Europe’s strategic location, stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage place it high on the agendas of many travellers. But, beyond these wonderful tourism elements, Europe also houses some of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites that take you on a completely different journey. Explore the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites to learn about their history and the events they have withstood over the years, and serve as a testimony to them.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have made significant contributions in the preservation and safeguarding of ancient sites that serve as a testament to history. In this blog, we have handpicked some of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can visit around Europe. Scroll down below to learn about these popular international heritage sites scattered around Europe.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe
Check out the 15 must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Europe to learn about their rich history, witness stunning architecture and much more.
Tower of London - London, England
The Tower of London is an international heritage site that stands as a testament to around a thousand years of history as a palace, fortress and prison. The castle dates back to 1066, when William the Conqueror laid the foundation. The building was developed continuously from the 11th to the 16th centuries and has become a symbol of royalty. While exploring the site, you can find a collection of royal regalia, including orbs, sceptres, and crowns. History enthusiasts and castle lovers find this destination appealing, with its stunning Norman architecture.
Why is the Tower of London a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the most complete surviving example of an 11th-century fortress-palace, highlighting Norman military architecture. It also stands as a symbol of royal power, as it played a significant role in the history of England.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay - France
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, located between Brittany and Normandy, situated on a rocky islet. Spend time exploring this UNESCO natural World Heritage Site and witness its natural beauty and the surrounding bay, where you can find dramatic tides. This Wonder of the West was built between the 11th and 16th centuries in a Gothic style, and the fortified medieval village has a masterpiece, the Benedictine abbey, dedicated to the archangel St Michael. The abbey is a major pilgrimage site with a religious presence, including resident nuns and monks.
Why is the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Mont-Saint Michel and its Bay are counted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its unique combination of aesthetic beauty and cultural significance, serving as a major Christian pilgrimage site. A stunning collection of architectural and artistic masterpieces is present within the boundaries of this region.
Vatican City - Europe
Travel to the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City, which is also a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. This country is surrounded by Rome and Italy and is considered one of the most sacred places in Christendom, which testifies to the great history and spiritual heritage. You can spot attractions like St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museum and many more. You will be amazed to know that St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest religious building in the world and is built over the tomb of St Peter the Apostle.
Why is the Vatican City a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Vatican City is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique and outstanding masterpiece, which highlights the art and architecture of human creation, and for its collection of religious and cultural works.
Banks of the Danube - Budapest, Hungary
The Banks of the Danube are a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site that offers a rich blend of culture, history and natural landscapes. Since the Palaeolithic period, this stretch has had human settlements, and at present, you can see a number of iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, Budapest’s Parliament Building and many others. This place offers enchanting urban landscapes and helps depict the history of the Hungarian capital. While exploring the places along the Banks of the Danube, you will find the traces of devastation and reconstruction in them.
Why is the Banks of the Danube a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Banks of the Danube are counted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, because it showcases Budapest’s urban landscape and illustrate significant periods in the history of the Hungarian capital.
Seville Cathedral - Seville, Spain
Another popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Europe is the Seville Cathedral, which is also the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Marvel at the stunning Renaissance and Gothic style architecture, covering seven centuries of history. It is also the first known building to imply the elliptical floor plan in the Western world. One can explore the vast interior or climb up La Giralda tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This place has also preserved the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Why is the Seville Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Seville Cathedral is counted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for it is a remarkable testament to Seville’s urban history and is also the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
Stonehenge - Wiltshire, England
One of the most famous groups of megaliths in the world, Stonehenge is a unique and sophisticated prehistoric monument and also one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting numerous visitors from different corners of the world. You will also find unparalleled beauty surrounding the site, highlighting the stone circle’s unique engineering. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding this site, such as the purpose of building it, how the huge rocks were transported from such a distant location, and many others.
Why is Stonehenge a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is a prehistoric architectural formation formed in the stone circle and dates back over 5000 years.
Banks of the Seine - Paris, France
Stand at the Banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered the heart of Paris, which has witnessed the evolution of the city over the past decades. Around the Banks of the Seine, you can spot a number of architectural works built between the Middle Ages and the 20th century, like the Sainte Chapelle, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Louvre and many more. You can also take a stroll by the bank and enjoy a pleasant view of the sunset.
Why is the Banks of the Seine a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Banks of the Seine are considered a UNESCO Heritage Site as they contain a vast collection of masterpieces of French architecture and urban masterpieces that were built from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Historic Centre of Rome - Rome, Italy
Take a step back in time as you explore the Historic Centre of Rome, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, where you can witness the journey of art, culture and history through the passage of time. The buildings as a whole, namely, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, testify to the uninterrupted sequence of three millennia of history. Get stunned by the ancient advancement in terms of art and architecture that highlights their timeless elegance and serves as a testament to gladiatorial history and Roman engineering.
