10 World Heritage Sites That Are Little Known to Tourists
Remote, wild islands, archaeological ruins in the middle of the desert, or the birthplace of Taoism are all UNESCO World Heritage sites that attract few tourists.
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| Antequera stone tomb, Spain:Just outside the town of Antequera, this impressive ancient rock burial site is one of Europe's most outstanding prehistoric architectural achievements and the most important example of European Megalithism. The complex was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2016. It was constructed using blocks of stone from the Guadalhorce Valley during the Neolithic period. (Photo: [Image])Takashi Images/Shutterstock. |
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| Copan, Honduras:Although not as famous as the Mayan ruins of Tikal, Guatemala, or Chichen Itza, Mexico, Copan is equally impressive with its pyramids, statues, temples, and public squares. It is the site of one of the most important Mayan civilizations, which flourished around the early 9th century with approximately 20,000 inhabitants. The Copan ruins are located in the western highlands of Honduras, near the border with Guatemala. They were discovered by a Spanish explorer in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. (Photo: Copan)James Dugan/Shutterstock. |
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| Gammelstad, the city of churches, Sweden:The church town of Lulea, located in Lapland, Sweden, was recognized as 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 surrounding a medieval stone church. These small, red houses were built for people to stay overnight after attending church services. Today, most of the houses are privately owned. (Photo: [Image])Poster. |
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| Al-Hijr archaeological site, Saudi Arabia:Al-Hijr is a unique destination, containing ruins of immense archaeological and historical value, and was the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, recognized in 2008. Located between Petra and Medina, these ancient ruins represent the second largest settlement of the mysterious Nabateans. Al-Hijr is considered a prime example of the Late Antiquity period, notable for its 111 well-preserved ancient tombs dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. (Photo: Al-Hijr)Amelie Koch/Shutterstock. |
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| Wudang Mountain Complex, China:This complex comprises Taoist temples and monasteries located on the Wudang Mountains in Hubei, China. The Wudang Mountain complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is considered the birthplace of Taoism and Tai Chi. Visitors can explore the temples, watch martial arts demonstrations, and admire the stunning scenery of the Wudang Mountains. (Photo)Lim Xiu Xiu/Shutterstock. |
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| Crespi d'Adda, Italy:Italy boasts 53 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including popular destinations attracting millions of visitors like Florence and Rome, as well as lesser-known places like the historic village of Crespi d'Adda, built in the 19th century in the northern Italian province of Bergamo. Businessman Cristoforo Benigno Crespi built the village next to his textile factory with the aim of providing better living conditions for workers. The village includes a church, hospital, shops, public baths, a cemetery, and individual houses. (Photo: Crespi d'Adda)JohannesS/Shutterstock. |
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| Volcanoes in Kamchatka, Russia:The volcanic peninsula of Kamchatka has approximately 160 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active, most notably Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, this vast area boasts a rich wildlife system including salmonoid salmon, brown bears, sea eagles, reindeer, wolves, otters, and whales. (Photo:)GENNADY TEPLITSKIY/Shutterstock. |
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| Berat, Albania:Berat is one of Albania's oldest cities, boasting a peaceful Old Town that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Here, visitors can wander through the city's cobblestone streets, admire the charming white houses along the hilltops of Berat, visit medieval Byzantine churches, or explore the ruins of mosques built during the Ottoman era. (Photo: Berat)Christian Wittmann/Shutterstock. |
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| Wadi al-Hitan, Egypt:Wadi al-Hitan, located in the desert southwest of Cairo, also known as the Valley of Whales, is home to a collection of bones and fossils of the extinct Archaeoceti whales. It gained greater recognition after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. According to UNESCO, it is the most important site in the world to witness the evolution from whales to marine mammals. (Photo: [Image caption]Holger Kirk/Shutterstock. |
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| Lord Howe Island, Australia:Located 700 km off the coast of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island is a treasure island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse natural landscapes including mountains, hills, valleys, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The island boasts approximately 75% original vegetation with 241 native plant species, 113 of which are found only here. In addition, it features beautiful, unspoiled beaches and numerous coral reefs. (Photo: [Image caption])Citiestips. |
