Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that endowed man with untold riches and made it possible to use its benefits to create comfortable conditions life. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution has always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this is the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia
In the northern part of Saudi Arabia is a unique complex of Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 graves dating back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegr, an ancient city that became the center of caravan trade.
More than 50 inscriptions were found on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the Donabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.
Longmen Grottoes, China
"Dragon Gate" or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. The amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, until 494 was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty.
After moving the residence to the new city, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.
2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the full-flowing Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, which make up a single complex, were made to the UNESCO heritage list. 
Bayon Temple, Cambodia
Among the picturesque nature of Angor Toma, an amazing temple complex Bayon, built in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and way of life of the Khmers.
In addition to the Bayon temple, over a thousand more unique temples are located in the Angkor region, representing different eras and levels of civilization development. Every year, millions of inquisitive tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.
Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones, silently resting among the endless fields sown with rice.
Stonehend, UK
The overall stone structure - Stonehend is located among the luxurious nature of the Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones, placed in a certain sequence, are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at the amazing creation of man, created in 3000 BC.
Under the influence of time and natural phenomena, the unique monument of antiquity began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 they can only be looked at. To touch the stones, a special permit is required, which is issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.
Stonehand was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
Lonely George, Ecuador
The only giant tortoise representing this species mammals, lives on the territory of the National Park, located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on the island of Pinta, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.
The most famous bachelor in the world is in the prime of his life, according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to breed. George has already found a female who has a genetic resemblance to the progenitors of the "groom", so there is every reason to believe that the genus of giant tortoises will continue.
Summer Palace, China
Among the fabulously beautiful landscapes of the imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day keeps the memory of the royal people who lived within its walls.
In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.
In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of the UNESCO World Treasury.
Statue of Liberty, America
The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolitan areas of the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift given by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.
"Lady Liberty" personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the struggle of Americans for their rights.
In 1984, "Lady Liberty" added to the list of UNESCO heritage.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina
On the territory of the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique heritage by UNESCO.
In addition to the species diversity of birds and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for an incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of falling streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.
The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise corner of the earth, filled with outlandish aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see the riches of the Argentinean region with their own eyes.
Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
On the picturesque banks of the canals, located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills, built several decades ago, majestically rise.
More than a thousand historical structures, named in Kinderdijk after the village in which they are located, have added to the bottomless treasury of UNESCO.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
The decoration of the relief landscapes of the Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the amiable name of Perito Moreno. In size, it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.
An amazing masterpiece created by nature has become not only an adornment of the Argentinean Patagonia, it has replenished the UNESCO world treasury. The talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.
The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spreads to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant rise in the water level in the southern part of the lake.
Cubic meters of icy liquid put pressure on the walls of the glacier, breaking the shackling barrier. Such an action is a bewitching spectacle and takes place sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.
Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel
In the north of Israel, the picturesque town of Haifa is located, the territory of which is lined with unique terraced gardens created many years ago.
In the luxury of amazing vegetation, the beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the Baha'i religious trend that is popular today, is buried.
The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man in 2008 was included in the list of unique heritage of UNESCO.
Vatican
The Vatican, a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is the world center of Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 by architect Bernini.
Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres join near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where the faithful gather to hear and see the pontiff.
The inhabitants of a small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage of previous generations, part of which is the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art that are preserved behind the walls of the sacred basilica.
In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.
Petra, Israel
The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Hollowed out in the sandstones, residential quarters rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.
Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts, amazing temples, built many centuries ago, have been preserved.
The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list, in addition, since 2007 it has been called another "wonder of the world."
Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is a unique system of 3,000 isolated coral reefs and over 900 scenic islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and attracts millions of divers every year, eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.
With over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on the planet, which can be seen even from space.
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the treasury of UNESCO, and earlier it was given the status of "wonder of the world."
Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus
Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park in Belarus. In 1993, it received the status of a biosphere reserve, and a year earlier it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The picturesque nature protection object is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions, the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
On the picturesque landscapes of the amazing area, excellent conditions have been created for the habitat of many species of animals, among which are those listed in the "Red Book" of Belarus.
In the dense thickets of relic forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - bison, which tourists from different parts of the globe come to see.
Rock paintings in Alta, Norway
Another cultural and historical heritage of UNESCO is the rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who hunted here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock art reflects the way of life of the people living in coastal areas and on the mainland, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.
More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.
For the first time, they started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, it was then that the first petroglyphs were found. In the course of further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum, open to tourists, was established.
Urnes Stave Church, Norway
Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outlines of the Urnes Stave Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, loom. Amazing masterpiece wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.
The masters who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.
Durable wood, harvested for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been fortunate enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.
Arc Struve
A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground by means of stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.
The Struve Arc has been used to determine the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, Sweden. The total length of the network, on which the triangulation points are located, is 2820 kilometers.
34 strongholds of the Duga, named after one of its founders, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO World Treasury.
Kiev Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today, a unique monument of ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.
The Caves Lavra got its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.
From the day of its foundation, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra has become a spiritual and cultural stronghold Kievan Rus, and the fame of her thundered far beyond the borders of the state.
