Apr 18, 2025

International Heritage Day 2025: World’s most iconic UNESCO-listed sites

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

International Heritage Day

On International Heritage Day, we celebrate the world's most treasured cultural and natural landmarks. From ancient cities to breathtaking natural wonders, these 10 UNESCO-listed sites are must-visits.

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Taj Mahal (India)

The Taj Mahal is a white marble masterpiece built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Known for its perfect symmetry and intricate inlay work, it’s often described as a symbol of eternal love.

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Great Wall of China (China)

The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and stands as a testament to ancient engineering and defense strategies. It was built across centuries to protect Chinese states from invasions and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

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Yellowstone National Park (USA)

Yellowstone, established in 1872, was the first national park in the world and is a UNESCO site for its geothermal features and biodiversity. It’s famous for geysers like Old Faithful and vibrant hot springs such as the Grand Prismatic Spring.

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Chichen Itza (Mexico)

Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization and is now one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. Its pyramid, El Castillo, is an astronomical calendar carved in stone and aligns with the sun during equinoxes.

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Historic Centre of Rome (Italy)

Rome’s historic center is a living timeline of Western civilization, featuring landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon. The area reflects over 2,000 years of cultural, religious, and political history.

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Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic wildlife reserves, known for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. It offers unmatched opportunities to observe Africa’s Big Five in their natural habitat.

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Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

The Galápagos Islands are a living museum of evolution, home to species found nowhere else on Earth. These volcanic islands inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Today, visitors can see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.

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Petra (Jordan)

Petra, famously known as the "Rose City," is carved into pink sandstone cliffs and was once a thriving Nabataean capital. Its most iconic structure, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), is accessed through a narrow gorge called the Siq.

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Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat needs no introduction! This ancient temple complex is the crown jewel of the Cambodia. It was built in the early 12th century and features incredible stone carvings and symbolic Hindu-Buddhist architecture.

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Machu Picchu (Peru)

Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains is one of the most iconic heritage sites in the world. It is a well-preserved Incan citadel built in the 15th century. Its terraces, temples, and panoramic mountain scenery make it one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological attractions.

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