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A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (such as a
forest, mountain, lake, island, desert, monument, building, complex, or
city) that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural or physical
significance (see list of World Heritage Sites).These are some World's
most striking World Heritage sites.
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The Rideau Canal, Canada
Over 124 miles in length, this waterway joins the Canadian cities of
Ottawa, on the Ottawa River, and Kingston, on Lake Ontario. Operated by
Parks Canada, the canal encompasses sections of the Rideau and Cataraqui
rivers, along with a few lakes. Originally built with military purposes
in mind, today it is mainly used for boating and was designated as a
World Heritage Site in 2007. |
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Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, Zambia and
Zimbabwe
Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Mosi-oa-Tunya are
regarded among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Part of
Zambezi River, the 354-foot falls produce the largest curtain of falling
water anywhere on the planet and were declared a World Heritage Site in
1989. |
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Iguazú National Park, Argentina
Iguazú National Park is surrounded by the subtropical forest and is
centered around the mighty Iguazú Falls, whose name is derived from the
local language meaning "big water." The falls are composed of 275
individual drops, running nearly two miles along the border of Brazil
and Argentina. The park was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. |
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Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
At over 2,700 square miles, Los Glaciares National Park is situated in
the southern Argentinian Andes. This park is exceptionally beautiful
with mountains, lakes and woods. After Antarctica and Greenland, the
park plays host to the planet's third largest ice cap. TIt was
designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981. |
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Timbuktu, Mali
A major spiritual center for the propagation of Islam in Africa during
the 15th and 16th centuries, this site contains three globally renowned
mosques, Sidi Yahia, Djingareyber and Sankore. It was declared as a
World Heritage Site in 1988.
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Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is the unique testimony of the urban Inca Empires power and
achievement from the middle of the 15th century. Situated almost 8,000
feet above sea level, the terraces and ruins of this once-great city
look over the mountain forest below and is considered to be the most
beautiful locations in the Peruvian Andes. This was designated as a
World Heritage Site in 1983.
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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Situated nearly 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos
are an archipelago of 18 major volcanic islands that are host to a
unique collection of flora and fauna. Central to the studies of the
naturalist Charles Darwin, the Galápagos and the waters that surround
them are now part of a national park. This spectacular location was
designated as a World Heritage Site in 1978.
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Hampi, India
Lying 217 miles from Bangalore, Hampi is situated amid the ruins of
Vijayanagar, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Believed to
have been the second most-populous city on Earth around 1500 AD,
Vijayanagar plays host to numerous monuments to the city's former glory,
the best-known of which is Virupaksha Temple. The ruins have been listed
as a World Heritage Site since 1986. |
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Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Featuring 400 types of coral, 4,000 types of mollusk and 1,500 species
of fish, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on earth. It
was made a World Heritage Site in 1981 and is one of the most popular
tourist destinations in Australia.
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Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of
Cappadocia, Turkey
Nestled among the fairy chimney rock formations, with dwellings (dating
back to the 4th century AD) carved directly into the rock faces, the
historic Turkish town of Cappadocia is famed for its early Christian
churches and Byzantine art. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in
1985.
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