10 world heritage sites little known to tourists

Oanh Vu• January 21, 2018 21:51

Remote desert islands, archaeological ruins in the desert or the birthplace of Taoism are places recognized by Unesco as world heritage sites but attract few tourists.

Antequera Dolmens, Spain:Just outside the town of Antequera, this impressive ancient dolmen complex is one of Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric structures and the most important example of European Megalitism. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2016. Built from stone blocks from the Guadalhorce Valley during the Neolithic period. Photo:Takashi Images/Shutterstock.

Copan, Honduras:Although not as famous as the Mayan ruins of Tikal, Guatemala or Chichen Itza in Mexico, Copan is equally impressive with its pyramids, statues, temples and public squares. This is the site of one of the most important Mayan civilizations, which flourished around the early 9th century with an estimated population of 20,000. The Copan ruins are located in the western highlands of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala, discovered by a Spanish explorer in the 16th century and recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site in 1980. Photo:James Dugan/Shutterstock.

Gammelstad Cathedral City, Sweden:The Cathedral City of Lulea, located in Swedish Lapland, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is the world's largest and best-preserved example of a Scandinavian village, with over 400 houses clustered around a medieval stone church. The small red houses were built so people could stay overnight after attending church services. Today, most of the houses are privately owned. Photo:Pinterest.

Al-Hijr Archaeological Site, Saudi Arabia:Al-Hijr is a special destination, containing ruins of great archaeological and historical value and was the first world heritage site recognized by Unesco in Saudi Arabia, in 2008. Located between Petra and Medina, these ancient ruins were the second largest settlement of the mysterious Nabateans. Al-Hijr is considered a typical example of the Late Antiquity period, featuring 111 well-preserved ancient tombs, dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century. Photo:Amelie Koch/Shutterstock.

Wudang Mountain Complex, China:This complex consists of Taoist temples and monasteries located in the Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China. The Wudang Mountain Complex was recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site in 1994, considered the birthplace of Taoism and Tai Chi. Visiting here, visitors can visit temples, watch martial arts performances or explore the beautiful landscape of Wudang Mountain. Photo:Lim Xiu Xiu/Shutterstock.

Crespi d'Adda, Italy:Italy has 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including destinations that attract millions of visitors such as Florence or Rome, and lesser-known places such as the historic village of Crespi d'Adda, built in the 19th century in the northern province of Bergamo, Italy. Entrepreneur Cristoforo Benigno Crespi built the village next to his textile factory with the aim of creating better living conditions for workers. The village includes a church, hospital, shops, public baths, a cemetery and separate houses. Photo:JohannesS/Shutterstock.

Volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia:The volcanic peninsula of Kamchatka has about 160 volcanoes, of which 29 are still active, the most prominent of which is Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, this vast area also has a rich wildlife system with salmonoid salmon, brown bears, sea eagles, reindeer, wolves, otters and whales. Photo:GENNADY TEPLITSKIY/Shutterstock.

Berat, Albania:Berat is one of Albania's oldest cities, with a peaceful old town that was recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site in 2008. Here, visitors can wander around the city's cobblestone streets, admire the charming white houses along the way to the top of Berat hill, visit medieval Byzantine churches or visit the ruins of mosques built during the Ottoman period. Photo:Christian Wittmann/Shutterstock.

Wadi al-Hitan, Egypt:Wadi al-Hitan, located in the desert southwest of Cairo, also known as the Valley of the Whales, is where a collection of bones and fossils of the extinct Archaeoceti whale species were found. It became more widely known after being recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site in 2005. According to Unesco, this is the most important site in the world to witness the evolution from whales to ocean mammals. Photo:Holger Kirk/Shutterstock.

Lord Howe Island, Australia:Located 700 km off the coast of New South Wales, Lord Howe is a treasure island, recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site with diverse nature with mountains, hills, valleys and rich flora and fauna. The island has about 75% of original vegetation with 241 native plant species, of which 113 species can only be found here. Besides, this place also has beautiful, pristine beaches and many coral reefs. Photo:Citiestips.