World Heritage Sites

Imagine just how much poorer the world would be without cultural glories such as the Taj Mahal and the Acropolis, or natural wonders such as the Serengeti National Park or the Great Barrier Reef. But we can’t take them for granted: factors like war, natural disasters, pollution and uncontrolled tourism can all threaten the existence of many of the world’s most stunning sights.

It was to preserve these irreplaceable gems for future generations that UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) first drew up the World Heritage List – identifying and protecting those sites considered areas of outstanding global significance. Work on this list began after UNESCO adopted an international treaty to conserve the world’s heritage in 1972. Since then, more than 800 World Heritage Sites have been identified – and the list is still growing.

UNESCO works to encourage the management and conservation of every site – the result being that, not only do we have the privilege of being able to witness these wonders, we can be confident our descendants will too. While some of the sites, such as the Egyptian Pyramids, are very famous, others are less well known. These are no less important or spectacular though – here are some of the treasures that prove the point.

HISTORIC FLORENCE, ITALY

The doges, elected from Venice’s leading families, ruled the watery city and its empire for more than 1,000 years from the palace by St Mark’s Square. The wonderfully ornate Gothic building dates mostly from the 15th century and it seems entirely appropriate that its cells should have housed one of history’s equally flamboyant characters, Casanova. He was sentenced to five years for being a magician, but escaped a year later and fled to Paris. These days visitors will be more tempted to stay, whether it’s to visit the former prison, admire the art or take in the Grand Council Chamber, lined with portraits of Venice’s former rulers.

MONUMENTAL MAHABALIPURAM, INDIA

A World Heritage Site since 1984, the monuments at Mahabalipuram offer a tantalising glimpse into a complex culture. Carved from the rocks that etch the Coromandel coastline on the Bay of Bengal, the monuments date back to the 7th century and the reign of the Pallava kings. They not only show the artistic taste of the Pallava rulers, but are also thought to represent the birth of a distinctive South Indian style of temple architecture. The rathas, temples carved to resemble chariots, and mandapas, monolithic pillared sanctuaries adorned with exquisite sculptures, are especially impressive, as are the stunning open-air rock reliefs. From Chennai Mofussil bus station, numbers 188 and 188k take you to the monuments – or a shore excursion will take you to the area.

COASTAL DRAMA, CORSICA

The coastline around Porto in western Corsica is not just visually stunning, with crimson cliffs and turquoise seas, it also exudes an intoxicating fragrance. Lavender, myrtle and thyme combine in a scent so powerful that Napoleon claimed he could smell it out at sea. A World Heritage Site since 1983, this area encompasses some truly dramatic landscapes. North of Porto you will find the Scandola Nature Reserve, home to rare wildlife, and the Girolata peninsula, where sea eagles plunge from jagged cliffs. To the south, near Piana, are the Calanches. These granite rocks blaze pink or orange with changing light, and form caves and creeks best explored from the sea. To witness it all, join a P&O Cruises shore excursion.

VOLCANIC LEGACY, DOMINICA

A rare combination of natural wonders justifies Morne Trois Pitons National Park’s appointment as a World Heritage Site. Named after the volcano at its heart, the park has a lush beauty with precipitous, fertile slopes, plunging waterfalls, and its dramatic volcanic features – including a ‘boiling lake’ that steams and bubbles like a witch’s cauldron. Plant life is diverse too, as the park includes six vegetation zones – from cool, cloud-covered woodland to humid rainforest. Wildlife is rich and you might even spot an agouti (a guinea-pig like rodent), blue-headed hummingbirds or a red-necked parrot. The most direct route to the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is via one of our shore excursions.

HANSEATIC LUBECK, GERMANY

There’s a fairytale feel to the Hanseatic city of Lubeck – a medieval gem set
on Germany’s Baltic coast. Founded in 1143, it is steeped in the salty history of the merchants who made it a centre for maritime trade, and the distinctive architecture that has made it a World Heritage Site serves as their memorial. Stroll through the Old Town’s maze of courtyards and alleyways, its houses with steeply stepped gables, and spires soaring from ancient churches. Visit Buddenbrook House, home of famous author Thomas Mann, or head to Café Niederegger, home of marzipan! Take a train or bus 30 from Travemunde – or join a P&O Cruises shore excursion.