UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) is a division of the United Nations which, among other things, selects and designates properties around the world as World Heritage Sites. Nominations are made from the countries and are then considered based on the property’s historical, cultural, or natural value. With the UNESCO label comes responsibility to preserve the property and sometimes monetary incentives.
As of 2011 there are 936 properties around the world. Some of the places are rather obscure but many are major tourist destinations or attractions. To date, I have visited only about 10% of the World Heritage Sites (and I consider myself well-traveled).
In this series of posts, I will present my favorites, broken down into managable groups of ten. These groups are further subdivided into an A and a B section, each of which contains five (5) World Heritage Sites. Group 1 represents my all-time favorites, Group 2 the next-favorite, etc. Within each group the sites are presented randomly and are not ranked — it’s so hard to pick between excellent things. I will post daily in a countdown fashion so that I will begin with my least favorite places, and so on down to Group 1. Obviously you may disagree with the list but if you haven’t put some of these places on your Bucket List, you should. Many of these sites are on the majority of travelers’ “important places to visit” list.
Group 5A
Medieval City of Rhodes, Greece* — This wonderful walled city has figured prominently in the history of Western Civilization. It was the location of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. It was also an important Crusader stronghold and home of the Knights Templar.
City of Rhodes
Historic City of Toledo, Spain* — This ancient city is only about 30 miles southeast of Madrid but it is a world away in culture. Toledo is famous for the paintings of El Greco, its magnificent Cathedral, and its well-preserved walls.
Toledo's Cathedral
Old City of Berne, Switzerland* — The capital of Switzerland oozes charm, from its wonderful Glockenspiel to its Munster.
Berne's Glockenspiel
Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Scotland* — Edinburgh is delightful. The Old Town revolves around the Royal Mile, a street connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Palace at Holyroodhouse. New Town centers on Prince Street and its lovely park.
Edinburgh Castle
Kluane/Wrangell-St Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek, Alaska, USA — Alaska is a place to see wilderness first hand. Most visitors arrive in the state via cruise ship and witness its stark and haunting beauty from the deck. Places like Glacier Bay offer passengers an opportunity to see nature up-close and personal.
Glacier Bay Scenery
* Walking tours of these locations are available for sale on my website. Just click on “Walking Tour Store” to peruse the 250+ walking tours for cities and towns all over the world..
