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To date, over a thousand sites have made it onto UNESCO’s world heritage list, each with “outstanding universal value to humanity”. From natural wonders to man-made marvels, the diversity on this list is incredible. These sites are so special that they can form the centerpiece of an entire holiday. While it may be impossible to visit them all, how about adding a realistic ten to your bucket list? In this article, we have selected our favorite UNESCO world heritage sites across the globe, ranging from classics like Petra and the Grand Canyon to lesser-known gems like the Mtskheta religious complex in Georgia.
Angkor Wat at sunrise (Alamy)
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
A trip to the beautiful temples of Angkor in Cambodia is on the bucket list of most travelers. Even Jackie Kennedy described her 1967 visit to the 1,000-year-old religious monument as fulfilling a ‘lifelong dream’. The Angkor ruins are enormous, covering an area of 400 sq km. While there are hundreds of temples at this world heritage site, Angkor Wat is by far the most famous. Make sure to wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat.
A llama at Machu Picchu (Alamy)
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
There’s a reason Machu Picchu is the most popular Inca archaeological ruin in the world. Its ancient stone walls, stunning mountain views, and camera-friendly llamas have made it a must-see for visitors to Peru. Built by the Incas during the 15th and 16th centuries, this mountaintop citadel was abandoned and “lost” for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911. Don’t miss the iconic Temple of the Sun, even though historians are not entirely certain of its purpose — a sundial is the most likely guess.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon (Alamy)
3. Grand Canyon, US
Formed by the Colorado River over five million years ago, the Grand Canyon is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the US. Surprisingly, very little was known about this gorge until the mid-19th century when it was even marked as a vacant area on maps. Taking the time to stay in a hotel on the rim and booking a guided hike along the canyon edge is a fantastic way to explore the more remote trails and learn about its fascinating history.
Pilgrims light candles in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta (Getty Images)
4. Mtskheta, Georgia
The tiny, ancient capital and religious center of Georgia, Mtskheta, is still relatively unknown to many travelers. Thanks to its location along one of the world’s most famous trade routes and its close relations with the Roman Empire, the town flourished early on. Visitors to Mtskheta have the chance to see two UNESCO world heritage sites: the magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, believed to be the burial spot of Jesus Christ’s robe, and the Jvari Monastery, a Georgian Orthodox monastery set at the top of a mountain.
Taking in the views at Thingvellir National Park (Getty Images)
5. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Where else in the world can you walk between the tectonic plates of two continents? Thingvellir National Park, located at the start of the Golden Circle route, lies in a rift valley marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. Once the meeting place of Althingi, the world’s oldest parliament, it has now become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Iceland. Essential activities include hiking through the lava walls of the Almannagja gorge, which was used to portray the Gates of the Moon in Game of Thrones.
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy (Alamy)
6. Kandy, Sri Lanka
Perched high up in the hills, the sacred city of Kandy was the last capital city of the kings of Sri Lanka, dating back to the early 13th century. Kandy had a starring role in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and its star quality is evident. The sacred Temple of the Tooth is the main attraction, a lavish 17th-century building adorned with paintings and golden elephant heads. Inside, you’ll find a tooth said to belong to Buddha himself, Siddhartha Gautama.
The Treasury in Petra (Alamy)
7. Petra, Jordan
Founded by the Arab tribe, the Nabataeans, Petra was later abandoned and forgotten by the world outside Jordan for many years. Now, it is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and a fascinating place to visit. Walking through Petra’s main entrance, the Siq, a narrow gap between two overhanging cliffs, you’ll reach the magnificent Treasury (or Al-Khazne) – a near-40m high tomb carved from red desert sandstone. Its construction date remains a mystery, but there’s no denying its breathtaking beauty.
Visitors on the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto (Alamy)
8. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is home to a great list of UNESCO sites. Most of these are temples or shrines, each with its own unique architectural style. Among them, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is probably the most famous, thanks to its huge wooden stage that juts out. The name of the temple comes from the phrase “taking the plunge”. According to legend, if you jumped off the 43ft high stage, your wishes would be granted. Although leaping off is now forbidden, simply standing up there offers spectacular views over the city.
The Jinshanling and Simatai section of the Great Wall of China (Alamy)
9. Great Wall of China
Stretching across northern China, the Great Wall of China showcases some of the most impressive landscapes you’ll ever see. Accessible at various sections, the ones close to Beijing offer the best experience. Badaling is ideal for those who prefer less steep climbs, with special accessibility lanes and a cable car available. However, be prepared for crowds. Jinshanling, built during the Ming dynasty, is one of the best-preserved sections and offers a less crowded alternative.
The temple complex of Karnak at Luxor (Getty Images)
10. Luxor, Egypt
Luxor, a UNESCO world heritage site, boasts the largest concentration of ancient ruins in Egypt, earning it the nickname “open-air museum”. Spend hours exploring the temple complex of Karnak, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Don’t miss the Valley of the Kings, an ancient burial ground that includes the tomb of Tutankhamun. Another marvelous site is the Valley of the Queens, where the tomb of Nefertari, the wife of Ramesses the Great, lies.
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