Kiwi Curated
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
by Darren DunneIn 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was created to identify and preserve culturally and naturally significant sites around the globe. Almost 40 years later, over 1,000 locales have been bestowed World Heritage status, creating the ultimate bucket list for experiential travelers. Paired with the perfect hotel, visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes for a culturally enriching getaway.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Constance Le Prince Maurice
We begin with the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritius–Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape. It’s impossible to mention one without the other, as both are monuments to the reprehensible slave trade of the 18th and 19th centuries and the effects it had on the native population. Le Morne consists of a rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean on the southwest of the island. It was used as a shelter by runaway slaves, who would band together to create settlements, using the site’s caves and dense foliage for shelter and disguise. Aapravasi Ghat is located in the Port Louis district of the island, and contains the remains of an immigration depot that was built in 1849 to receive indentured laborers from India, Eastern Africa, Madagascar and Southeast Asia. During its operation, more than half a million laborers passed through its doors.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Earning its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, Stone Town is one of the most storied and beautiful cities in East Africa. Over the years, it’s been a melting pot of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African influences, creating a vibe and a skyline that’s utterly unique. A maze of narrow alleys and buildings criss-cross a city constructed using distinctive looking coral stone–an item that gives Stone Town a charming brownish hue. Unfortunately, its strength is also its weakness, as it’s not the most hardy of construction materials. Around 80% of the city’s buildings are in some form of disrepair, but efforts are afoot to solve the issue through a restoration program.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Known locally as “la Città Sotteranea” or The Subterranean City, Matera is one of the oldest inhabited cities on earth. It sits in a spectacular perch that’s cut from the volcanic rock of the hillside, affording stunning views of the valley below. Its was originally a stronghold for Italian peasants, who could retreat into their easily defended cave homes when under attack from barbarians. This stubborn streak persisted through the centuries, with locals becoming the first in Italy to fight back against the German army during World War II. Today, the city is one of the 83 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, earning the status in 1993.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne
Athens’ Acropolis is the most iconic and complete monument to Greek antiquity left remaining. It sits on a hill that dominates the Athenian skyline, and was constructed gradually from the 13th century BC to the 5th century BC. The most recognizable structure atop the hill is the Parthenon, which remains in remarkably good shape despite enduring twenty-five centuries of wars, fires and earthquakes. Since 1975, the Acropolis Restoration Project has aimed to reverse centuries of attrition at the site, and that work is nearing completion.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: qualia Great Barrier Reef
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of nature’s most spectacular accomplishments and is so large it’s visible from space. The reef stretches the length of Queensland’s coastline, supporting a range of organisms and animal life that includes over thirty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Over two million tourists visit the reef each year, drawn by the crystal clear scuba diving, beautiful weather and easy access. To promote the reef’s sustainability, a daily fee is levied upon visitors, while there’s also a limit on the amount of boats allowed in waters near the reef at any one time.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff National Park is located roughly 90 minutes west of Calgary and promises spectacular scenery and outdoor activities whatever the time of year. Like most mountain towns, the vibe depends on the season, with winter sports enthusiasts flocking to the slopes of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise Mountain Resort to enjoy some of the world’s premier piste conditions. Summer presents an opportunity to explore the many hiking trails, engage in white water rafting, or view some of the area’s indigenous wildlife up close. UNESCO granted Banff National Park World Heritage Site status in 1984.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Flemings Mayfair
Dating back to the 11th century, the iconic Tower of London has been a fixture on the northern banks of the River Thames. A visit to the Tower was long something to dread as it often meant an appointment with the executioner’s axe. This colorful history permeates throughout the walls, which have hosted luminaries such as Sir Walter Raleigh and even the Kray twins. Nowadays, the Tower of London is one of the country’s most well-loved tourist attractions, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988.
8 UNESCO World Heritage Destinations
Where to stay: Villa Orsula Dubrovnik
Despite enduring heavy bombing during the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik’s old town remains beautifully intact, more than deserving of its “Pearl of the Adriatic” nickname. It’s a city built on maritime trade and it became a fierce rival of Venice in the Middle Ages, a great period of prosperity for the city. Dubrovnik is blessed with a picturesque location on the coast, ancient churches, museums and fountains. Irish poet George Bernard Shaw once remarked, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” The walled city forms the backdrop for many scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.
