mytravels

year :: 1979


Bialowieza Forest


Bialowieza Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Belarus and Poland, recognized in 1979 with expansions in 1992 and 2014, is one of Europe’s last primeval lowland forests, preserved for over 800 years. Home to the largest population of European bison and ancient oaks, its dense woodlands and wetlands showcase exceptional biodiversity and natural resilience. This cross-border site reflects a rare remnant of Europe’s wild past, blending ecological significance with centuries of human stewardship in a pristi... Read More

Glacier Bay, Kluane and Tatshenshini


Glacier Bay / Kluane / Tatshenshini, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada and the United States, recognized in 1979 with expansions in 1992 and 1994, is a vast wilderness of glaciers, mountains, and rivers across Alaska and Yukon. Featuring North America’s tallest peaks, like Mount Logan, and dynamic icefields, it harbors grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and rare glacial ecosystems. This transnational site reflects a stunning natural legacy, showcasing geological grandeur and biodiversity in a remote northern f... Read More

Boyana Church


Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bulgaria, is a medieval treasure renowned for its exceptional 13th-century frescoes. This small, unassuming church houses remarkably preserved murals that showcase a pivotal shift toward realism in European art, blending Byzantine influences with local creativity. Recognized for its historical and artistic significance, it offers a rare glimpse into the cultural and religious life of the Middle Ages in the region.

Madara Rider


The Madara Rider, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bulgaria, is a striking 8th-century rock relief carved into a towering cliff. Depicting a triumphant horseman spearing a lion, accompanied by inscriptions, this monumental artwork symbolizes early Bulgarian statehood and artistic prowess under the First Bulgarian Empire. Celebrated for its historical and cultural value, it stands as a unique testament to medieval artistry and power in the region.

Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak


The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bulgaria, is a remarkable 4th-century BCE burial chamber celebrated for its vivid frescoes. Hidden within a beehive-shaped dome, the tomb’s murals depict funeral rituals and mythological scenes with exceptional artistry, offering a rare window into Thracian culture and beliefs. Recognized for its historical and artistic significance, it stands as a masterpiece of ancient Hellenistic influence in the region.

Rock Hewn Churches of Ivanovo


The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bulgaria, are a collection of medieval chapels, churches, and monasteries carved into cliffs along a river valley. Dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, these sanctuaries feature well-preserved frescoes that blend Byzantine art with local traditions, reflecting the spiritual devotion of monastic communities. Celebrated for their historical and artistic value, they offer a unique glimpse into Bulgaria’s medieval religious heritage.

Dinosaur Provincial Park


Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada, is a fossil-rich badland celebrated for its extraordinary paleontological significance. Home to one of the world’s densest concentrations of Cretaceous dinosaur remains, it features striking eroded landscapes and over 150 documented species, offering a window into prehistoric life 75 million years ago. Recognized for its scientific and natural value, it stands as a global treasure of Earth’s ancient past.

Split


Split, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia, is renowned for its historic architecture centered around Diocletian's Palace, a remarkably preserved Roman imperial complex. Combining ancient ruins with medieval and modern structures, it reflects centuries of cultural evolution, offering a unique blend of historical significance and urban vibrancy.

Plitvice Lakes


Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia, is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its cascading lakes and waterfalls interconnected by pristine waterways. Surrounded by lush forests, this unique landscape supports diverse ecosystems and offers stunning views, showcasing harmony between natural beauty and ecological significance.

Dubrovnik


The Old City of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Croatia, is a stunning medieval walled city renowned for its well-preserved architecture and historic charm. Encircled by massive stone walls, it features narrow cobblestone streets, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and cultural landmarks that reflect centuries of maritime trade and artistic heritage.

Virunga


Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Congo, is a biodiverse wilderness spanning volcanoes, forests, and savannas. Home to rare mountain gorillas, elephants, and okapis, it showcases a stunning range of ecosystems and wildlife. This natural treasure highlights conservation efforts amidst a dramatic and varied landscape.

Memphis and its Necropolis


Memphis and its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, is an ancient capital from 3100 BCE, renowned for its vast burial grounds and monumental pyramids. Featuring the Great Sphinx and Giza’s iconic structures, it reflects the architectural genius and spiritual beliefs of early Egyptian civilization. This historic site offers a profound glimpse into antiquity’s grandeur.

