Cultural travel: 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit without hesitation
Did you know that the famous UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand sites in 168 countries? Since it's impossible to describe them all to you, we've come up with 10 top sites for a cultural trip. A great way to get away from it all while discovering some superb places steeped in history.
The Old Town of Bern
You don't always have to go far to enjoy a cultural trip and discover places that are well worth a visit! A visit to the Old Town of Bern reveals a medieval urban structure that has been modernised over time to meet the needs of a capital city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Old Town of Bern offers a wealth of picturesque old buildings, bridges and fountains that are well worth a visit! Of particular interest on this cultural tour is a visit to the Collegiate Church of St. Vincent in Bern. With its tower over 100 metres high, this Gothic-style cathedral is the tallest religious monument in Switzerland, so you'll be amazed!
Saint-Gall Abbey
Staying in Switzerland, we visit the Abbey of Saint-Gall, located in the town of the same name in the north-east of the country. Construction of this Carolingian monastery began in the 8th century and was not completed until the 18th century. During the Middle Ages, it was also one of Europe's most important cultural centres. Lovers of architecture will appreciate the fact that most architectural styles are represented here, yet the whole is in perfect harmony! And for lovers of literature, St Gallen Abbey's Baroque-style library contains priceless manuscripts and documents, some dating back to the 7th century. Enough to fascinate you!
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The Colosseum in Rome
Take a trip back to the days of gladiators, wild animal fights and chariot races with a visit to Rome's Colosseum. Italy's most visited monument, the Colosseum in Rome is right in the centre of the city. It's impossible to miss! Initiated by Emperor Vespasian, construction of this amphitheatre began in 70 AD and was completed 10 years later under the reign of his son Titus. Now in ruins, the only part of the Colosseum open to visitors is the arena, but I promise you, it's well worth a look!
The Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt
If you've always been fascinated by Egyptian civilisation, a visit to the Abu Simbel Temples is a must! Built by Ramses II around 1260 BC to demonstrate his power, the Abu Simbel Temples impress with their immense façades adorned with colossal statues, friezes and bas-reliefs carved into the rock. Threatened with destruction by the construction of the Aswan Dam and the rising waters of the Nile and Lake Nasser in the 1960s, the 2 temples were cut up, moved and then reassembled on an artificial hill just a few metres from their original site at the instigation of UNESCO. Incredible as it may seem, this major archaeological challenge has made it possible to save these jewels of ancient Egyptian heritage.
The Angkor archaeological site in Cambodia
The site covers more than 160 hectares. It contains a large number of archaeological monuments, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Temple of Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century. The largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat is typical of Khmer architecture. The archaeological site of Angkor is a Mecca for Cambodian tourism. It has been on UNESCO's heritage list since 1992, which has enabled it to be restored and preserved. We promise you, you won't be disappointed!
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The Antigua shipyard and its associated archaeological sites
The Antigua shipyard and its associated archaeological sites in the Caribbean were recently included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The complex comprises port facilities surrounded by a fortified enclosure. They were built by African slaves to promote the development of the British Empire in this part of the world. This cultural trip is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the colonial period.
The Cueva de los Manos in Argentina
The Cueva de los Manos is one of the most important examples of prehistoric cave art in the world. Its walls are covered with stenciled handprints, the oldest of which date back to 11,000 BC. There are also numerous hunting scenes and animals. This kind of visit should appeal to the whole family, and especially to children! Its inclusion on the UNESCO heritage list in 1999 has helped to encourage the preservation of the site and to regulate tourism.
The Sydney Opera House in Australia
A visit to the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales is a must on any cultural trip to the land of kangaroos and koalas. Inaugurated in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural gem. Its worldwide reputation means that it dominates Australian tourism, with over 7 million visitors a year. You can enjoy a wide range of performances, as well as a bite to eat in its various restaurants. The terraces all around are the perfect opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stroll in the sunshine. The largest of the concert halls houses the largest mechanical organ in the world.
Mont-Saint-Michel in France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a citadel surrounded by ramparts. It is topped by a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey nicknamed the Wonder of the West. Situated on a rocky islet in the English Channel, the site is subject to the natural phenomenon of the tides. So before including Mont-Saint-Michel in your cultural trip, take precautions and find out about the dates and times when it is accessible. Otherwise, you can still see it... but from a distance.
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The Mayan site of Copàn in Honduras
To round off this non-exhaustive list of UNESCO cultural heritage sites to visit on a cultural trip, we invite you to Copàn, in the footsteps of the Mayans. Set deep in the jungle, this archaeological site lies at an altitude of 600 metres. It includes burial sites, a monumental hieroglyphic staircase, a temple, a large square and museums.
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