Wondering where to go next for your succeeding family or personal trip? Well, if you are having some difficulty choosing what to do and where to go for your next vacation, then you may want to look at the newest list of World Heritage Sites introduced by the UNESCO this year.
You will definitely find any and all these listed wonders worthy of your time and trouble. Since this list is under UNESCO expect only the most outstanding, wonderful, breathtaking historical and cultural marvels of the world.
The well-known world group's purpose is, of course, to promote such exceptional sights but more importantly UNESCO wants people to be mindful of the importance of preservation of these world heritages. The 2012 UNESCO World Heritage List is certainly something to look forward to especially for travelers worldwide because the new list of wonders is a combination of unknown and famous but significantly worthy marvels around the globe.
One of the unfamiliar wonders of the list is the Bayreuth Opera in Germany which UNESCO specially selected as the lead of the pack so the whole world will definitely be hearing about this 18th century opulent theater extensively. In fact, in 2013, the opera house will be hosting the events related to the 200th birthday celebration of the composer Richard Wagner.
Other wondrous historical phenomenon include: an attractive and charming in Sweden featuring the skills of traditional artists, and the distinct natural attractions of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon and the abandoned cultural heritage of stone-working villages in Palau.
Other must-see places in the list are Brazil, particularly its capital Rio de Janeiro, and the not-so-popular or challenging country to visit, Iran. Rio's being part of this year's list may be termed as timely because the city will be hosting world renowned sport events such as the World Cup and the Olympics. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, forested areas emphasized by the Christ the Redeemer Art Deco statue on top of Corcovado, and the Carioca landscapes.
As to Iran, many may find it difficult to travel here or consider the country as anything more than its political overstatements, but the country's historical structures and distinct Islamic architecture are worthy of the world's attention.
Here is the complete list of the 26 UNESCO Heritage Sites:
Russia - Lena Pillars Nature Park in Yakutia
Indonesia - Subak System and Pura Water Temple of Pura Taman at Bali Province
Palau - Rock Islands Southern Lagoon
Germany - Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth
Canada - Landscape of Grand Pré
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro's Carioca Landscapes
China - Xanadu Site
- Chengjiang Fossil Site
Chad - Lakes of Ounianga Kebir
Bahrain - Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy
Congo - Sangha Trinational Cameroon in Central African Republic
India - Western Ghats
Bethlehem - Birthplace of Jesus: Pilgrimage Route and Church of the Nativity
Portugal - Garrison Border Town and its Fortifications at Elvas
Sweden - Decorated Farmhouse in Hälsingland
Morocco - Rabat: Historical City and Modern Capital
Malaysia - Lenggong Valley's Archaeological Heritage
Iran - Istafan's Masjed-e Jāmé
- Gonbad-e Qābus
Senegal - Bassari, Bedik, and Fula Cultural Landscapes
Turkey - Neolithic Site of Catalhöyük
Israel - Mount Carmel's Sites of Human Evolution
Slovenia - Heritage of Mercury at Spain, Almaden and Idrija
Ivory Coast - Historic Town of Grand-Bassam
Belgium - Wallonia's Major Mining Sites
France - Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin