UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Discover the world's most extraordinary cultural and natural treasures. UNESCO World Heritage Sites represent humanity's shared heritage—from ancient monuments and historic cities to pristine ecosystems and geological wonders. Our collection features 32 sites across 28 countries, each recognised for its outstanding universal value.
About UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). These sites are designated as having cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance, and are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
The World Heritage Convention, adopted by UNESCO in 1972, aims to identify and preserve sites of exceptional universal value. To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must meet at least one of ten selection criteria, demonstrating either outstanding cultural significance or exceptional natural importance. These criteria range from representing masterpieces of human creative genius to containing superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty.
As of 2024, there are over 1,100 World Heritage Sites across more than 160 countries. Each site receives international recognition and, in many cases, financial and technical assistance for conservation efforts. Countries nominate sites within their borders, and an international committee evaluates each nomination based on rigorous standards of authenticity, integrity, and protection.
Understanding Site Categories
Cultural Sites
Cultural sites represent the vast majority of World Heritage designations. These include monuments, archaeological sites, historic cities, cultural landscapes, and architectural masterpieces. Cultural sites must meet criteria related to human creativity, cultural exchange, unique testimony to civilisations, or exceptional examples of architectural or technological ensembles. Examples range from ancient temples and medieval castles to industrial heritage and modernist architecture.
Natural Sites
Natural sites showcase Earth's most spectacular landscapes, geological formations, and ecosystems. These sites must demonstrate outstanding examples of Earth's history, significant ongoing ecological and biological processes, or contain superlative natural phenomena and areas of exceptional beauty. Natural World Heritage Sites often serve as crucial refuges for biodiversity and endangered species, from tropical rainforests and coral reefs to volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness areas.
Mixed Sites
Mixed sites are rare designations that meet both cultural and natural criteria. These extraordinary places demonstrate the profound connection between human culture and the natural environment. Mixed sites often represent sacred landscapes where nature and culture are inseparable, such as mountain ranges with spiritual significance or cultural landscapes shaped by thousands of years of human interaction with nature. These sites exemplify humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Planning Your Heritage Site Visit
Visiting World Heritage Sites offers unique opportunities to experience humanity's greatest cultural achievements and nature's most remarkable wonders. However, these sites face ongoing challenges from tourism pressure, climate change, and development. Responsible tourism helps ensure these treasures remain protected for future generations.
When planning your visit, research the site's specific regulations and visiting guidelines. Many popular sites require advance booking or limit daily visitor numbers to prevent overcrowding. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds whilst supporting local communities year-round. Respect restricted areas, follow designated paths, and never remove artifacts or damage structures—even seemingly small impacts can accumulate when millions visit each year.
Each site page on our platform provides detailed visitor information, including best times to visit, entry requirements, local customs to respect, and conservation considerations. By visiting responsibly and supporting legitimate conservation efforts, travellers become active participants in preserving these irreplaceable sites for future generations to experience and enjoy.