Category: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural sites considered to be of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. They are carefully chosen by a committee for their unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Pompeii

Ruins at Pompeii

Since I was a child, I have been eerily fascinated by the tragic story of ancient Pompeii.  A thriving city built in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius until A.D79, when it was suddenly destroyed as the volcano erupted violently.  In 1748 a group of explorers re-discovered the remains of the city, and its people.  I had seen images of the plaster casts that were taken of the people and animals caught in the last moments of their lives, which brought their story to life in such a vivid way.  For as long as I can remember I had wanted to travel to Italy and see the ruined city that was frozen in time by the ominous Mt Vesuvius.

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The Gardens of Schloss Sanssouci – Potsdam

Looking up the hill towards the Schloss

Schloss Sanssouci was the summer palace built by Friedrich the Great in 1745-1747.  Surrounding the palace are the gardens of Schloss Sanssouci.  The entire complex of the palace and the surrounding 300 acres of parklike gardens are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The palace sits at the top of a terraced vineyard making use of the hill to capture maximum sunlight on the vines.  Centred at the base of these terraces you find the main fountain of the park. 

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One Day in Bordeaux

Bordeaux by night

Bordeaux is an interesting port city located on a sweeping crescent-shaped bend of the River Garonne in South-West France.  Known as the Port of the Moon because of its shape, this UNESCO world heritage site has a rich history.  For more than 2000 years the city has operated its port, facilitating the exchange of human values and commerce as the capital city of the famous wine region.  One day in Bordeaux was not enough time!  

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Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock

Don’t you find beautiful custom-made clocks interesting?  Throughout history, the creation of a beautiful clock has been a skill and art form meticulously studied.  Master instructing apprentice, handing down secrets not to be shared with the competition.  Who could become the most renowned clock maker of their time?  Centuries ago, the creation of a unique work of art in the form of a beautiful clock was not just commissioned as a time measuring device.  These clocks were also seen as symbols of status.  A measure of the wealth or technological advancement of the owners or developers of the clock, in comparison to other clockmakers in other nations.  Which brings me to the Prague Astronomical Clock.

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Prague Castle Complex

Prague Castle Complex

Inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list, the Prague Castle Complex is a group of palaces and church buildings of varying architectural styles.  Here you will find 10th Century Romanesque buildings as well as the newest modifications of the 20th Century.  The castle complex is the seat of the Head of State and is a culturally significant monument.  Within the complex walls, there are the remains of Czech Kings, Christian relics, historical documents and artistic treasures. 

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Notre Dame Paris – Before the Fire of 2019

Notre Dame Paris south view

I’ll never forget the morning I woke up to discover that Notre Dame in Paris had been severely damaged by a fire the day before.  April 15th 2019 will be a day sadly remembered by many, as the roof and spire of the cathedral were engulfed in flames and destroyed.  The fire burned for 12 hours in the wooden structure some of which contained original timbers from the 13th century.  The heat of the blaze and the collapse of the spire caused some of the stone vaulted ceiling to collapse inwards scattering debris through the cathedral. 

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Old Town Square – Prague

St Nicholas Church

One of the first things we did when we arrived in Prague was to set off in search of all things antique and medieval – in other words, we made our way over to the Old Town Square.  Anyone who has been to Prague will be able to tell you about the footwear required to be able to deal with those cobblestone streets.  (I bought a pair of shoes in Prague and they were some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! )  Walking towards the square, past bohemian crystal stores and assorted galleries and museums, we felt like we were winding through a labyrinth.

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The Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens – Melbourne

The Royal Exhibition Building

The Royal Exhibition Building was built in 18 months for the purpose of hosting Melbourne’s 1880 International Exhibition, and it then held a subsequent Centennial Exhibition in 1888.  Both the building and the surrounding gardens were designed by architect Joseph Reed, and they were inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004.  The building is constructed in the shape of a cross with a majestic central dome, and large archway entrances with fanlight windows on each side.  When it was built it was the largest building in Australia and the tallest building in Melbourne.

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Delos – Greek Island Infatuation

Ancient Delos

The entire island of Delos is an archaeological site, and UNESCO world heritage listed. According to Greek mythology, this island was the birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. The island was considered as most sacred and its central location made it a wealthy commercial port, attracting the settlement of rich merchants, bankers, artisans, and ship owners.

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Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru on a couldy day

You will find Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a place of unique beauty in the iconic “Red Centre” of Australia. As such, it has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its cultural and natural values.  The massive rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta act as a refuge for both plants and animals and are the focal point of this desert landscape. 

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