Basilica of the Nativity and Pilgrims' Trails, Palestine
A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity, built in 339 AD. The place for the foundation of the basilica was not chosen by chance, it is believed that it was here that Jesus Christ was born.
In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original building.
In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage trails, bell towers, magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of luxurious plains and picturesque plateaus, swampy terrain covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers that cut through the open spaces of the park filled with life.
On the territory of the park you can see hundreds of rare species of plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where the tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock art found during archaeological excavations. The drawings depict the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.
Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, in 1981 listed as a UNESCO site.
Rainforests of the east coast of Australia
In the eastern part of Australia, along the dizzying cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, there are mysterious rainforests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This unique area, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of great importance for modern science. Indeed, on its territory there are geologically important objects, such as, for example, craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rainforests have become home to endemic species representing the local fauna.
Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia
450 kilometers of tropical rain forests lie along the northeast coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and the rarest representatives of the richest Australian flora and no less diverse fauna.
In 1988, tropical rainforests added to the treasury of the world organization UNESCO.
Fraser Island
At over 120 kilometers long, Fraser Island is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with moist tall forests, and the golden bends of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed "hanging" lakes filled with fresh water.
In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO Treasury.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Shark Bay and the islands adjacent to it are a fabulously beautiful place, known for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10,000 dugong individuals (the largest population of these animals in the world) live in the waters washing the coast.
Secondly, in the coastal waters you can see the huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.
Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations - stromatolites. They owe their appearance to algae colonies that are active underwater.
Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay into the natural treasure, in 1991, which added to the lists of UNESCO.
Macquarie Island
In the boundless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny island of Macquarie is lost. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate with the Indo-Australian.
As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks, stored at a depth of more than 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, fell on the relief surface. In 1997, Macquarie Island was added to the richest treasury of UNESCO.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, resembling a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. In the "shells" located on a solid foundation, a magnificently decorated hall and a fine restaurant were located.
Erected in 1973, the building took its place among the UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.
The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of an amazing project. Having changed the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.
Convict settlements, Australia
Of the thousands of camps established by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th century), eleven located on Norfolk Island, Tasmania, around Sydney, were listed as UNESCO sites in 2010.
The prisons were designed to hold hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. They were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-education of criminals.
This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, implemented through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in the colonies.
Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua
The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. The design of the exterior and interior clearly shows the features of eclecticism, with a refined luxury characteristic of the style and an abundance of decorative details, harmoniously combined into a single ensemble.
Magnificent stained-glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Golgotha) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.
The monumental construction of the temple was created according to a project developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.
Since 2011, Leon Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO Treasury.
Island City Mozambique
The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.
A tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is immersed in the luxury of exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.
But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. Built in the same style, the buildings were built of makuchi stone and decorated in accordance with the building traditions laid down in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing city-island of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.
Prehispanic city of Teotihuacan
Teotiukan - the sacred city (formerly considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and completed only by the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and high level cultural development made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.
Remarkable architecture of Teotiucan, especially large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed according to the principles of geometry.
Since 1987, the pre-Spanish city of Teotiucan has graced the UNESCO Treasury.
Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve
The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is adorned with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name of Sian Kaan. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs that have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.
The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of strange birds enliven the dense thickets of forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions favor the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates typical of this region.
The picturesque biosphere reserve Sian Kaan in 1987 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.
Historic city of Meknes, Morocco
Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement flourished over time and turned into the picturesque city of Maknes. Under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a pronounced Spanish-Moorish flavor.
Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of the past centuries of prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historic city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
Bikini Atoll
Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could safely be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear waters Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence of the locals. In 1946, they were relocated from their native island, and the picturesque landscapes and water area became a test site for American nuclear weapons.
For 12 years, over 60 nuclear explosions have thundered on the atoll, the first hydrogen bomb, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such exposure.
Silent witnesses of the unfortunate events were the ships that sank during the ongoing tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb.
Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Lake Malawi National Park
The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, in the waters of which many interesting representatives of the underwater fauna live.
deep water lake with the purest water sheltered dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.
The unique lake in 1984 replenished the treasury of UNESCO.
Old quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a fortified city, which at different times was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, and France. Passing into possession from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.
So it was until 1867, after the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind of the former power of the architecture of the military era.
The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 1994.
curonian spit
The Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different sections ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.
The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by man since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece, exposed to the winds and the sea. To negate the negative impact natural factors, work is underway to strengthen the forest plantation and sand dunes.
In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.
Los Catios National Park, Colombia
On 72,000 hectares of picturesque Colombian land, the Los Catios National Park is spread, which in 1994 replenished the UNESCO treasury.
The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The territory of the park has become home to a huge number of amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.
Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya
The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, which is home to an incredible variety of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can only survive if they are within the Great Rift Valley, which is safe for them.
The emerald expanse of lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes covered with emerald thickets of forests that have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).
The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in shallow water. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists, eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and the lake system, in 2011, listed as a UNESCO site.
