Interesting places. Russian World Natural Heritage Sites

Emblem of the World Heritage project World Heritage (English World Heritage, French Patrimoine Mondial, Spanish Patrimonio Mundial) outstanding cultural and natural values ​​that constitute the heritage of all humanity. In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention... ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Heritage. Emblem of the World Heritage project World Heritage ... Wikipedia

There are 27 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List in India (as of 2008). Contents 1 List 2 Candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List ... Wikipedia

Outstanding natural and cultural values ​​that constitute the heritage of all mankind. In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to which most countries of the world acceded. States on... ... Financial Dictionary

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World Heritage- WORLD HERITAGE, outstanding cultural and natural values ​​that constitute the heritage of all humanity. In 1972, UNESCO adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (came into force in 1975). Ratified the convention... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Outstanding cultural and natural values ​​that constitute the heritage of all humanity. In November 1972, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (came into force in 1975, when... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

There are 8 names on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ethiopia (as of 2008). The overall World Heritage List includes 878 sites. Thus, the share of Ethiopian objects in the world is approximately 1%. In this table... ... Wikipedia

Books

• World Heritage of Russia. Book 1. Architecture, Alla Sirotkina. The book tells about the cultural monuments of Russia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Their description and history are given. Each object is represented by at least 25-30 photographs,…
• World Heritage of Russia. Book 2. Nature. Photo album, Sirotkina A.. The books tell about the cultural and natural monuments of Russia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first volume - 14 architectural objects, the second volume - 12 natural objects. They are given...

Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that has endowed man with countless riches and made it possible to take advantage of its benefits to create comfortable living conditions. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution have always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this are the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia

In the northern part of Saudi Arabia there is a unique complex of Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 burials dating from the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegra, an ancient city that became a center of caravan trade.

More than 50 inscriptions were discovered on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the pre-Nabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.

Longmen Grottoes, China

“Dragon Gate” or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. This amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty, until 494.

After the residence was moved to a new city, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.

2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse Cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the deep Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, making up a single complex, were brought in on the UNESCO heritage list.

Bayon Temple, Cambodia

Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, erected in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman, has been preserved. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and everyday life of the Khmers.

In addition to the Bayon Temple, the Angkor region is home to over a thousand unique temples, representing different eras and levels of civilization. Every year, millions of curious tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.

Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones silently resting among endless fields sown with rice.

Stonehand, UK

An oversized stone structure, Stonehand is located among the luxurious nature of Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones placed in a certain sequence are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at the amazing human creation created in 3000 BC.

Under the influence of time and natural phenomena, the unique ancient monument began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 you can only look at them. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.

Stonehand was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

Lonesome George, Ecuador

The only giant tortoise representing this species of mammal lives in the National Park located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on Pinta Island, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.

The world's most famous bachelor is in the prime of his life; according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to have offspring. For George, a female has already been found that has genetic similarities to the “groom’s” ancestors, so there is every reason to believe that the line of giant tortoises will continue.

Summer Palace, China

Among the fabulously beautiful landscapes of the imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day preserves the memory of the royalty who lived within its walls.

In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.

In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of UNSO World Treasures

Statue of Liberty, America

The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolises in the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift presented by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.

“Lady Liberty” personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the Americans’ struggle for their rights.

In 1984, “Lady Liberty” was added to the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Iguazu National Park, Argentina

In the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique UNESCO heritage.

In addition to the diversity of bird species and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for the incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of cascading streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.

The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise on earth, filled with the strange aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see with their own eyes the riches of the Argentine region.

Kinderdijk, Netherlands

On the picturesque banks of the canals located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills built several decades ago rise majestically.

More than a thousand historical structures, named Kinderdijk, after the village in which they are located, have replenished UNESCO's bottomless treasury.

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

The decoration of the relief landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the sweet name Perito Moreno. In size it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.

An amazing masterpiece created by nature became not only a decoration of Argentine Patagonia, it joined the UNESCO world treasury. A talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.

The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spills over to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant increase in water levels in the southern part of the lake.

Cubic meters of icy liquid press on the walls of the glacier, breaking the binding barrier. Such an action is a fascinating spectacle and occurs sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.

Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel

In the north of Israel is the picturesque town of Haifa, whose territory is surrounded by unique terraced gardens created many years ago.

The beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the popular Bahai religious movement, is buried in the luxury of amazing vegetation.

The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man was included in the UNESCO list of unique heritage in 2008.

Vatican

The Vatican, a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is the world center of Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 according to the design of the architect Bernini.

Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres connect near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where believers gather to hear and see the pontiff.

Residents of the small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of previous generations, part of which is the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art preserved behind the walls of the holy basilica.

In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.

Petra, Israel

The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Residential areas carved out of sandstones rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.

Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts and amazing temples built many centuries ago have been preserved.

The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list; in addition, since 2007 it has been called another “wonder of the world”.

Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a unique system consisting of 3,000 individually located coral reefs and more than 900 picturesque islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and annually attracts millions of divers eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.

Over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on the planet, visible even from space.

In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the UNESCO treasury, and earlier it was awarded the status of a “wonder of the world”.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park in Belarus. In 1993, it received the status of a biosphere reserve, and a year earlier it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The picturesque nature conservation site is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions; the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
The picturesque landscapes of this amazing area provide excellent conditions for the habitat of many species of animals, including those listed in the Red Book of Belarus.

In the dense thickets of relict forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - the bison, which tourists from different parts of the world come to see.

Rock paintings in Alta, Norway

Another UNESCO cultural and historical heritage is rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who traded here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of the people living in coastal areas and on the mainland, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.

More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.

People first started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, when the first petroglyphs were found. During further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites of Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum was founded, open to tourists.

Stave church Urnes, Norway

Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outline of the stave church Urnes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms. An amazing masterpiece of wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.

The craftsmen who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.

The durable wood, prepared for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been lucky enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.

Struve Arc

A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground using stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.

The Struve arc was used to establish the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, and Sweden. The total length of the network on which triangulation points are located is 2820 kilometers.

34 strongholds of the Arc, named after one of its creators, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO world treasury.

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today, this unique monument of ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.

The Pechersk Lavra received its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.

From the day of its foundation, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra became the spiritual and cultural stronghold of Kievan Rus, and its fame resounded far beyond the borders of the state.

Basilica of the Nativity and pilgrim paths, Palestine

A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity of Christ, built in 339 AD. The location for the founding of the basilica was not chosen by chance; it is believed that this is where Jesus Christ was born.

In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original structure.

In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage paths, bell towers, and magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of lush plains and picturesque plateaus, marshy areas covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers cutting through the park's life-filled expanses.

In the park you can see hundreds of rare plant species and endangered animals. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock paintings found during archaeological excavations. The drawings reflect the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.

Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, listed as a UNESCO site in 1981.

Rain forests of the east coast of Australia

In eastern Australia, along the vertiginous cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, lie the mysterious rain forests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This unique zone, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of enormous importance for modern science. After all, its territory contains geologically important objects, such as the craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rain forests are home to endemic species representing the local fauna.

Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

450 kilometers of tropical rainforests lie along the north-eastern coast of Australia. Dense, often impassable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and rare representatives of the richest Australian flora and equally diverse fauna.

In 1988, tropical rainforests joined the treasury of the world organization UNESCO.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island, which is more than 120 kilometers long, is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with humid tall forests, and the golden curves of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed “hanging” lakes filled with fresh water.

In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO treasury.

Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay and its surrounding islands are a fabulously beautiful place, famous for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10 thousand dugongs live in the waters washing the coast (the largest population of these animals in the world).

Secondly, in coastal waters you can see huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.

Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations - stromatolites. They owe their appearance to colonies of algae that actively live under water.

Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay from becoming a natural treasure, which in 1991 was added to the UNESCO lists.

Macquarie Island

In the endless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny Macquarie Island is lost. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate with the Indo-Australian plate.

As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks stored at a depth of over 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle were deposited onto the relief surface of the papaya. In 1997, Macquarie Island joined UNESCO's richest treasury.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, reminiscent of a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. The “shells” located on a solid foundation house a magnificently decorated hall and a wonderful restaurant.

Erected in 1973, the building took its place among UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.

The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of this amazing project. Changing the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.

