Impressive 10 countries with the most world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO

The Travel lists 10 countries with many UNESCO- recognized world heritage sites, demonstrating cultural diversity and rich nature.

Italy

Italy boasts 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest number held by any single country out of the 1,157 sites worldwide. These include Florence's Piazza del Duomo, the historic centres of Rome and Venice, and the breathtaking Dolomites. The picturesque landscape of Piedmont, famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, is also included in the country's list of 58 World Heritage Sites.

China

Second on the list, China owns 56 World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO. Among them are prominent names such as the Great Wall, the Hani terraced fields in the Honghe Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, the Silk Road network or temples, cemeteries... All contribute to bringing deeper knowledge and understanding of China.

Virtue

Germany's cultural treasure trove includes 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including sites such as the Bauhaus school, the beautiful Cologne Cathedral, the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel with its Hercules monument, the Wadden Sea...

The Wadden Sea is an important area for many bird species. Photo: UNESCO

France

France has 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tied for fourth place with Spain. The capital Paris is home to famous sites on the list, including the banks of the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Seine River - one of the most famous rivers in the world. Photo: TripSavvy

Spain

Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the extraordinary architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, not only in Barcelona but also the famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela and the dramatic Mont Perdu gorge landscape in the Pyrenees. The desolate peaks of Las Médulas, once a Roman gold mining site, offer a unique historical perspective.

India

India is home to a remarkable collection of 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the most iconic is the Taj Mahal in Agra. Right next door, we find the historic Red Fort of Agra, which holds a special place on UNESCO’s list of cultural treasures.

Taj Mahal - World masterpiece. Photo: UNESCO

Mexico

Mexico’s cultural tapestry is rich, with a heritage that spans the years. This vibrant country boasts an impressive total of 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a testament to the extraordinary depth and diversity of its cultural treasures. Each site is a precious gem of humanity, bearing the echoes of ancient civilizations.

United Kingdom

The UK, with its long history and cultural traditions, is a treasure trove of heritage and natural beauty. The country is home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each of which contributes to a rich and complex historical tapestry that stretches across different regions.

Russia

Russia currently has 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Notably, Russia ranks fourth globally for natural UNESCO sites (11) along with 18 fascinating cultural sites. Famous UNESCO destinations in Russia include Wrangel Island, the Kremlin and the iconic Red Square in Moscow.

Iran

Iran is ranked 10th with 26 sites, including 24 cultural heritage sites and 2 natural heritage sites recognized by the world. July 2021 marked an important milestone for Iran when 2 new sites were added by UNESCO. Notably, the Trans-Iranian Railway, an architectural marvel connecting the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. In addition, the rugged and remote landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat is a testament to the traditional culture of the Hawrami people.

Vietnam has 8 heritages recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural and Natural Heritages, including: Hue Monuments Complex, Ha Long Bay, My Son Relics, Hoi An Ancient Town, Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Dynasty Citadel and Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

In addition, there are 14 heritages recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including: Hue Royal Court Music, Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space, Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Songs, Ca Tru Singing, Giong Festival at Phu Dong Temple and Soc Temple, Phu Tho Xoan Singing, Hung King Worship, Southern Amateur Music Art, Nghe Tinh Vi and Giam Folk Songs, Tug of War Rituals and Games, Practice of Mother Goddess Worship of the Vietnamese, Central Vietnam's Bai Choi, Then Practice of the Tay, Nung, Thai people in Vietnam and Thai Xoe Art.

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