Ten natural objects of the Russian Federation are on the UNESCO World Heritage List (4 of them are recognized as natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance), and this is not counting another 15 objects that are cultural objects of protection. This is not at all surprising, because Russia is a truly vast country, with a huge territory, with incredibly beautiful and diverse nature, with a rich cultural heritage.
If you want to see the virgin nature of Russia in its original form, then it will not be difficult for Russians (and foreign tourists too) to go to one of the nature reserves or national parks of the country, on the territory of which these ten objects are located that need constant protection at the international level. level...
1. Forests of the Komi Republic
The area of these forests is more than 3 million hectares, on which there is a national park and a state biosphere reserve. This facility opened a new page for Russia in environmental protection at the global level.
The virgin forests of Komi are known as the largest untouched forests growing in Europe. They occupy an area of 32,600 square kilometers in the north of the Ural Mountains, within the Pechero-Ilychsky Reserve and the Yugyd Va National Park. According to their composition, the Komi forests belong to the taiga ecosystem. They are dominated by coniferous trees. The western part of the forests falls on the foothills, the eastern - on the mountains themselves. The forest area of Komi is distinguished by the diversity of not only flora, but also fauna. More than two hundred species of birds live here, 40 species of rare mammals, and 16 species of fish that are considered valuable for fishing, preserved since the Ice Age, live in the reservoirs. For example, Siberian grayling and palia char belong to such fish species. Many inhabitants of the virgin forests of Komi are listed in the Red Book of the planet. This natural object The Russian Federation was included in the UNESCO list in 1995 - the very first in the list.
2. Lake Baikal
For the whole world, Baikal is a lake, for the people of Russia who are in love with a unique natural object, Baikal is a sea! located in Eastern Siberia it is the deepest lake on the planet and, at the same time, the largest natural repository in terms of volume fresh water. The shape of Baikal has the shape of a crescent. The maximum depth of the lake is 1642 meters with an average depth of 744. Baikal contains 19 percent of all fresh water on the planet. The lake is fed by more than three hundred rivers and streams. Baikal water is distinguished by a high content of oxygen. Its temperature rarely exceeds plus 8-9 degrees Celsius even in summer near the surface. The water of the lake is so clean and transparent that it allows you to see in depth at a distance of up to forty meters.
The oldest and deepest (approximately 1700 meters) on Earth, Lake Baikal covers an area of over three million hectares. The reservoir that appeared about 25 million years ago was in almost complete isolation, due to which an amazing ecosystem was formed in its fresh waters, the study of which allows obtaining information about the evolutionary processes taking place on the planet.
Unique even on a global scale, the lake is about 20% of all the reserves of such necessary fresh water on Earth, as well as a delightful sight that inspires beauty and enchants with the luxury of amazing landscapes.
Lake Baikal was named a beautiful pearl by UNESCO in 1996 and included in the list of priceless heritage of the planet.
3. Kamchatka volcanoes .
This site was also included in the World Heritage List in 1996. Five years later (in 2001), the territory of the object subject to international protection expanded due to the movement of lithospheric plates of the Pacific volcanic ring. Today, the territory of the state biosphere reserve is about 4 million hectares. This area is called the "natural museum of volcanology." Both long-extinct and active volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula can serve as exhibits. Moreover, each of the "exhibits" is an individual object, for the study of which life is not enough.
In total, there are currently about 300 extinct volcanoes and 30 active volcanoes on the territory of this object, but the number of the latter changes every year. The most interesting tourist attraction of this region is the Valley of Geysers in the Konotsky Biosphere Reserve. The mountain rivers of Kamchatka abound with huge numbers of salmon fish, and coastal waters are home to many species of whales and dolphins.
4. Altai Mountains
These mountains are called "Golden", as each species of animals, birds and fish is unique here. Altai cedar forests and mammals with the most valuable commercial fur, which can be equated in value with gold, have been preserved here. The object covers an area of more than 1.5 million hectares, was included in the UNESCO list in 1998. The "golden" Altai mountains are located at the intersection mountain system Siberia and Central Asia.
The vegetation of this region is unique, there is an abundance of alpine meadows, there are steppes, semi-deserts and tundra. Absolutely everything is unique here, from snow leopards to forms mountainous landforms. The pearl of the Altai Territory is Lake Teletskoye, which is also called "Small Baikal".
5. Natural Park "Lena Pillars"
The fabulously beautiful landscapes of the park are formed by hundred-meter rock formations that pacify the waters of the beautiful Lena River. The Lena Pillars are located in the very heart of Sakha (Republic of Yakutia).
Such an amazing natural phenomenon owes its appearance to the continental climate, within which temperature fluctuations reach about one hundred degrees (+40 degrees in summer and -60 degrees in winter). The pillars are separated by deep ravines with steep slopes. Their formation took place under the influence of water, which contributes to the freezing of the soil and its weathering. Similar processes led to the fact that the ravines deepened and expanded. Water in this case plays the role of a destroyer, representing a danger to the pillars.
Introduced in 2012 into the list of heritage of the planet, the Lena Pillars are of interest not only from the point of view of an aesthetic spectacle, but also a unique archaeological zone, on the territory of which the remains of ancient animals of the Cambrian period were found.
This natural site has an area of 1.27 million hectares. If we take into account the geological structure of the soil in the park, then this land can “tell” a lot about the history of the planet, about living organisms and vegetation.
Many remains of mammoths, bison, woolly rhinos, Lena horses, reindeer and other remains of ancient mammals have been found in the Lena Pillars. Today, 12 representatives of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of the planet live on the territory of the complex. It is believed that the Lena Pillars have a huge "aesthetic influence" on a person due to their unique beauty landscapes, bizarre relief with huge caves, fabulous stone statues, rocky spiers, niches and "towers".
6. Sikhote-Alin Reserve
This territory, included in the UNESCO list in 2001, covers an area of about 0.4 million hectares. The object is valuable because unique broad-leaved forests and ancient coniferous forests have been preserved on its territory. There is also an incredible mixture of different types of flora and fauna, among which there are many rare species.
A large biosphere reserve in Primorsky Krai was originally created to preserve the sable population. At present, it is the most convenient place for observing the life of the Amur tiger. A huge number of plants grow on the territory of the Sikhote-Alin Reserve. Over a thousand higher species, more than a hundred - mosses, about four hundred - lichens, more than six hundred species of algae and more than five hundred - fungi.
Local fauna represented large quantity birds, marine invertebrates and insects. Many plants, birds, animals and insects are among the protected objects. lemongrass chinese,ginseng,Fori rhododendron and Palibina edelweiss, spotted deer and Himalayan bear, black crane and stork, Japanese starling, Sakhalin sturgeon, fish owl and Swallowtail butterfly - all of them found shelter in the Sikhote-Alin Reserve.
7. Natural complex of the Wrangel Island Reserve
The protected area, which in 2004 added to the list of UNESCO treasures, is located beyond the Arctic Circle. It includes the relief landscapes of Wrangel Island, whose area is over 7 thousand square meters. kilometers, and Herald Island, whose area is 11 thousand square meters. kilometers, as well as the coastal waters of the East Siberian Sea and the waters of the Chukchi Sea.
This region managed to avoid glaciation, thanks to which the area is distinguished by amazing biological diversity. The harsh climate of the protected area appealed to the walruses, who have formed here the largest rookery in the Arctic. The picturesque land was also chosen by polar bears, the density of their ancestral dens in this region is considered the highest on the planet.
More than fifty species of birds nest here, including both endemics and endangered ones. Gray whales rush here, choosing this place for feeding. Surprisingly, over four hundred species of vascular plants are found on the island, among which there are also endemics.
Here tourists can see the largest "bird colonies" in the Eastern Arctic. Pleistocene relics predominate among plant forms. The landscape of the island is unusual, as well as its water area. Many travelers dream of visiting here.
8. Ubsunur basin
The area of this unique biosphere reserve is 0.8 million hectares. The object was included in the UNESCO list in 2003. A salt lake with a large area is located on the border of Mongolia and the Russian Republic of Tuva. By the way, only seven sections of the intermountain basin with a shallow lake (up to 15 meters) are located on the territory of Russia, the remaining five parts of the Transboundary Facility are located in Mongolia. Each of the seven sections of the basin on our territory is individual in appearance and the plants that grow there depending on the landscapes.
Inhabitant of the Ubsunur Hollow
Zhere you can see the foothills with eternal stretches of snow-capped peaks, there are also areas of mountain taiga, alpine meadows, wetlands, mountain tundra and even sandy deserts. The remnant mountains with bright vegetation and contrasting landscapes give a special picturesqueness to the Ubsunur basin. Endangered species of animals are found here - mountain sheep - argali, Snow Leopard, as well as many rare species of birds - geese, herons, terns, gulls, shorebirds, etc. During the excavation of ancient burial mounds in the basin, unique rock paintings, burials and stone statues were discovered.
9. Putorana Plateau
Included in the World Heritage List in 2010, this natural site of the Russian Federation covers a total area of more than 1.8 million hectares. This virgin basalt plateau in the north of Eastern Siberia, almost at the Arctic Circle, is invaluable in terms of study by geologists and geomorphologists. The mountainous terrain has a stepped landscape, flat-topped massifs are intersected by deep canyons. The plateau was formed at the turn of the Mesozoic and Paleozoic as a result of volcanic activity. Forty-layer deposits allow us to study the structure of the planet.
Deep cracks in the plateau were formed by glaciers, which subsequently filled with water, forming lakes with a unique appearance and a depth of up to 400 meters. There are many beautiful waterfalls on the territory of the plateau, one of which (in the valley of the Kanda River) has a height of 108 meters. In total, there are 25 thousand small and large lakes with a huge supply of fresh water on the territory of the Putorana Plateau. There are more than 30 species of mammals in this northern reserve, and all of them are rare or relict.
Vegetation is represented by 400 species - mainly woodlands, mountain tundra and larch taiga. The plateau serves as a resting place for thousands of species of migratory birds.