Convict settlements, Australia

Of the thousands of camps created by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th centuries), eleven, located on the islet of Norfolk, Tasmania, around Sydney, were included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 2010.

The prisons were designed to house hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. These were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-educating criminals.

This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, realized through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in colonies.

Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua

The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the Baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. In the design of the exterior and interior, features of eclecticism are clearly visible, with the refined luxury characteristic of the style and an abundance of decorative details, harmoniously combined into a single ensemble.

Magnificent stained glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Calvary) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.

The monumental structure of the temple was created according to a design developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.

Since 2011, León Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO treasury.

Mozambique island city

The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.

The tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is surrounded by the luxury of exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.

But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. The buildings, maintained in the same style, were built from makuti stone and decorated taking into account the building traditions established in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing island city of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.

Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan

Teotihucan, a sacred city (previously considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and was completed only at the end of the 7th century. Its location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and its high level of cultural development have made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.

The remarkable architecture of Teotihucan, especially the large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed using the principles of geometry.

Since 1987, the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihucan has been a UNESCO treasure.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is decorated with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name Sian Ka'an. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs, which have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.

The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of exotic birds enliven the dense forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions contribute to the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates, typical for such a region.

The picturesque Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1987.

Historic city of Meknes, Morocco

Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement blossomed over time and became the picturesque town of Maknes. Under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a distinctly Spanish-Moorish flavor.

Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of the past centuries of prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historical city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.

Bikini Atoll

Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could easily be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence of local residents. In 1946, they were resettled from their home island, and the picturesque landscapes and waters became a test site for American nuclear weapons.

Over 12 years, over 60 nuclear explosions occurred on the atoll; the first hydrogen bomb was tested here, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such radiation.

The ships that sank during the tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb, became silent witnesses to the unfortunate events.

Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

Lake Malawi National Park

The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, the waters of which are home to many interesting representatives of underwater fauna.

The deep-sea lake with the purest water is home to dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.

The unique lake was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1984.

Ancient quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a fortified city that at different periods was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.

This was the case until 1867, after which the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind us of the former power of military-era architecture.

The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 1994.

Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different areas ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.

The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by people since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece exposed to wind and sea. To negate the negative impact of natural factors, work is underway to strengthen forest plantations and sand dunes.

In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.

Los Catios National Park, Colombia

Los Catios National Park is located on 72 thousand hectares of picturesque Colombian land, which was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1994.

The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The territory of the park has become home to a huge number of amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.

Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya

The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, home to an incredible diversity of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can survive only if they are within the safe Great Rift Valley.

The emerald surface of the lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes, covered with emerald thickets of forests, which have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).

The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in the shallow waters. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and lake system, which was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 2011.

Machu Picchu, which means "Old Peak" in the Inca language, is a legendary city built by the Incas in a lush mountainous area, at the peak of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the new wonders of the world, it is one of the most stunning places in the world. DThe ancient Incan city cascades down the steep slopes on each side of the mountain, in separate terraces. NThe incredible ruins of Machu Picchu have been partially restored and are well maintained, giving visitors a good idea of ​​what the city might have looked like in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Thousands of ancient temples, stupas and monasteries stretch endlessly in Pagan, the ancient capital of the kingdom of the same name. Here, the silhouettes of temple spiers against the backdrop of sunrise or sunset are a magical sight, worth a trip to this yet unexplored country. The area is known for having the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world, many of which were built in 1000 and 1100, when Bagan was the capital of the pagan kingdom, the first kingdom that united the regions that later became modern Myanmar. According to Burmese chronicles, Pagan was founded in the second century AD, and in 849 it became the capital of the kingdom under King Pingbya, the 34th successor of the early founder Pagan. Some temples and stupas have been restored, while others are just ruins. They vary in size and levels of architectural complexity, creating an intriguing mix of structures that compels travelers to scrutinize every temple they see.

In a unique jungle setting, close to the city of Siem Reap, lies another historical UNESCO World Heritage site - Angkor Wat, which is known as the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Watwas built by the Khmers in the 12th century and its architecture is stunning.Huge stone carved faces peer in all directions.Extensive and intricate bas-reliefs line the walls and doorways.Destructive passages and steep stone stairs require exploration before traversing them.Before its fall in the 15th century, Angkor Wat was the largest city in the world.

