A Guide to Preserving and Understanding Global Cultural Heritage
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba*
Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba* is a cultural landscape in Benin that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its unique architectural style, with distinctive tower-like structures called Takienta that are used as homes by the Batammariba people. The site showcases the traditional way of life and building techniques of this indigenous community, and is considered an outstanding example of human interaction with the environment.
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Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is a historic Eastern Orthodox monastery located in the Rila mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria. It is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria and is considered one of the country's cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. The monastery was founded in the 10th century and has played a significant role in the preservation of Bulgarian language, culture, and traditions throughout the centuries.
The M'Zab Valley in Algeria is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a unique example of a traditional human settlement that has been well-preserved over time. The M'Zab Valley is characterized by its distinctive architecture, with its fortified cities, mosques, and houses built in a harmonious style. The site is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement that has adapted to its environment and reflects the cultural, social, and economic traditions of the Mozabite people.
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Djémila
Djémila is an ancient Roman and early Christian town located in Algeria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ruins, including a triumphal arch, temples, churches, and houses. The town was founded in the 1st century AD and flourished during the Roman and Byzantine periods, before being abandoned in the 8th century. The ruins of Djémila provide a unique insight into the architecture and urban planning of a Roman provincial town in North Africa.
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Architectural, Residentialand Cultural Complex ofthe Radziwill Family at Nesvizh
The Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Belarus. It is a well-preserved example of a princely residence and estate from the 16th-18th centuries, featuring a castle, palace, and other structures that showcase the power and influence of the Radziwill family, one of the most prominent noble families in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
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Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
The Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage site located in Austria and Hungary. It is a unique example of the interaction between human and nature, featuring a large shallow lake surrounded by wetlands, meadows, and vineyards. The site showcases the traditional land-use practices and architectural heritage of the region, which have been shaped by the unique environmental conditions.
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Struve Geodetic Arc
The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, carried out by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve in the 19th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans 10 countries, including Belarus. The arc was a groundbreaking achievement in geodesy, the science of measuring the Earth's shape and size.
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Madara Rider
The Madara Rider is a large rock relief of a horseman carved into the Madara Plateau in northeastern Bulgaria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological monuments in the country, dating back to the 8th century AD. The relief depicts a majestic figure of a horseman, believed to be a Bulgarian ruler or warrior, and is considered a masterpiece of early medieval art.
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Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Białowieża Forest
The Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Białowieża Forest is a transboundary protected area located on the border between Belarus and Poland. It is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the European bison, the largest land mammal in Europe.
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Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in Botswana, Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest inland deltas in the world. The delta is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species. It is a popular destination for ecotourism and offers opportunities for safari experiences.
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Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo
Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Angola. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, a powerful African kingdom that existed from the 14th to 19th centuries. The site contains the remains of the royal palaces, religious buildings, and other structures that were once part of the thriving capital city.
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Boyana Church
The Boyana Church is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church located in the Boyana district of Sofia, Bulgaria. It is famous for its well-preserved 13th-century frescoes, which are considered to be one of the most important masterpieces of East European medieval art. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional artistic value and historical significance.
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Pirin National Park
Pirin National Park is a protected area in southwestern Bulgaria, located in the Pirin mountain range. It is known for its diverse alpine and subalpine landscapes, including glacial lakes, rocky peaks, and dense forests. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including several endemic and endangered species. It is a popular destination for hiking, mountaineering, and outdoor recreation.
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Mir Castle Complex
The Mir Castle Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Belarus. It is a well-preserved example of a Eastern European castle dating back to the 16th century. The castle features a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles, and is considered one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the country.
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Ancient City of Nessebar
The Ancient City of Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bulgaria. It is an ancient city that has been inhabited since the 6th century BC, with a rich history and cultural heritage. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval churches, traditional Bulgarian architecture, and its strategic location on the Black Sea coast.
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Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo are a group of medieval churches and monasteries located in northeastern Bulgaria. They were carved directly into the rock cliffs along the Rusenski Lom river valley and are considered a remarkable example of medieval rock-cut architecture. The churches feature intricate frescoes and murals that showcase the artistic and religious significance of the site. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 in recognition of their outstanding universal value.
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Royal Palaces of Abomey
The Benin Royal Palaces of Abomey are a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Benin, West Africa. The palaces were the seat of power for the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful West African state that existed from the 17th to the 19th century. The site features a series of royal palaces and temples that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Dahomean people.
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Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
The Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad is a historic site located in Algeria. It was the capital of the Hammadid dynasty from 1007 to 1152 CE. The site features the remains of a fortified city, including a palace, mosques, and other structures. It is considered an important example of Moorish architecture and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to its cultural significance.
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Kasbah of Algiers
The Kasbah of Algiers is a historic district in the capital city of Algeria. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved Moorish architecture and urban layout dating back to the 16th century. The Kasbah is a densely populated area with narrow winding streets, traditional houses, and numerous mosques, making it a significant example of North African Islamic city planning.
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The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Argentina. It comprises seven buildings designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who is considered a pioneer of modern architecture.