Top 10 World Heritage Sites to Visit in 2019
Traveling is always an exciting and enriching experience. It broadens our horizons, opens our minds, and helps us appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions around the globe. One of the best ways to explore these cultural differences is by visiting world heritage sites. These sites are preserved to represent the best of humanity’s cultural and natural heritage. In this article, we will explore the top ten world heritage sites to visit in 2019.
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is one of the most famous UNESCO world heritage sites and a popular destination for travelers. It was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire as a Hindu temple and later became a Buddhist temple. The temple’s intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorations are a testament to the Khmer Empire’s artistic and engineering excellence.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Located in Peru’s Cusco region, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Its famous stone walls, terraces, and temples exhibit the Inca civilization’s advanced knowledge of engineering, architecture, and agriculture.
3. Petra, Jordan
Petra, located in southwestern Jordan, is one of the most extraordinary ancient sites in the world. It’s a city carved into rock formations, with impressive tombs, temples, and amphitheaters dating back to 312 BC during the Nabatean era.
4. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortification walls built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions. It dates back to the 7th century BC and is considered one of the world’s most impressive architectural marvels.
5. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is a 17th-century mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture, including its white marble domes and minarets, are a perfect combination of Mughal, Islamic, and Indian styles.
6. The Colosseum, Italy
Located in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum is a 2,000-year-old amphitheater that was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It is an engineering marvel that symbolizes the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
7. Acropolis of Athens, Greece
The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BC and contains several ancient buildings of great significance, such as the Parthenon, the Erectheion, and the Propylaea.
8. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a unique cultural and natural landscape located in the heart of Australia. The park’s centerpiece is Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, a massive sandstone monolith that is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area.
9. The Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress located in Granada, Spain. It was built in the 14th century by the Moors and exemplifies the high point of Islamic art and architecture in Spain.
10. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is a ring of standing stones that date back to 2500 BC and one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
In conclusion, visiting world heritage sites offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of humanity’s cultural and natural heritage. The ten sites mentioned above are just a few of the many fascinating places waiting to be explored. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
