved much of its 12th-century defensive walls. Within the walls lies a maze of narrow alleys, with ancient residences, stores and mosques. It also harbours the Maiden Tower, the city’s most ancient monument. Its Shirvanshah’s Palace is the most prominent example of Azeri architecture from the Shirvanshah dynasty.

Community Perspective: the cosmopolitan city of Baku gets lots of praise, but this historic center won’t hold your attention for more than an hour or so.

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Xidi and Hongcun

Xidi and Hongcun
Photo by Els Slots.

'Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui - Xidi and Hongcun' comprises two exceptionally well-preserved traditional Chinese villages.

Their townscapes are developed in harmony with the natural environment, using the geomantic principles of Feng Shui. The Huizhou style is the predominant architecture in the villages: white walls, dark tiles, horse-head gables, stone drums or mirrors, and open interior courtyards are common features. It was the style favoured by the local merchant class.

Community Perspective: You should visit both towns. Although they are now firmly dedicated to handling tourists, especially for foreigners they provide a view into small-town China. Khuft has described their distinctive features well.

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Extended Sites in 2000

Aggtelek and Slovak Karst

Aggtelek and Slovak Karst
Photo by Els Slots.

The Caves of the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst comprise a karst cave system with a high concentration of caves and a great variety of cave types.

About 1,000 caves have been discovered in this relatively small, transboundary area. They show karst formation during both tropical and glacial climates. Over 500 troglobiont animal species can be found in its underground systems. The caves include the Silica Ice Cave and Dobšinská Ice Cave.

Community Perspective: Opinions on this site vary strongly among the reviewers. Only a couple among the 1,000 caves are open as ‘show caves’ and it is necessary to visit one of the ‘special’ caves to appreciate the site more. Hubert recommends the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, while Martina also highlights Domica Cave with its underground river and Dobsinska ice cave. Matejicek has described the features above ground. Some of the caves (notably Dobsinska) charge high camera fees.

Maarten J Vermeulen Holland - 30-Mar-06

I visited the Dobsinska ladova jaskyna in 2001. Since 1995 I've been in Slovakia about 30 times.

Now I found a terrible negative comment on the main page of WHS of Paul Tanner of the UK about the Dobsinska ladova jaskyna (Dobsinska Ica Cave)

If you know the ice pillars are ALWAYS there in this cave unlike other caves then it is special enough to call it a WHS. Ths has got nothing to do with politics.

The entrance fee nowadays is SK 150,- which equals EUR 3,95 or old DM7,90. So 15 years down the line and taking into account inflation the entrance fee is much lower now.

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Classical Gardens of Suzhou

Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Photo by Els Slots.

The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are the most refined representations of the art of classical Chinese garden design.

They are complex landscapes imitating natural scenery with pavilions, rocks, hills and rivers. The designs were specially adapted to the small space available in private gardens in an urban environment. The selected gardens show their evolution over time from the 11th to the 19th centuries.

Community Perspective: The Humble Administrator's Garden is considered the most beautiful, while the Lion Forest Garden certainly is the weirdest, with its ‘mountain landscape’ of Taihu rockery.

Zack Culvert USA - 08-Jun-06

Ditto the comment by the previous reviewer. Unless you are really into the culture and history of the scholar class in Suzhou, you are not going to appreciate it from other more robust sites in China. The pagoda, which was not part of the garden, was integrated into the design to give the lake a nice vanishing point. A nice touch, but again, it was just a private garden.

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Haghpat and Sanahin

Haghpat and Sanahin
Photo by Els Slots.

The Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin represent a fusion of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and vernacular architecture of the Caucasus.

These monasteries dating to the 10th-13th centuries are located in the Debed Canyon in harmony with their picturesque landscape. Both compounds contain several historic churches. Sanahin also has over 50 ancient khachkars (sculptured cross-stones) standing on its territory.

Community Perspective: These are located not far from each other in a fine setting, if you think away the industrial town of Alaverdi. The khachkars are of particular interest. See Nan’s review for tips on getting there without a car.

Solivagant UK - 01-May-05

Haghpat and Sanahin

These 2 monasteries are linked together in the same WHS both because of their geographic proximity and their commonality of architectural design. We had both monasteries completely to ourselves. Our trip was taking us to Georgia and a visit to this WHS fits in well with the route from Yerevan to the Georgian frontier

Sanahin sits high above the industrial town of Alaverdi, a “Soviet” city built in a deep valley on 2 levels joined by a road and cable car. When we were there in August 2000 the city appeared to be suffering from the total run down of its industrial base and gave off a depressing air with its badly built Soviet apartments showing huge cracks in their walls perhaps dating back to the earthquake of 1988! It is set deep in the mountains towards the Georgian border and one wondered what economic logic there could be under a capitalist system for an industrial centre there

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Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes
Photo by Els Slots.

Plitvice Lakes National Park comprises 16 lakes that are known for their scenic beauty and distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue.

The Plitvice Lakes lie in a basin of karstic rock, mainly dolomite and limestone, which has given rise to their most distinctive feature. The lakes are separated by natural dams of tufa, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The colours change constantly depending on the number of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

Community Perspective: expect to spend a full day here; a network of hiking trails connects the lakes. Spring and Autumn are good seasons to visit, as it will be less hot and less crowded.

Jon Grunstad USA - 01-May-05

About late May of 2003

I arrived by bicyle, bus and train to the park with the help of a pretty moslem woman and her french speaking Swiss girlfriend. We met while sitting at an isolated woodside intersection, while waiting for the local bus. The park is deeply shaded and wild in appearance. Most board walk trails are not signed in english. It takes a good 5 to 8 hours to view/travel the main riparian paths. there is a short boat trip involved. Walking is easy and cool. The region is a very safe one for travelers. Hotels are full service and expenses are low to moderate.

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Potala Palace

Potala Palace
Photo by Els Slots.

The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa, represents the apogee of Tibetan architecture and the combination of religious and secular authority.

The Ensemble includes the Potala Palace and the Norbulingka Summer Palace, which were the administrative, religious and symbolic centers of Tibet's theocratic government for many centuries, and the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. The Potala and Jokhang date back to the 7th century CE.

Community Perspective: The Potala is one of the world’s great iconic sites and nearby Jokhang Temple is also worthwhile for its religious activity. The site is also inextricably linked to the oppression of Tibetan culture by the Chinese, and most of the earlier reviews reflect that.

Zack Culvert USA - 01-May-05

I just took the train trip from Qinghai to Lhasa. Due to the influx of tourists from this new train service, the visiting hours to Potala Palace is now only one hour, although they increased the daily inflow from 1,000 to 3,000 people so everyone can get a chance to see inside. The result is a rush through the palace, with barely sufficient time to take in the art and monuments. The tickets are officially 100 RMB (US$14), but scalpers ask for up to US$100. So plan carefully with your travel agent.

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