UNESCO heritage sites
Globally protected places
UNESCO heritage sites are places designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as having outstanding universal value—cultural, natural, or both.
The Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, and Machu Picchu are examples.
Countries nominate sites, and an international committee decides which merit protection: The old town became a UNESCO heritage site in 1985.
The designation brings prestige and sometimes tourism pressure.
- national parksProtected natural areas
- ancient ruinsDecayed structures from antiquity
- temple complexesReligious building groups
- sacred grovesReligiously significant protected woodlands
- oral traditionsCulture transmitted through speech
culinary traditions · monuments · stone monuments · sacred mountains · craftsmanship · dance forms · folk music · storytelling · performing arts · ancient trade routes · maritime routes · castles · rituals · palaces · festivals · indigenous territories · museums · caves
UNESCO heritage sitesstrip malls
Connected roadside retail buildings
parking lots · suburban sprawl · industrial parks · tourist traps
UNESCO heritage sitestheme parks
Attractions built around concepts
temporary exhibits · temporary structures · simulacra · Disneyland
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