Stretching a fantastic 8,800 kilometers through thickets of forests and steep mountainsides, across the rivers and lakes of northern China, the Great Wall of China is deservedly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Wall of China is one of those undeniable landmarks that has inspired great adventures for travelers from all over the world for centuries. Construction of the wall began in the 3rd century BC, and the most popular section of the Great Wall of China is Badaling, which is located only 75 kilometers from Beijing.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Roman Colosseum is the largest building remaining from Roman times.Its imposing presence in the center of a modern cityRomeis a testament to the city's incredible history and the achievements of the Roman Empire. Travelers who see the Colosseum for the first time are amazed at the huge size of this structure, considering that they began to build itin 72 AD In modern times, the Roman Colosseum is still one of the largest and most popular tourist attractions in the world.

Towering overAthenson top of a hill, the Acropolis stands as a proud monument to ancient Greece. FacilitiesThe 5th and 4th centuries BC dominate the Acropolis, but the most famous is the Parthenon, the largest and most recognizable monument of ancient culture, it symbolizes the amazing history of this country.Steps from modern Athens, the Acropolis is a powerful spectacle, sparkling under the Mediterranean sun during the day and spectacularly illuminated at night.

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This incredible prehistoric monument is one of England's most visited attractions and is certainly a unique destination, attracting large numbers of tourists from all over the world every year. This huge prehistoric megalithic structure is located 130 kilometers northwest of London.The monument is believed to have been erected between 3000-1500 BC, but there is no information about its origins or the purpose of its construction, leading to various speculations and myths, some of which point to religious or astronomical significance.As a result, the Bronze Age ring of stones has an almost mystical allure, especially during the summer and winter solstices when the light from the rising and setting sun aligns with the stones. Stonehenge, located near the citySalisbury.

A dramatic, narrow mountain gorge allows passage to the ancient city of Petra, a stone city with residential buildings and temples carved into the sandy rocks.This ancient capital of the Nabateans has roots that can be traced back to the 5th century BC.Discovered in the early 18th century, it was called the "pink city" due to the color of the rocks and, understandably, the "carved city".Situated in a mountainous area with limited access, it occupied a strategic position on an important trade route in the region.Today Petra is the main attraction of Jordan.

Borobudur is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world and by far Indonesia's most famous landmark.Set in lush tropical surroundings, with mountains and volcanoes, Borobudur is stunning and calming.This massive temple complex, located on the island of Java, near the city of Yogyakarta, was built in the 700s, but after 200 years it was abandoned and forgotten for many centuries due to volcanic eruptions in the area, it remained relatively undisturbed for centuries . Borobudurwas discovered in the 18th century by the British and later restored.

10. Tikal, Guatemala

The ancient Mayan city of Tikal is one of the greatest archaeological sites inCentral America. Located in the northernGuatemala, inSurrounded by impenetrable jungle, this ancient city consists of more than 3,000 buildings. The Mayans inhabited Tikal between 600 BC. and until 900 AD. Ancient pyramids, temples, plazas and the foundations of all kinds of buildings show a complex society that was once home to hundreds of thousands of people. Tikalwas rediscovered in the mid-18th century and opened to tourists in the 1950s.Part of the city has been restored, but work continues, and some areas are still in the impenetrable jungle and are waiting in the wings.The ruins are located in Tikal National Park, a biosphere reserve that protects the forest and wildlife in the area.

During the 37th session of the World Heritage Committee, taking place these days in Cambodia, the UNESCO World Heritage List was replenished with 19 new items - 14 cultural and 5 natural sites. In addition, the boundaries of the three objects were expanded.

Today, the World Heritage List includes 981 sites in 160 countries party to the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage - 759 cultural, 193 natural and 29 mixed sites. During the 37th session, which will last until June 27, 5 natural sites in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa were added to the list.

Natural objects:

Tajik National Park "Pamir Mountains" (Tajikistan)

“Pamir Mountains” is the first natural site of Tajikistan on the World Heritage List. The total area of ​​the park is more than 2.5 million hectares. It is located in the east of Tajikistan, in the center of the so-called Pamir mountain cluster, from which the highest mountain ranges of Eurasia radiate. In the eastern part of the object there are high mountain plateaus, and in the western part there are pointed peaks, the height of some of them exceeds 7 thousand meters. It is home to 170 rivers, more than 400 lakes and at least 1,085 glaciers, including the longest mountain valley glacier outside the polar regions. The park also serves as a habitat for rare and endangered species of birds and mammals in Tajikistan.

