April 14,2023
By Sonakshi Kandhari
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
World Heritage Day is celebrated on 18 April each year. The day is also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites. The theme for this year is ‘Heritage Changes’. Celebrated since the year 1983, here is the list of the first 12 sites that made it to this list.
This spot bears testimony to the Vikings, whose history fascinates everyone. It is one of the earliest and only known pieces of evidence of their existence in North America. Perched at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland, the excavation at the site led to the discovery of structures that are similar to the Viking structures in Norse Greenland and Iceland.
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A marvel in every sense, Nahanni National Park is located in western Canada and is a 4,70,000-acre expanse of natural area. It comprises deep river canyons, huge waterfalls, a rare limestone cave system and ancient rivers. The region's 40 animal species and 170 bird species are an additional attraction.
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Earthquakes could not rob this city’s historic centre of its charm. It is Latin America’s largest and best-preserved historic centre, and a visit there makes one travel back in time. The Colonial churches, historic streets, markets and presidential palace are a few noteworthy spots. It is the first World Cultural Heritage City that was declared by UNESCO.
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The Walia Ibex goat is unique to this place; it cannot be found anywhere else in the world.. If you're lucky, you can spot the Simien fox or the Gelada baboon. Bird lovers will not be disappointed because this park is home to 400 species. All this biodiversity is so spectacular that it can take your breath away.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
When going to a church was frowned upon because of the Muslim conquests, King Lalibela developed a ‘New Jerusalem’ in the mountain region of Ethiopia. Hence, 11 monolithic cave churches came into being in the 13th century. To date, pilgrims who follow the Ethiopian Christian calendar visit these churches on important days.
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Renowned for exemplary church architecture, the cathedral was originally a Roman spa called Aquisgranum. It was the first site to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. The spot gained prominence in the eighth century during the rule of Charlemagne, and for 600 years, kings were crowned here.
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Dwell deep into history as you enter this town, which is Poland’s former capital. It served as the 13th-century merchant town and is home to palaces and historical houses. Another notable tourist attraction is the market square, which is the largest one in Europe.
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This heritage site inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is home to rare species like the blue-footed booby, giant tortoises and marine iguanas, which gave it another title–'a living museum and showcase of evolution’. Visitors can also witness the confluence of three oceans in the spot, which contributes to making the Galapagos a melting pot of marine species.
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Explore the world of salt. These sites are examples of the highest order of mining techniques that were prevalent between the 13th and 20th centuries. But that’s not all that these mysterious mines are famous for. The excavated areas have an extensive stretch of galleries that have underground chapels, artistic pieces and statues carved out of salt.
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The Portuguese, Dutch, English and French ruled this island successively. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, it served as Africa’s largest sleeve trading centre. The area depicts a stark contrast between dreary slave cells and posh houses of slave traders. Senegal became independent in 1960, and in 1978 it was given recognition as a UNESCO site.
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Pueblo Indians were North Americans who were known to live in compact settlements called pueblos. You witness such settlements at the Mesa Verde National Park in south-west Colorado, at an altitude of 8000 feet. They were constructed between the sixth and 12th centuries. There are villages and cliff dwellings carved out of stone to admire.
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It is the first ever national park of the United States and one of the few remaining intact ecosystems on Earth.It is possible to experience Geologic and hydrothermal features in the park. .It presents visitors with an opportunity to observe wildlife, active geysers and the Grand Canyon.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons