World Heritage Sites
Historic Centre of Cuenca
Country: Ecuador | Type: Cultural | Theme: Colonial, Urban Landscape Introduction to the Historic Centre of Cuenca The city of Cuenca, also known as Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca, is the third largest city in Ecuador with a population of around 500,000. It serves as the capital of the Azuay province and is situated in the Andes Mountains at an …
Chartres Cathedral
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Christian, Religious Structure Introduction to Chartres Cathedral Located in north-central France in the city of the same name, Chartres Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral considered among the best examples of High Gothic architecture in France. Built between 1193 and 1250, it is lauded by secular tourists for its architecture and by Christian pilgrims who travel …
Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Medieval, Urban Landscape Introduction to Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments The name “Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments” refers to a collection of notable monuments in the city of Arles, which is located in the far south central region of France. Spread over approximately 65 hectares (160 acres), the site includes an amphitheatre that dates back to …
Prehistoric Sites of the Vezere Valley
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Rock Art Introduction to Prehistoric Sites of the Vezere Valley Located in southwestern France, the Vezere Valley is famous for its 147 Paleolithic sites and 25 caves decorated with prehistoric art, including the famed Lascaux cave. Indeed, the natural formations of this river valley contain some of the best preserved early artworks ever discovered, and …
Gros Morne National Park
Country: Canada | Type: Natural | Theme: Geology, Glacier Introduction to Gros Morne National Park Gros Morne National Park is located on the west coast of Newfoundland, an island on the eastern coast of Canada. A variety of beautiful natural landforms can be found within the park, including an alpine plateau, fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, lakes, and glacial valleys. A large portion of these …
Tikal National Park
Country: Guatemala | Type: Mixed | Theme: Archaeological Introduction to Tikal National Park Tikal is one of the largest urban centers and archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya. Located in the department of Peten in northern Guatemala the site is located within Tikal National Park and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Tikal received its name shortly after being …
Timbuktu
Country: Mali | Type: Cultural | Theme: Urban Landscape Introduction to Timbuktu Timbuktu is thought to have been found near the end of the 5th century. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Timbuktu was an important center for the growth of Islam. The city contains several well-known mosques including Sankore, Djingareyber, and Sidi Yahia. These three mosques are remnants of the golden …
Kilimanjaro National Park
Country: Tanzania | Type: Natural | Theme: Mountain, Natural Landscape Introduction to Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters, is the highest point in the African continent and largest freestanding volcanic mass in the entire world. On a clear day, it can be seen from over 100 miles away. That National Park surrounding the mountain covers approximately 75,575 ha. The mountain …
Pyramid Fields of Giza
Country: Egypt | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Burial Introduction to Pyramid Fields of Giza Memphis, located in Egypt, was the capital of the Old Kingdom and today contains numerous ancient monuments. Some of its highlights include rock tombs, temples, pyramids, and ornate mastabas. This area, in ancient times, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Some of the well-known …