For example, the Marco Polo mountain sheep (Ovis ammon polii), snow leopard, snow leopard and Siberian mountain goat live here. Since strong earthquakes are common in this area, the park is sparsely populated and is practically uninfluenced by agriculture and permanent settlements. The park provides unique opportunities for research into the overlap and tectonics of crustal plates.

Biosphere Reserve El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar (Mexico)

The facility, with a total area of ​​714,566 hectares, consists of two separate parts. In the east there is a rocky desert and a frozen volcanic plateau formed by black and red lava flows, in the west there is the Gran Desierto de Altar desert with a variety of dunes that constantly change in shape, some of which reach 200 m in height. The wandering dunes of various shapes here - linear, star-shaped and dome-shaped - are adjacent to dry granite massifs up to 650 m high, which, like islands, rise against the backdrop of a sandy sea, enhancing the amazing contrasts of this area. The massifs contain amazingly diverse communities of plants and animals, including some endemic species, such as the pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis, which lives only in the north of the Sonoran Desert and southwest Arizona, USA.

Another distinctive feature of the object, emphasizing its exceptional beauty, are 10 huge deep craters of almost perfectly round shape, presumably formed as a result of eruptions and collapses. The unique combination of characteristics of the object determines not only its beauty, but is also of great scientific interest.

Volcano Etna (Italy)

The 19,237-hectare site comprises an uninhabited area located at the highest point of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Etna is the highest island mountain in the Mediterranean and the most active stratovolcano in the world. It has been established that the history of eruptions of this volcano goes back 500 thousand years, and there is documentary evidence of Etna’s volcanic activity for at least the last 2700 years. Etna's almost continuous volcanic activity continues to influence the development of volcanology, geophysics and other geosciences. The volcano provides the basis for important terrestrial ecosystems and some endemic plant and animal species.

Etna's activity has made it a natural laboratory for the study of ecological and biological processes. With a range of diverse and visible volcanic features, such as summit craters, ash cones, lava sheets and a caldera known as the Valle de Bove, the site has become an important location for research and educational activities.

Namib Desert (Namibia)

The property, which is the world's only coastal desert, includes an area of ​​more than 3 million hectares and a buffer zone of 899,500 hectares. There are extensive dune fields formed under the influence of fogs, and two dune systems stand out: on top of older, semi-fixed sands, there are younger mobile dunes. The peculiarity of the object is that its dunes are formed by sands brought by rivers, ocean currents and wind from areas remote from the coast, located thousands of kilometers away.

The site also contains coastal lowlands and pebble fields, rocky hills rising above the sands, coastal lagoons, dry rivers and other types of landscape, together creating an exceptionally beautiful spectacle. The main source of water in the Namib Desert is fog, which has created a completely unique environment in which endemic species of invertebrates, reptiles and mammals live, capable of adapting to constant changes in microclimate and ecological niches.

Xinjiang–Tianshan (China)

The object with a total area of ​​606,833 hectares includes several parts: the Tomur peak (Victory Peak), the Kalajun steppe, the Xueling ridge, the Bayanbruksky reserve and Bogdo-Ula. They are part of the world's largest mountain system, the Tien Shan, located in Central Asia. Xinjiang - Tien Shan has unique physical and geographical characteristics and is distinguished by picturesque landscapes, including amazing mountain peaks crowned with snow and ice, forests and meadows that have not been touched by human hands, clear rivers and lakes, and red rock canyons. Next to them are vast desert areas, which creates a striking visual contrast between zones of heat and cold, dry and humid climates, desert and abundance of life.

The relief and ecosystems of the site have reached us since the Pliocene era and represent a unique monument of continuous biological and ecological evolutionary processes. The site also includes part of one of the largest high-altitude deserts in the world, the Taklamakan, known for its giant sand dunes and severe sandstorms. In addition, Xinjiang Tianshan serves as an important habitat for endemic and relict plant species, some of which are rare and endangered.

