Introduction
Do you want to visit the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, but don’t know where to start from? If so, don’t worry. We have got you covered. In this article we have accumulated some of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
It takes a lot of cultural and historical significance for an area to be declared as a World Heritage Site. The most important criterion is that the area is not spoiled any human interaction.
What makes UNESCO World Heritage Status so prestigious is that there are only one thousand sites with the same status, making these landmarks one of the most visited sites on the earth.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe – What to See?
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe are places that represent the cultural and natural heritage of humanity. They are a unique product of human creativity, which has been recognized by UNESCO.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe can be found all over the continent. They range from cultural sites like the Palace of Versailles to natural sites like the Great Rift Valley. While it is super-hard to choose several from this pool of wonderful man-made creations, here we present some of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain. It was originally built by the Muslim rulers of the Umayyad Caliphate in the 8th century to serve as their principal royal residence and headquarters.
The Alhambra is an important place for Spanish culture and history. It has also been used as a palace, administrative building, and court of justice. The Alhambra is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture and Islamic art. It has been called the “most spectacular” example of medieval Islamic art in existence today. The Alhambra was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint-Michel is a famous medieval city in Normandy, France. It was founded by the Normans in the 8th century and is one of the best-preserved fortresses from that time.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont Saint-Michel is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. It attracts around 2 million visitors every year and has been featured in many films, TV shows, and books.
Mont Saint-Michel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 due to its imminent cultural and historical value.
The Old City of Salamanca
The Old City of Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important urban centers in Western Europe. It was the first capital of Castile and Leon, which is now part of Spain. The Old City has been visited by more than 16 million people since it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984.
The place has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and it is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The city has been completely rebuilt over time and it still preserves many buildings from its original past.
Vatican City
The Vatican City is a sovereign state in central Rome, the capital of the State of Vatican City. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares and a population of 842. The Vatican City is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1984. The site is one of the most visited tourist locations in Europe, with over 5 million tourists annually.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a former royal residence in the western part of the city of Versailles, France. It was built by Louis XIV when he relocated from the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
The Palace is a grand royal residence that has been used for many purposes over the centuries. In addition to being used as a residence for Louis XIV and his family, it has served as a home for visiting monarchs, ambassadors, and foreign dignitaries.
The palace was built on top of an older hunting lodge and became the seat of government for the Kingdom of France from 1682 to 1789 when it was stormed by an angry mob during the French Revolution. The palace is one of the most iconic buildings in France and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
Europe is a continent of history, culture and diversity. It also accommodates some of the most beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites that astonishes every single visitor with their beauty and magnificent cultural value. If you are planning to visit Europe anytime soon to cherish the greatness of these buildings with you own eyes, it might be a good idea to check ETIAS website first. It will provide you with all necessary information about the entry rules to the EU from 2023 and further will assist you to apply for a visa waiver.
