Exploring The Newly Added World Heritage Sites

The World Heritage List is a compilation of sites around the world that have been identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having outstanding universal value. These sites are places of immense cultural and natural significance and are protected by international law. In 2020, UNESCO added 30 new sites to the list, adding to the total of 1,121 sites across 167 countries. Here, we will explore the newly added sites in detail, learning about their unique histories, cultures, and landscapes.

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park is located in the south of Iceland and covers an area of over 13,000 km². It is the largest national park in Europe and is home to many of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders, including the Vatnajökull glacier, the highest peak in Iceland, and the largest lake in the country. The park is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Arctic fox, reindeer, and many species of birds. The Park is also home to the world-famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, a mesmerizing landscape of icebergs and glaciers.

The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the glacial landscape on foot, take boat tours on the lagoon, or go ice climbing on the glaciers. Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and snowmobiling. The park is also a great place to observe the Northern Lights.

Vatnajökull National Park is a unique and beautiful site and is an important part of Iceland’s cultural heritage. The inclusion of the park on the World Heritage List will help to protect its unique landscapes and ensure that it remains a place of natural beauty for generations to come.

Mbanza Kongo, Angola

Mbanza Kongo is a city located in the northwest region of Angola. It is the former capital of the Kingdom of Kongo and has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is home to the ruins of the royal palace and is a site of great importance to the Kongo kingdom. It is also home to various churches and cathedrals, including the Church of Nossa Senhora do Remédios, which was built in the 17th century.

The city has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from the Portuguese, African, and Brazilian cultures. The historic center of the city has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins of the royal palace, the cathedrals, and other monuments in the city. Visitors can also take part in traditional music and dance performances, visit traditional markets, and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Mbanza Kongo is an important part of Angola’s cultural heritage, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history, culture, and architecture.

Ivrea, Italy

Ivrea is a small town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The town is best known for its industrial heritage, and was once a major center of the Italian industrial revolution. The town is home to a large number of historic factories and industrial sites, including the historic Olivetti typewriter factory, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ivrea is also home to a number of other sites of cultural and historical importance, including the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Torre del Comune, and the Palazzo delle Feste. The town is also home to a number of museums, including the Olivetti Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Olivetti typewriter factory. Visitors can explore the town’s industrial heritage, as well as its cultural and architectural attractions.

Ivrea is a unique town with a fascinating history, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its industrial heritage for future generations.

Kulangsu, China

Kulangsu is a small island in the Fujian Province of China. The island is home to a unique mixture of Chinese and western architecture, with its buildings and streets reflecting the influence of both cultures. The island is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Gulangyu Island Museum, the Piano Museum, and the Sunlight Rock. The island is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore its unique cultural heritage, as well as its many cultural attractions.

Kulangsu is a unique and vibrant island, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique culture and architecture for future generations.

Qal’at al-Bahrain, Bahrain

Qal’at al-Bahrain is an ancient archaeological site located in Bahrain. The site is believed to have been first settled in the 3rd millennium BCE and is home to a number of archaeological remains, including temples, burial mounds, and fortifications. The site is a testament to Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains, as well as the nearby museums and exhibitions.

Qal’at al-Bahrain is an important part of Bahrain’s cultural heritage, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history and archaeological sites for future generations.

Khami Ruins National Monument, Zimbabwe

The Khami Ruins National Monument is located in Zimbabwe and is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Khami. The city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Butua and is believed to have been founded in the 15th century. The ruins of the city are a testament to its rich cultural and historical heritage, and are a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins, as well as the nearby museum and exhibitions.

The inclusion of the Khami Ruins National Monument on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan

The Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore are two of the most important sites in Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The Fort was built in the 16th century and is home to a number of historical monuments, including the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort Museum. The Shalamar Gardens were built in the 17th century and are home to a number of fountains, pools, and pavilions. The gardens are a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the monuments and gardens, as well as the nearby museum and exhibitions.

The inclusion of the Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve their unique history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Côte d’Ivoire

The Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is located in the north-west of Côte d’Ivoire and is a unique site of great biological importance. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered western chimpanzee and the critically endangered Mount Nimba viviparous toad. The reserve is also home to a number of cultural sites, including the Nienokoue Sacred Forest, which is a site of great importance to the local people.

The Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is an important part of Côte d’Ivoire’s cultural heritage, and its inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique flora, fauna, and cultural sites for future generations.

Architecture of Le Havre, France

The Architecture of Le Havre is a unique collection of post-war buildings designed by the famous French architect Auguste Perret. The buildings are a testament to Perret’s innovative use of concrete, and are a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the city’s unique architecture, as well as the nearby Perret Museum and the Auguste Perret Foundation.

The inclusion of the Architecture of Le Havre on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique architecture for future generations.

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, Portugal

The University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia is a complex of historical buildings located in Coimbra, Portugal. The complex includes the Alta and Sofia universities, which were founded in 1290 and 1294 respectively. The complex is home to a number of historic monuments, including the University Tower, the Church of Santa Cruz, and the Joanine Library. The complex is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the historic buildings, as well as the nearby museums and exhibitions.

The inclusion of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Sacred City of Caral-Supe, Peru

The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is an ancient city located in the Supe Valley in Peru. The city dates back to the 5th millennium BCE, and is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the Americas. The city is home to a number of archaeological remains, including pyramids, plazas, and temples. The city is a testament to Peru’s rich cultural heritage and is a popular tourist destination.

The inclusion of the Sacred City of Caral-Supe on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Archaeological Site of Philippi, Greece

The Archaeological Site of Philippi is located in the northeast of Greece and is home to a number of archaeological remains, including the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi. The city was founded in 356 BCE and was an important center of the Roman Empire. The site is a testament to the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the archaeological remains, as well as the nearby museum and exhibitions.

The inclusion of the Archaeological Site of Philippi on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve its unique history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Conclusion

The newly added World Heritage Sites are a testament to the world’s cultural and natural heritage. They are places of immense beauty and significance, and their inclusion on the World Heritage List will help to protect and preserve them for future generations. Whether you are looking to explore the glacial landscapes of Iceland, the ancient ruins of Peru, or the vibrant culture of China, the newly added World Heritage Sites have something for everyone.