How and who creates the UNESCO Heritage List? Once a year, the 192 participating countries submit applications for a maximum of two national sites that have historical, natural or cultural value. Over the course of a year and a half, UNESCO staff study the applications, vote and make a decision at the final session. The most worthy objects are included in the World Heritage List, but there are also those who are left on the so-called waiting list. The Organization will still work with these applicants.

There are 27 UNESCO heritage sites in Russia. In addition to specific locations, UNESCO also supports cultural values ​​- folklore and life of different peoples. For example, currently on the waiting list among Russian candidates are the Old Believers of Transbaikalia and the Yakut heroic epic.

Virgin forests of Komi, Komi Republic

This is the first natural site in Russia that came under the protection of UNESCO. Komi has some of the last untouched forests in Europe. They are also called the “treasury of the taiga.” Here time seems to have stopped. Crystal-clear river riffles talk to cedars and spruces that reach toward the quiet clouds. Occasionally the cries of a golden eagle can be heard. The main owners of these places are animals and birds listed in the Red Book - white-tailed eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon. Yes, the Sapsan train, which runs between Moscow and St. Petersburg, was named after the rare bird. She can fly at speeds of over 300 kilometers per hour! Any cheetah would be jealous here.

Protected Komi forests are located on the territory of two reserves: Pechoro-Ilychsky and Yugyd Va. There are different routes: you can raft the river for a week or walk along a hiking trail for three days. Rent a room from locals or stay at a recreation center. Among the few camps, there are those the road to which is already an adventure. For example, although the Ozernaya base is located in the center of the park, it can only be reached by helicopter. In the reserves you will see the first silicon mines, traces of ancient cave lions or mammoths, and prayer houses of the Old Believers. The main thing is to notify the administration of the reserves about your trip in advance. They will help with organizing the trip and getting passes. Pour hot tea into a thermos, take notes in a notebook and get ready to meet the spirits of the taiga jungle.

How to get there:

• Pechoro-Ilychinsky Nature Reserve: flight S7 Airlines to Syktyvkar. Then from the Syktyvkar station by train to Troitsko-Pechorsk, from there by bus to the village of Yaksha, the villages of Ust-Ilych or Priuralsk. Then local residents will help you get to the reserve - by boat in summer, by snowmobile in winter. You can also order a transfer from the station in Troitsko-Pechorsk at the administration of the reserve.
• Yugyd Va Nature Reserve: flight S7 Airlines to Syktyvkar. Then from Syktyvkar station by train to Pechora. You can get from the town of Pechora to the village of Aranets by bus, and from there it’s about 50 km along the hiking trail to the border of the national park.

Italy holds the record for sites protected by UNESCO. If in Russia there are 27 of them, then in Italy there are 51. For example, entire cities are included in the heritage list - Venice and Verona.

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, Solovetsky Islands

Be alone with yourself, without the Internet and plans. Solovki are six large and more than a hundred small islands surrounded by a lead-blue sea. Here you will be met by seals and white whales - beluga whales. Just 150 kilometers - and you are beyond the Arctic Circle. Explore the islands - you will find the sites of primitive man and see the Solovetsky Kremlin, surrounded by powerful stone walls with eight towers.

In this place you don’t want to disturb the silence: you just breathe the salty sea air and feel the history. Knock on the door of local residents, they always welcome guests. They will pour you a compote of wild berries, treat you to a sweet flatbread, and slowly tell you about the monastic life of Solovki. During lunch or dinner, ask to cook White Sea fish - it’s very tasty.

How to get there: take an S7 Airlines flight to Arkhangelsk, then transfer to a Solovetsky flight, and in 50 minutes you are there.

Architectural and historical complex "Bulgar", Tatarstan

Once it was one of the largest cities of the Golden Horde and a place of pilgrimage for the “small hajj”. It was destroyed and restored more than once. Today it is a historical complex on the high bank of the Volga. Start the route from the South Gate to the middle of the complex: the minaret and the Cathedral Mosque. It is also called the Tatar Taj Mahal. Take a leisurely stroll through the snow-white expanses and feel like a real khan. Then - to the Black Chamber, the most mysterious building of the settlement. Historians and archaeologists still cannot figure out why it was built.

