UNESCO Heritage Site Archives

Istanbul: The Crown of the Ottomans

Following the conquest of Constantinople, the Ottoman sultans revitalized the new capital city, Istanbul, with palaces, mosques, and bazaars.

Meaning ‘suspended in the air’ Meteora is a surreal landscape where several Byzantine monasteries were built on top of immense stone pillars.

Cortina D’Ampezzo has long been one of Italy’s most desired winter resort towns. It nestles in an alpine valley embraced by impressive peaks.

Though millenniums have passed since its heydays, evidence of ancient Rome is still very much alive in monuments across the Italian capital.

In Istanbul, Byzantine legacies stand in tandem with monuments of the Ottoman era. Some are obvious, while others require some imagination.

Vivid mosaics of Ravenna represent not only fine craftsmanship but also the city’s history and cultural changes in the 5th and 6th centuries.

Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is known for its impressive seascape formed by thousands of weathered limestone islands and islets.

The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as the icon of India. It represents the perfection of architectural planning and excellent craftsmanship.

Delhi is a city like no other. The capital of India had seen more warlords, conquerors, and emperors than most cities in the world.

From the Old Quarter’s labyrinth to the vestiges of the royal citadel, there are several places where the soul of an old Hanoi is much alive.

Subak is an ancient irrigation system for the paddy fields in Bali. Through the flow of water, heaven, earth, and humans are interconnected.

Bremen is known for its fairytale musicians. But there is more in this Hanseatic city. Here, history, culture, and science are interwoven.

Brussels is often perceived as the de facto capital of Europe. However, Belgium’s capital is also rich in architectural treasures.

Hamburg is the “City of Water”. From the Elbe River, the Alster Lake, and numerous canals, the maritime spirit infuses the entire port town.