The picturesque landscapes of the beautiful plateau coincide with the boundaries of the reserve of the same name located beyond the Arctic Circle, which adorns the territory of Central Siberia. The special charm of the area is betrayed by the successive zones: the virgin taiga, the richest forest tundra, the colorful landscapes of the tundra and the fabulous beauty of the icy Arctic deserts. A real decoration of the plateau: winding ribbons of rivers and a crystal saucer of a lake filled with clear cold water. Through the inhospitable lands of the plateau, a road stretches along which deer migrate. This is an incredible sight, which in nature can be observed less and less.
10. Territories of the Western Caucasus
The nature reserve with an area of 0.3 million hectares has been included in the UNESCO list since 1999. These territories are almost untouched by human civilization. Today they are protected not only by UNESCO, but also by other all-Russian and international organizations - Greenpeace, the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, "NABU", Dresden Technical University, the working group " North Caucasus” and others. The territory of the reserve covers areas that stretch from the upper reaches of the Kuban River to the Belaya and Malaya Laba rivers..
Caucasus. Blooming rhododendron in the Upper Mzymta valley
The vegetation in this protected region is represented by coniferous and broad-leaved forests, crooked forests, mountain meadows, and nival belt. Every third plant here is considered relic. Rare species of birds of prey nest here - ospreys, bearded vultures, golden eagles, griffon vultures, etc. Among the large animals in the reserve, you can see West Caucasian tigers, brown bears, wolves, Caucasian red deer, bison, etc. Tourists will be interested to see beautiful karst formations in this natural area with deep gorges, waterfalls, underground rivers, tarns, moraines, cirques and valleys formed by mountain glaciers.
11. Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a sandy spit located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The Curonian Spit is a narrow and long saber-shaped strip of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and extends from the city of Zelenogradsk, Kaliningrad Region, to the city of Klaipeda (Smiltyne) (Lithuania).
Length - 98 kilometers, width ranges from 400 meters (near the village of Lesnoy) to 3.8 kilometers (near Cape Bulviko, just north of Nida).
The Curonian Spit is a unique natural-anthropogenic landscape and a territory of exceptional aesthetic value: The Curonian Spit is the largest sand body that is part of the Baltic sand spits complex, which has no analogues in the world. The high level of biological diversity due to the combination of different landscapes - from desert (dunes) to tundra (raised bog) - gives an idea of important and long-term ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, river, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. The location of the spit and its relief are unique.
The most significant element of the spit relief is a continuous strip of white sand dunes 0.3-1.0 km wide, partly approaching the highest in the world (up to 68 m).
The Curonian Spit contains natural areas, the most representative and important for the conservation of biological diversity, including those where endangered species of outstanding importance are preserved. global importance from the point of view of science and nature conservation: due to its geographical position and orientation from northeast to southwest, it serves as a corridor for migratory birds of many species flying from the northwestern regions of Russia, Finland and the Baltic countries to the countries of the Middle and Southern Europe. Every year, in spring and autumn, 10 to 20 million birds fly over the spit, most of which stop here for rest and feeding.
In the last entry, I posted not all the architectural objects of Russia, marked by UNESCO for their uniqueness and historical value. Today I will add to this list...
12. Citadel, old city and fortifications of Derbent .
The citadel, the old town and fortifications of Derbent is the collective name under which in 2003 UNESCO inscribed the medieval architectural heritage of the city of Derbent on the World Heritage List.
The history of ancient Derbent, located off the coast of the Caspian Sea, on the territory of modern Dagestan, has, according to archaeologists, five thousand years. This one of ancient cities Russia was at first a small settlement founded at the foot of the spurs Caucasus mountains, which later acquired city fortifications of impressive size.
However, the first documentary evidence of this place as a large city dates back to the 5th century. At that time, the Persian king Yazdegerd II ruled here, who appreciated its strategic location. This, by the way, is reflected in the name, because Derbent in Iranian means “mountain outpost” or “mountain pass”. Approximately 100 years later, another king erected a fortified city on the remains of the former defensive structures, which is called Old, with an impregnable fortress and powerful fortifications. Between these fortifications, stretching deep into the Caucasus Mountains for more than 40 kilometers, a city has developed that still retains a medieval character.
Citadel of Nara-kala
It continued to be a strategically important site well into the 19th century. Derbent has experienced many dramatic events throughout its history: wars, assaults, periods of decline and prosperity, times of independence and subjugation to other peoples. But still, this place has preserved many monuments of all these turbulent periods.
This: the citadel of Naryn-kala, with thick and high walls, the ruins of the palace of the Derbent Khan, baths and a guardhouse;
13. Struve geodesic arc
The Struve arc is a network of 265 triangulation points, which were stone cubes buried in the ground with an edge length of 2 meters, with a length of more than 2820 kilometers. It was created to determine the parameters of the Earth, its shape and size. It is named after the creator - the Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve (Vasily Yakovlevich Struve).
The Struve geodetic arc was measured by Struve and employees of the Derpt (Tartu) and Pulkovo observatories (whose director was Struve) for 40 years, from 1816 to 1855, over 2820 km from Fuglenes near the North Cape in Norway (latitude 70 ° 40′11″ N) to the village of Staraya Nekrasovka, Odessa region, near the Danube (latitude 45° 20′03″ N), which formed a meridian arc with an amplitude of 25° 20′08″.