Where to stay: Constance Le Prince Maurice
We begin with the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritius–Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape. It’s impossible to mention one without the other, as both are monuments to the reprehensible slave trade of the 18th and 19th centuries and the effects it had on the native population. Le Morne consists of a rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean on the southwest of the island. It was used as a shelter by runaway slaves, who would band together to create settlements, using the site’s caves and dense foliage for shelter and disguise. Aapravasi Ghat is located in the Port Louis district of the island, and contains the remains of an immigration depot that was built in 1849 to receive indentured laborers from India, Eastern Africa, Madagascar and Southeast Asia. During its operation, more than half a million laborers passed through its doors.
Where to stay: Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Earning its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000, Stone Town is one of the most storied and beautiful cities in East Africa. Over the years, it’s been a melting pot of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African influences, creating a vibe and a skyline that’s utterly unique. A maze of narrow alleys and buildings criss-cross a city constructed using distinctive looking coral stone–an item that gives Stone Town a charming brownish hue. Unfortunately, its strength is also its weakness, as it’s not the most hardy of construction materials. Around 80% of the city’s buildings are in some form of disrepair, but efforts are afoot to solve the issue through a restoration program.
Where to stay: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Known locally as “la Città Sotteranea” or The Subterranean City, Matera is one of the oldest inhabited cities on earth. It sits in a spectacular perch that’s cut from the volcanic rock of the hillside, affording stunning views of the valley below. Its was originally a stronghold for Italian peasants, who could retreat into their easily defended cave homes when under attack from barbarians. This stubborn streak persisted through the centuries, with locals becoming the first in Italy to fight back against the German army during World War II. Today, the city is one of the 83 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, earning the status in 1993.
Where to stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne
Athens’ Acropolis is the most iconic and complete monument to Greek antiquity left remaining. It sits on a hill that dominates the Athenian skyline, and was constructed gradually from the 13th century BC to the 5th century BC. The most recognizable structure atop the hill is the Parthenon, which remains in remarkably good shape despite enduring twenty-five centuries of wars, fires and earthquakes. Since 1975, the Acropolis Restoration Project has aimed to reverse centuries of attrition at the site, and that work is nearing completion.
Where to stay: qualia Great Barrier Reef
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of nature’s most spectacular accomplishments and is so large it’s visible from space. The reef stretches the length of Queensland’s coastline, supporting a range of organisms and animal life that includes over thirty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Over two million tourists visit the reef each year, drawn by the crystal clear scuba diving, beautiful weather and easy access. To promote the reef’s sustainability, a daily fee is levied upon visitors, while there’s also a limit on the amount of boats allowed in waters near the reef at any one time.
Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff National Park is located roughly 90 minutes west of Calgary and promises spectacular scenery and outdoor activities whatever the time of year. Like most mountain towns, the vibe depends on the season, with winter sports enthusiasts flocking to the slopes of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise Mountain Resort to enjoy some of the world’s premier piste conditions. Summer presents an opportunity to explore the many hiking trails, engage in white water rafting, or view some of the area’s indigenous wildlife up close. UNESCO granted Banff National Park World Heritage Site status in 1984.
Where to stay: Flemings Mayfair
Dating back to the 11th century, the iconic Tower of London has been a fixture on the northern banks of the River Thames. A visit to the Tower was long something to dread as it often meant an appointment with the executioner’s axe. This colorful history permeates throughout the walls, which have hosted luminaries such as Sir Walter Raleigh and even the Kray twins. Nowadays, the Tower of London is one of the country’s most well-loved tourist attractions, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988.
Where to stay: Villa Orsula Dubrovnik
Despite enduring heavy bombing during the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik’s old town remains beautifully intact, more than deserving of its “Pearl of the Adriatic” nickname. It’s a city built on maritime trade and it became a fierce rival of Venice in the Middle Ages, a great period of prosperity for the city. Dubrovnik is blessed with a picturesque location on the coast, ancient churches, museums and fountains. Irish poet George Bernard Shaw once remarked, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it.” The walled city forms the backdrop for many scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979.