Thebes Necropolis


The Thebes Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, is an ancient burial ground from the New Kingdom era, famed for its rock-cut tombs and temples. Featuring the Valley of the Kings and grand mortuary complexes, it showcases intricate art and royal burials. This site offers a stunning window into Egypt’s pharaonic heritage.

Abu Simbel Nubian Monuments


The Abu Simbel Nubian Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, are colossal 13th-century BCE temples carved into a cliff by Ramses II. Featuring massive statues and intricate reliefs, they were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding. This site showcases ancient Egyptian engineering and royal legacy.

Cairo


Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, is a medieval Islamic city founded in the 10th century, renowned for its mosques, madrasas, and bustling bazaars. Featuring ornate minarets and ancient walls, it reflects centuries of architectural and cultural evolution. This vibrant site offers a rich tapestry of Egypt’s Islamic heritage.

Abu Mena


Abu Mena, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Egypt, is an early Christian pilgrimage center from the 4th century, featuring ruins of a basilica, monastery, and baptistery. Built over the tomb of Saint Menas, its intricate remains reflect the rise of Coptic Christianity. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into Egypt’s religious past.

Fasil Ghebbi


Fasil Ghebbi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, is a 17th-century royal fortress-city with palaces, castles, and churches encircled by stone walls. Reflecting a blend of Ethiopian and imported architectural styles, it served as an imperial capital. This site showcases Ethiopia’s historical grandeur and cultural legacy.

Vézère Valley


The Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a prehistoric treasure trove featuring over 150 Paleolithic sites from 400,000 years ago. Renowned for cave art, including the famous Lascaux paintings of animals, it offers a vivid glimpse into early human creativity. This site showcases France’s ancient cultural legacy.

Versailles


The Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a grand palace and gardens epitomizing 17th-century royal extravagance. Built under Louis XIV, its opulent halls, like the Hall of Mirrors, showcase Baroque architecture and lavish decor. The sprawling gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns, reflecting meticulous design. Once a political hub, it symbolizes absolute monarchy’s power and prestige. This iconic site blends history, art, and nature in stunning harmony.

Vézelay


Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a medieval hilltop village centered around the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. This Romanesque masterpiece, built in the 12th century, features intricate carvings and a soaring nave, drawing pilgrims for centuries. The site served as a key starting point for Crusades and Santiago de Compostela pilgrimages. Its well-preserved streets and panoramic views enhance its historic charm. Vézelay reflects a rich blend of spiritual significance and architectural b... Read More

Chartres Cathedral


Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the 12th and 13th centuries. Renowned for its soaring towers and intricate stone carvings, it stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship. The cathedral’s vibrant stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes, are among the world’s finest. Its well-preserved structure reflects the era’s religious devotion and artistic innovation. This iconic site draws visitors to explore its historical and spirit... Read More

Mont Saint Michel


Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a medieval island fortress rising dramatically from the sea. Built atop a rocky mount, its abbey and winding streets reflect centuries of architectural ingenuity. Once a pilgrimage site, it blends Gothic and Romanesque styles seamlessly. Surrounded by shifting tides, it creates a striking silhouette against the horizon. This historic marvel showcases a unique harmony of nature and human creation.

Forts and Castles of Ghana


The Forts and Castles of Ghana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comprise a collection of historic fortifications built between the 15th and 18th centuries by European traders and colonial powers. These structures, originally established for trade in gold and later used in the transatlantic slave trade, reflect a unique blend of European and African architectural influences. Key examples include Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle, which served as major hubs for commerce and human trafficking. Today, they stan... Read More

Tikal


Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Guatemala, is an ancient Mayan city renowned for its impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces that showcase the architectural and cultural achievements of the Maya civilization. Flourishing between 200 and 900 AD, it served as a major political, economic, and religious center, with iconic structures like Temple I and the Great Plaza standing as testaments to its historical significance. Today, Tikal offers a glimpse into the past, drawing visitors to explore its well-... Read More

Antigua Guatemala


Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, acquired a number of superb monuments.