Struve geodesic arc, "Point Z", o. Gogland, Leningrad region
Currently, arc points can be found on the territory of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia (on the island of Gogland), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova (Rud village) and Ukraine. On January 28, 2004, these countries applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee with a proposal to approve the remaining 34 points of the Struve Arc as a World Heritage Site. In 2005, this proposal was accepted.
A story about other architectural monuments of Russia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Around the world
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In Russia, many priceless natural and cultural monuments have been recognized as World Heritage Sites.
They are under the scrutiny of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). We offer you the most protected UNESCO sites in Russia.
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The real symbols of Russia, which are known throughout the world and are considered the main cultural attractions of the planet. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square - included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1990.Almost the oldest monument in Russia with numerous buildings reflects the centuries-old history of the Russian people. On the territory of the Moscow Kremlin, unique examples of Russian foundry art are exhibited - the Tsar Cannon weighing 40 tons and the Tsar Bell weighing over 200 tons and 6.6 m in diameter.
Lake Baikal
Baikal, a unique natural monument of Eastern Siberia, was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 1996. The lake is the deepest in the world and contains 19% of the planet's fresh water reserves. When viewed from a height, the lake resembles a crescent moon, covers an area of over 3 million hectares and is fed by more than 300 rivers and streams. 
The water in the lake has a high oxygen content, and due to its transparency, it is possible to see a depth of up to 40 m. The age of the ancient lake is especially impressive - more than 25 million years, the complete isolation of which contributed to the development of a unique ecosystem in it.
Natural Park "Lena Pillars"
Included in the UNESCO National Heritage List in 2012, the Lena Pillars Park is a place where priceless finds of the inhabitants of the Cambrian period were discovered. The park is located in the center of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) near the coast of the Lena River, occupying 1.27 million hectares. 
The park is inhabited by 12 species of fauna listed in the Red Book. Due to its antiquity, the park is of particular interest for geology: the natural monument is characterized by a relief dotted with caves, stone spiers, towers and niches.
The architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost
The unique architectural complex of wooden architecture of the 18th-19th centuries was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990 and is an ensemble of two wooden churches and a bell tower in Karelia. 
It houses the Kizhi State Historical and Architectural Museum with many objects of wooden religious architecture, including an eight-winged windmill 1929 and the Church of the Transfiguration, built without a single nail.
Novgorod historical monuments
The architectural complexes of Veliky Novgorod and its environs were included in the UNESCO National Heritage List in 1992. The cultural objects include such significant Orthodox buildings of antiquity as the Znamensky, Antoniev, Yuryev, Zverin monasteries, as well as the churches of the Nativity of Christ, the Church of the Savior on Nereditsa, the Novgorodsky Detinets Kremlin. 
Nature Reserve Wrangel Island
The reserve was included in the UNESCO list in 2004. The unique protected area is known for its almost untouched natural ecosystem dominated by the largest population of polar bears, walruses, more than 50 species of birds. 
The territory of the reserve is located beyond the Arctic Circle, including Wrangel and Gerald Islands and the waters of the Chukchi and East Siberian Seas. Despite the harsh conditions of the waters of the Arctic, more than 400 plant species can be seen here.
curonian spit
The famous sand spit stretches for 98 km with a maximum width of up to 3.8 km, located on the dividing line between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The natural attraction was included in the UNESCO heritage list in 2000 and is interesting for its unique anthropogenic landscape, which is represented by a variety of reliefs - from deserts to swampy tundras. 
The spit is of great importance during the migration of 10 to 20 million birds and serves as a haven for them during their rest. Only here you can find dunes up to 68 m in height, the width of which sometimes reaches 1 km.
Novodevichy Convent in Moscow
Since 2004, the monastery has been included in the UNESCO list, which since 1524 was among the defensive structures of Moscow. In 1926, a historical and domestic and historical museum was founded in the building of the monastery, and in 1980, the residence of the Metropolitan of Krutitsy and Kolomna was placed. In 1994, the convent was officially approved. There are more than eight hundred monasteries in Russia. You can read about the most beautiful temples in our article. 
Komi Forest
The forest massif of Komi is recognized as the most virgin forests in Europe with a total area of 32,600 sq. km, which belong to the territory of the Pechero-Ilychsky Reserve and occupy part of the YugydVa National Park. The number of volcanoes in Kamchatka is more than a thousandThe exact number of volcanoes on the peninsula is still unknown. The highest volcano is Klyuchevskaya Sopka with a height of 4835 m. The editors of the site also invite you to learn more about the most beautiful places in Russia.
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Among the most important tourist and recreational resources, which often determine the choice of a travel route by a tourist, are unique natural and cultural landscapes, historical and cultural monuments, which are designated as "natural and cultural heritage" and are declared national treasures by many countries. Of particular importance are the objects included by UNESCO in the list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites began to be drawn up in 1972, when the Convention for the Protection of Outstanding Cultural and Natural Sites was adopted. This includes archaeological sites, unique cultural landscapes, historical city centers and individual architectural monuments that have become the property of all mankind, monuments that exemplify the traditional way of life, monuments associated with teachings and beliefs of worldwide importance, nature reserves and national parks.
