For almost half a century now UNESCO has been a fundamental regulation for highlighting some of the world ' s most nitty-gritty heritage sights. Over the years it has augmented a substantial quantity of entrants that read like a veritable who ' s who of world travel.
Now in 2010 the list contains 911 indispensable spots worth preserving, though the bona fide vastness of the list has prompted the New York times to matter ' will wall-to-wall be a UNESCO world heritage sight one day? '.
Hereafter for the places named on the list the exposure has proven invaluable, prompting in some cases a needed development in tourism, and in others a raised concern for conservation.
Of the sites included the majority are in Europe, which is home to nearly half of them with 455 sites in total. In recent years there has been a marked increase in Heritage sight being named in other continents and Asia now has 198 in total.
Here is a quick tour of some of our favourite UNESCO world heritage sites:
City of Graz, Austria
Somewhat dwarfed by Vienna as an Austrian city, Graz is a glistening example of modern - traditional Europe. Somehow perfectly balanced with its history and modernity, the town has regions with a distinctly historical look, while others represent the more accomplished side of 21st century architecture. It is a city in which the population have thoroughly embraced modern art as a way of improving the visual city scape.
Though the city is mainly on the list due to its lingering castle which stretches out for three kilometres, built in 1625, it is a sight that has become integral to this small Bavarian city.
From the Grazer Scholberg, one can climb to the highest point of the city, viewing its beautiful panorama of red slate roofs.
Ibiza, biodiversity
While somewhat mislabelled as a ravers paradise Ibiza offers some of the finest natural beauty in Europe. The incredibly well preserved and coastlines offer a great example of interaction between marine and coastal ecosystems. Ibiza is also praised for its preservation of monuments and buildings in its modern metropolis cities.
Similarly the Balearics all seem to offer this vast diversity in beach - scapes. Menorca in particular has some beautiful little alcoves and vistas. This is partially why Menorca villas have remained such a staple in European tourism.
Bikini Attol Nuclear Testing Sight
While not necessarily the proudest moment in world history, Bikini Attol represents a vital landmark in the 20th century that is worth preserving as reference point to modern man.
After the displacement of its residents Bikini Attol became the home for US nuclear tests, which took place in the wake of world war two and on the cusp of the cold war. From 1946 to 1958 67 experiments were held here, including the test of the H - Bomb in 1952. It preserves its battle scars and shows the affects modern warfare may be willing to inflict upon the world. UNESCO describes Bikini Attol as symbolic of the modern nuclear age, while paradoxically representing a peacefulness of the Marshall Islands.
