l’anse aux meadows
states: [canada]
category: cultural
year: 1978
location: Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
region: Europe and North America
latitude/longitude: 51.4666666700, -55.6166666700
unesco id: 4
world heritage site: 4
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L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canada, is an archaeological treasure showcasing the earliest known European settlement in North America. Discovered in 1960, this 11th-century Norse site features remnants of timber-framed buildings, ironworking evidence, and artifacts linked to Viking explorers, likely led by Leif Erikson. Its historical significance lies in proving pre-Columbian transatlantic contact, offering a tangible connection to the Age of Exploration. Today, it stands as a testament to human migration and cultural exchange, preserved for its universal value.