At the beginning of 2010, the list of objects of cultural and natural heritage included 890 objects, incl. 689 cultural, 176 natural and 25 mixed (natural and cultural). In fact, there are much more of them (over a thousand), because. some of them include entire complexes and architectural ensembles like the castles of the Loire Valley in or palaces and temples in the historical center of St. Petersburg. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in 148 , the first twenty of which are presented in Table. 4.
Table 4
There is a clear disproportion in the distribution of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites by parts of the world: 44% of UNESCO sites are in Europe, and another 23.5% in Asia (Table 5). The noted contrast is even more noticeable in the distribution of cultural monuments - 3/4 of the world cultural heritage is concentrated in Eurasia (50% in Europe and 25% in Asia). This phenomenon is explained by the Eurocentricity of modern world culture, and the preserved heritage of the ancient civilizations of the East, on the one hand, and the youth of European civilization in America, Australia, and the almost unpreserved heritage of ancient African civilizations, on the other hand.
Table 5
Leadership in natural monuments in the world is held by America, which is significantly ahead of Europe in this respect. Due to natural monuments in the general list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Africa and Australia are also noticeably “pulled up”.
It should also be noted that in the distribution of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by three structural elements of the world economy, there is no such disproportion as in the geography of international tourism. World Heritage sites are divided approximately in equal proportion between the post-industrial "core", the industrial "semi-periphery" and the agricultural "periphery" (Table 6).
Table 6
Distribution of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by Structural
elements of the world economic hierarchy
However, additional (relative) indicators of the distribution of natural and cultural monuments recognized by UNESCO still indicate their greater concentration in the post-industrial "core". In terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites per unit area, the “core” is almost twice the world average, and in terms of the number of natural and cultural monuments in proportion to the population, it is almost three times higher.
In terms of the density of UNESCO World Heritage sites (i.e., their number per unit area), the leading positions in the world are occupied by small but densely populated European countries: , etc. (Table 7, Fig. 4). In most cases, these countries act as the most famous centers of attraction for foreign tourists in Europe and the world.
Table 7
Top 20 countries and Russia by number of World Heritage Sites
UNESCO per unit area and in proportion to population
It is quite natural that large countries, such as Russia, the USA, Brazil, Australia, etc., occupy rather low positions in terms of the density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For this reason, we propose another relative indicator characterizing the distribution of natural and cultural monuments in the world: the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in proportion to the population of states (Table 7, Fig. 5).
Rice. 5. Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites per 10 million inhabitants.
Apparently, a relatively more even distribution of UNESCO World Heritage sites across countries and continents in comparison with the current global tourist flows should in the near future affect the increase in the weight of the “semi-periphery” in the tourism industry of the world economy, and in the more distant perspective - and "periphery". Tourism can play in the countries of the "semi-periphery" and "periphery" the role of the locomotive of post-industrial development.
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World heritage sites included in the special list of UNESCO are of great interest to the entire population of the planet. Unique natural and cultural objects make it possible to preserve those unique corners of nature and man-made monuments that demonstrate the richness of nature and the possibilities of the human mind.
As of July 6, 2012, there are 962 sites on the World Heritage List (including 745 cultural, 188 natural and 29 mixed), located in 148 countries of the world. Among the objects there are individual architectural structures and ensembles, for example - the Acropolis, the cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, the historical centers of the cities - Warsaw and St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square; and there are whole cities - Brasilia, Venice, along with the lagoon and others. There are also archaeological reserves - for example, Delphi; national parks - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Yellowstone (USA) and others. The states on whose territory the World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
In this photo selection you will see 29 objects from different parts of our planet that are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1) Tourists inspect the Buddhist sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes ("Dragon Gate") near the city of Luoyang in the Chinese province of Henan. There are more than 2,300 caves in this place; 110,000 Buddhist images, more than 80 dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) containing relics of the Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on the rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. For the first time Buddhism in China was introduced in these places during the reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty. (China Photos/Getty Images)
2) Bayon Temple in Cambodia is famous for its many giant stone faces. There are over 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, ranging from nondescript piles of brick and rubble scattered among rice fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat, considered the world's largest single religious monument. Many of the temples at Angkor have been restored. More than a million tourists visit them every year. (Voishmel/AFP - Getty Images)
3) One of the parts of the archaeological site of Al-Hijr - also known as Madain Salih. This complex, located in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (I century BC - I century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures dated to the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, which was the center of caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Donabatean period. (Hassan Ammar/AFP - Getty Images)
4) The waterfalls "Garganta del Diablo" ("Devil's Throat") are located on the territory of the Iguazu National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones. Depending on the water level in the Iguazu River, the park has from 160 to 260 waterfalls, as well as over 2000 varieties of plants and 400 Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Christian Rizzi/AFP - Getty Images) #
5) The mysterious Stonehenge is a stone megalithic structure, consisting of 150 huge stones, and located on the Salisbury Plain in the English county of Wiltshire. This ancient monument is believed to have been built in 3000 BC. Stonehenge was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
6) Tourists stroll by the Bafang Pavilion in the Summer Palace, Beijing's famous classical imperial garden. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and rebuilt in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. (China Photos/Getty Images)
7) The Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was presented to the United States by France, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Seth Wenig/AP)
