Check out our Top Rewards Cards to boost your points earning and travel more!
The UNESCO 40th World Heritage Committee meeting in Istanbul was interrupted by events outside. Before that they anointed 9 new World Heritage Sites:
- Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape (People’s Republic of China)
- Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda, Bihar (India)
- The Persian Qanat (Islamic Republic of Iran)
- Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia)
- Stećci – Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia)
- Archaeological Site of Philippi (Greece)
- Antequera Dolmens Site (Spain)
- Archaeological Site of Ani (Turkey)
- Gorham’s Cave Complex (United Kingdom)
See the full press releases here and here.
This continues the trends of certain countries aggressively adding to their totals and geographically diffuse sites. Except one, these are marginal to most travelers.
The big highlight, and a shock not previously inscribed is Nan Madol on Pohnpei. It is the majestic archaeological site of Micronesia and one of my favorite Pacific islands. Manta rays patrol the waters and waterfalls course through the interior. If an island inspired Kong Island, this may be it.
Check Out Our: Top Rewards Cards ¦ Newsletter ¦ Twitter ¦ Facebook ¦ Instagram
I disagree. Nalanda University, India deserved to be UNESCO heritage long ago. The history of the place as well as ruins are fascinating. It is like the Tikal of India.
@RoamAmore – point taken, I hurried over these on limited pre-flight wifi in Rarotonga and should have more carefully looked at each. While India has a huge number of UNESCO sites and Bihar isn’t going to see many foreign tourists anytime soon, the site looks fantastic, similar to Paharpur in Bangladesh. That was on overnight train then bus then tuk tuk ride to visit.