Trifter

In 1972, UNESCO passed the World Heritage Convention, an international treaty designed to preserve the world’s great cultural and natural sites. Between 25 to 30 new sites are considered every year and evaluated on the basis of their cultural significance, uniqueness, and other criteria. Here are my personal best ones.

Venice and Its Lagoon, Italy

One of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice seduces with its 118 tiny island bedecked with baroque palaces and linked by more than 400 bridges. Founded in the 5th century and reigning as a major maritime power by the 10th, the entire city is an architectural wonder built on centuries of wealth, with extraordinary buildings showcasing exquisite style – including the Basilica di San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale, and the church of Santa Maria della Salute.

Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

This magnificent park stretches out over 400 square kilometers of northwestern Cambodia. From here, the Khmer empire ruled the region between the 9th and 15th centuries. Perhaps the most famous part of the park is Angkor Wat, a 12th century temple complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Vatican City, Italy

The Vatican may be the world’s smallest independent state, but its importance is immense. The historical seat of Roman Catholicism, it is, with St. Peters’ Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the repository of some of mankind’s major artistic treasures. Michelangelo’s Pieta, his Sistine Chapel, and the Rooms of Raphael are just some of the magnificent splendors found here.

Palace and Gardens of Schonbrunn, Austria

This was the favorite palace of Empress Maria Theresa, who spent summers here while she ruled the Habsburn Empire in the 18th century. Her husband, Franz Stephen, designed the lush gardens and founded the world’s first zoo on the ground here in 1752.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Out at sea east of Sydney, Lord Howe is a 7 million hear old volcanic island that has the southernmost coral reef in the world. About 90 species of coral and 500 kinds of fish inhabit the pristine waters around the island. On land, you will find about 350 people, lush forests, and all sorts of wonderful birds.

Historic Center of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

A beautifully preserved medieval village in the Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov was built on a meander of the Vltava River. Towering above the town’s refined Renaissance and baroque burgher architecture, the castle, begun in the 13th century, combines Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque styles. It’s one of the largest in central Europe, with 40 buildings and palaces situated around five castle courts.

Drottningholm Theatre, Palace, and the Chinese Pavilion, Sweden

These three charming 18th century structures are located outside of Stockholm on an island in Lake Malar. The castle, which shows the influence of Versailles, is the residence of the Swedish royal family, but parts are open to the public. The baroque theater is considered one of the best of its kind in Europe. The pavilion was designed in French baroque style with Chinese elements.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

If UNESCO had not intervened when Egypt was building the Aswan Dam in the 1960s, the two ancient temples at Abu Simbel constructed during the reign of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, would be underwater today. The two temples at Abu Simbel were taken apart and then reassembled about 60 meters above the place where they had been built some 3,000 years before.

Palace and Park of Fontainebleau, France

Francois I turned what had been a medieval hunting lodge into a mammoth Italianate palace, importing Italian artists to design the interior. Many French monarchs were born and several died at this luxe palace, located in an immense forest south of Paris. Napoleon abdicated as Emperor of the French here in 1814.

Old City of Jerusalem, Israel

The Wailing Wall. The dome of the Rock. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Each of these iconic religious sites – and some 200 more – are within the walls of Jerusalem. The ancient city is a crucible of sorts for three of the world’s major faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. And for the reason, it has been the site of violent clashes among adherents of each.