8) "Solitario George" (Lonely George), the last living giant tortoise of this species, born on Pinta Island, lives in the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. The Galapagos Islands were originally inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978, but in 2007 they were marked as endangered. (Rodrigo Buendia/AFP - Getty Images)
9) People skate on the ice of the canals in the Kinderdijk Mills area, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk has the largest collection of historic windmills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decoration with balloons of the holidays passing here gives a certain flavor to this place. (Peter Dejong/AP)
10) View of the Perito Moreno glacier located in national park Los Glaciares, in the southeast of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. This place was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentinean part of Patagonia and the 3rd largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. (Daniel Garcia/AFP - Getty Images)
11) Terraced gardens in the northern Israeli city of Haifa surround the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, the founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center of the Baha'i religion, the number of professing which in the world is less than six million. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
12) Aerial photography of St. Peter's Square in. According to the World Heritage website, this small state contains a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Giulio Napolitano/AFP - Getty Images)
13) Colorful underwater scenes of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This thriving ecosystem hosts the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 coral species and 1,500 fish species. The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. (AFP - Getty Images)
14) Camels rest in ancient city Petra in front of Jordan's main monument, Al-Khazneh or the Treasury, believed to be the sandstone tomb of a Nabataean king. This city, located between the Red and Dead Seas, is at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, and Phoenicia. Petra was added to the World Heritage List in 1985. (Thomas Coex/AFP - Getty Images)
15) Sydney Opera House - one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, which is a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2007. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP - Getty Images)
16) Rock paintings made by the San people in the Dragon Mountains located in the east South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg area for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock paintings in the Dragon Mountains, which were inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. (Alexander Joe/AFP - Getty Images)
17) General form on the city of Shibam, located in the east in the province of Hadhramaut. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All houses here are built of clay bricks, about 500 houses can be considered multi-storey, as they have 5-11 floors. Shibam is often referred to as "the oldest city of skyscrapers in the world" or "Desert Manhattan", it is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. (Khaled Fazaa/AFP - Getty Images)
18) Gondolas near the Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice is a seaside resort, a center of international tourism of world importance, a venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. (AP)
19) Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues of compressed volcanic ash (moai in the Rapa Nui language) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3700 km from the coast of Chile. Rapa Nui National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995. (Martin Bernetti/AFP - Getty Images)
20) Visitors walk along the Great Wall of China in the Simatai area, northeast of Beijing. This largest architectural monument was built as one of the four main strategic strongholds in order to defend against the invading tribes from the north. Great Wall with a length of 8851.8 km is one of the largest construction projects ever completed. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP - Getty Images)
21) Temple at Hampi, near the South Indian city of Hospet, north of Bangalore. Hampi is located in the middle of the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi and its monuments were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP - Getty Images)
22) A Tibetan pilgrim rotates prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. The Potala Palace is a royal palace and Buddhist temple complex, which was the main residence of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum actively visited by tourists, remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and continuing to be used in Buddhist rituals. Due to its enormous cultural, religious, artistic and historical significance, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. (Goh Chai Hin/AFP - Getty Images)
23) The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, has become a center of mass tourism. The city is visited by 2,000 tourists per day; In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands to reduce the number of tourists per day to 800. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP - Getty Images)
24) Buddhist pagoda Kompon-daito on Mount Koya, in the province of Wakayama, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, an offshoot of Japanese Buddhism, was the first to settle here. (Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA)
25) Tibetan women walk around the Bodhnath Stupa in Kathmandu - one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist shrines. On the sides of the tower crowning it, "Buddha's eyes" inlaid with ivory are depicted. Kathmandu valley with a height of about 1300 m is a mountain valley and a historical region of Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples from the Boudhanath stupa to tiny street altars in the walls of houses. Locals say that 10 million Gods live in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
26) A bird flies over the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum-mosque located in the Indian city of Agra. It was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The architectural marvel was also named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP - Getty Images)
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27) Located in northeast Wales, the 18km Pontcysillte Aqueduct is an Industrial Revolution civil engineering feat completed in the early years of the 19th century. More than 200 years after its opening, it is still in use and is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte aqueduct was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "a milestone in the history of civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution." This aqueduct is one of the unusual monuments to plumbers and plumbing. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
28) A herd of moose grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, on the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In the Yellowstone National Park, which occupies almost 900 thousand hectares, there are more than 10 thousand geysers and thermal springs. The park was included in the World Heritage program in 1978. (Kevork Djansezian/AP)
29) Cubans drive an old car along the Malecon in Havana. UNESCO inscribed Old Havana and its fortifications on the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded to a population of over 2 million, its old center retains an interesting mixture of baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and patios. (Javier Galeano/AP)