According to legend, during the invasion of Tamerlane, the khan’s family hid in the Black Chamber. The building was set on fire, and when the fire died out, a white figure of the khan’s daughter appeared above the chamber. Tamerlane was so delighted that he offered marriage in exchange for the lives of her brothers. By sacrificing herself, the girl saved her family, but the building remained black from the fire. The complex stretches along the entire Volga coast. If you're cold, go to the Bread House to warm up. Here they will feed you and tell you how to bake fragrant bread.

How to get there: take an S7 Airlines flight to Kazan, then take a meteor from the Kazan river port, or take.

Natural complex of the Wrangel Island reserve, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug

Wrangel Island is divided by the 180th meridian - in one trip you will visit two hemispheres at once. This is the northernmost protected site in Russia - 500 kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle. A chilling wind, the mountains give way to swampy plains, and fork-tailed gulls circle along the coast. Harsh climate and all shades of the Nordic palette. Here are the noisiest bird colonies, home to kittiwake gulls, thick-billed guillemots and guillemots. And on the island there is the largest “maternity hospital” for polar bears.

Choose one of nine excursion routes and sign up in advance to see everything with your own eyes. You can move around the island on foot, by all-terrain vehicle or quad bike. You can get there by cruise ship from Anadyr. In just a few days you will see the northernmost wonders of Russia - Cape Dezhnev, whale alley and Eskimo villages. All routes are built so that the land remains untouched in its northern, unique beauty.

Lucia Berezyuk

Deputy Director for Environmental Education of the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve

Tourists came to us from Japan, New Zealand, England, the USA, and Australia. This year there were only six cruises, each of which was accompanied by rangers and reserve staff. One of the most interesting sites on the island is the Paleo-Eskimo site in Devil's Ravine. This is the excavation site of a seasonal camp of ancient hunters with a history of 3200 years. At the beginning of summer, walruses, seals and polar bears rest here on the ice floes. On calm days, fountains of gray whales appear in the bay - sometimes up to eight at a time!

How to get there: take an S7 Airlines flight to Magadan, then transfer to a flight to Anadyr, then by ship to Wrangel Island.

Old town of Derbent, Dagestan

Derbent is an ancient Persian city on the Silk Road. These are not just colorful labyrinths of streets where silk carpets and exotic fruits were once sold. This is a “blockpost” between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The gigantic walls of the Naryn-Kala Citadel rise in front of you, giving Derbent a stern and majestic appearance.

Climb up and walk around the perimeter - you will see a beautiful panorama of the old city. Inside, look at the ruins of oriental palaces and medieval baths, fountains and mosques. Enter through the East Gate and you will be surrounded by pointed arches, carved pillars and round towers. Plunge into an oriental fairy tale among green mountains.

How to get there: take an S7 Airlines flight to Makhachkala, then from the Southern Bus Station by minibus.

UNESCO evaluates sites according to ten criteria. The first is a masterpiece of human creative genius. There are 17 such masterpieces in China. Among them is the Great Wall of China.

Ancient city in Chersonesus, Sevastopol, Crimea

The only ancient city in the Northern Black Sea region where streets, residential and cultural buildings have been preserved. Go there in the morning, when the rays of the sun are just beginning to awaken the ancient columns and walls of the fortress. Sit on the steps of the ancient Greek theater and imagine how Homer's tragedies were watched here two millennia ago. Today people come here for modern productions.

The streets of the ancient city are a real open-air museum. If you're lucky, you'll find real excavations. Among the ancient ruins stands the Vladimir Cathedral, the symbol of all sailors of Sevastopol. And nearby there is a fog bell cast from captured Turkish cannons. After walking around the ancient city, go down to the pebble beach. Have a picnic on the beach to the sound of the surf.

How to get there: take an S7 Airlines flight to Simferopol. Buses run directly from the airport to Sevastopol. In Sevastopol, from the city center, by bus number 22. Address: st. Ancient, 1.

Northern islands and monasteries. Ancient palaces and cities. All this is not just numbers on the UNESCO heritage list. These are real places of power where you want to feel every moment. And although officially there are 27 of these routes in our country, you know that in reality there are many more unique places that are worth seeing.

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