Why is the Historic Centre of Rome a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Historic Centre of Rome has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its immense historical significance, and it is also the capital of the Christian world, with roots dating back to the 17th century.
Piazza del Duomo - Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Go to see the unparalleled beauty of Piazza del Duomo that stands on a large green expanse and houses a group of medieval architectures, namely, the cathedral, the cemetery, the campanile and the baptistry, renowned globally. It is an international heritage site that attracts tourists from different parts of the world every year. These architectural masterpieces were built between the 11th and 14th centuries, and each displays significant artwork. Each one of the iconic landmarks holds a unique cultural and historical experience.
Why is the Piazza del Duomo a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Piazza del Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its harmonious and unique complex, which includes four masterpieces: the bell tower, the baptistery, the cathedral, and Campo Santo.
Old City of Dubrovnik - Dalmatia, Croatia
The Old City of Dubrovnik, also referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is located on the Dalmatian coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was damaged by an earthquake in 1667 and, in the 1990s, by the armed conflict, impacting the stunning Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic palaces, monasteries, fountains, and churches. UNESCO now coordinates the restoration program to help restore the architectural beauty of the Old City of Dubrovnik. You can either take a walk down the lane of the city, holding the whispers of history or enjoy a panoramic view by taking a cable car ride.
Why is the Old City of Dubrovnik a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Old City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved fortified medieval city, which has great cultural and architectural significance, and has gained importance since the 13th century.
Acropolis - Athens, Greece
The Acropolis is a popular cultural world heritage site that was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 1987. This site is a universal symbol of ancient civilization and spirit. It is a must-see attraction on your trip to Athens, which showcases architectural marvels and historical significance. The monuments in the Acropolis have survived for about 25 centuries and have undergone different uses over time, influenced by religions, myths and civilisations. Some of the significant monuments on the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Why is the Acropolis a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Acropolis is a supreme example of ancient Greek architecture and symbolises the classical civilisation, with traces of Western art and culture, making it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cologne Cathedral - Cologne, Germany
Marvel at the impressive architecture of Cologne Cathedral, a significant cultural landmark of Germany, highlighting the Gothic architecture. The construction of this cultural world heritage site started in 1248 and was completed in 1880. It is a five-aisled basilica with a tower facade and a projecting transept. The successive works of over seven centuries have created this architectural masterpiece, which now testifies to the strength of European Christianity. It also has artistic masterpieces and exceptional intrinsic value, besides being so uniformly executed.
Why is the Cologne Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it showcases marvellous Gothic architecture, which testifies to the Christian belief and is the only major landmark to survive World War II in Cologne.
Historic Centre of Krakow - Krakow, Poland
Travel to the former capital of Poland to see the Historic Centre of Krakow, located on the River Vistula, which is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. It is also considered one of the best examples of European urban planning, highlighting different architectural styles from early Romanesque to the Modernist period. As you explore the area, you will find a condensed layout of buildings from various periods of history that have been preserved in their original condition to date.
Why is the Historic Centre of Krakow a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Historic centre of Krakow is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its well-preserved medieval city, which features an urban layout that was the site of Poland’s artistic, cultural and academic life.
Butrint - Vlore County, Albania
Situated in the southern part of Albania, Butrint is an amazing UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site to visit that offers you an amalgamation of nature, monuments and archaeology. You will also find a stunning landscape surrounding the area that has developed over the centuries. You will be surprised to know that Butrint has escaped aggressive development, which helped it maintain its rare combination of nature and archaeology. You can also find signs around the fortifications indicating the construction time from the Greek colony to the Middle Ages.
Why is Butrint a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Butrin can be found in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its exceptionally preserved archaeological site showcasing the history of many civilisations, starting from Greek and Roman to Byzantine and Venetian.
Palace and Park of Versailles - Versailles, France
The Palace and Park of Versailles is located in the Ile-de-France region, which was built over several generations, and has represented Europe for over a century. From Louis XIV to Louis XVI, the place served as a residence and also as a place where Monarchs exercised their power. The close proximity of the palace and the park helps elevate the grandeur of the architecture. Take a tour around the Palace and Park of Versailles to find the most celebrated works of Louis XV and Louis XVI.
Why is the Palace and Park of Versailles a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Palace and Park of Versailles have been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its French art and architecture of the 17th century that stands as a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Conclusion
Planning to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year? Then wait no longer. Pick your favourite UNESCO heritage site and prepare for a short-haul journey. Explore the intricate designs, stunning works of architecture, and learn about the rich history, culture and mythology of the different heritage places. Prepare for a fun-packed learning experience that takes you back to the early period of time.
Travel to your favourite UNESCO World Heritage Site with ClickAHoliday. Check out our travel packages to your favourite destination and book the one which matches your budget and preferences. You also get the option to customize your itinerary. Simply contact our travel expert to get an itinerary designed based on your travel requirements.
FAQs
There are 1248 UNESCO World Heritage Sites present around the world.
Italy has the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
