World first: exploring the original UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World first: exploring the original UNESCO World Heritage Sites

At last count, UNESCO's World Heritage List included 1,073 sites in 167 countries or states. Here we explore the 12 original World Heritage sites, first listed in 1978

The aim of the UNESCO list is to identify, protect and preserve sites of cultural and natural heritage that are considered to be of exceptional value to humanity. These locations include a number of places such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the East African Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. – UNESCO

Today, Italy is home to the most World Heritage sites with 53, followed by China (52), Spain (46), France (43), Germany (42), India (36), Mexico (34) and Great Britain (including British Overseas Territories) (31). A total of 37 locations are cross-border, meaning they are positioned in more than one country or state.

However, according to UNESCO, the location is largely disputed. Instead, World Heritage sites belong to “all peoples of the world.”

What makes the concept of world heritage exceptional is its universal applicability. World Heritage Sites belong to all peoples of the world, regardless of the territory in which they are located. – UNESCO

12 original World Heritage sites

The 12 original World Heritage sites are spread across just seven countries: Germany, Ecuador (2), Poland (2), Senegal, Canada (2), USA (2) and Ethiopia (2).

The UNESCO Committee meets once or twice every two years. The 21st Meeting or “Session” will take place on May 30 and 31, 2018 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Here we explore the 12 original World Heritage sites first listed during the UNESCO meeting in September 1978 - the second session of its kind.

1. Aachen Cathedral

Country: GermanyCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #3

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites AACHENER DOM”>DreamtimeAachen Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world

Aachen is located in western Germany and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. It was built by order of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, who was buried at this site after his death in 814.

Famous for its octagonal basilica and dome, built between 790 and 800, the cathedral was expanded in the Middle Ages. Aachen's treasury is considered one of the most important in history. The most outstanding piece of inventory is the Cross of Lothar, a jeweled cross made of gold set with precious stones and embroidered with pearls.

2. City of Quito

Country: EcuadorCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #2

alt="Original World Heritage Sites QUITO">DreamtimeChurch of San Francisco in Quito

Ecuador's capital, Quito, was founded by the Spanish in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city. The historic city is famous for its churches and cathedrals, including the Iglesia de La Compania de Jesus, La Capilla Del Hombre, the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the Iglesia de San Francisco.

Although the city suffered from a devastating earthquake in 1917, it is known for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. Isolated in the Andes at 2,818 m (9,245 ft), the city is dramatically positioned, stretching along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano and bordered by the hills of Panecillo and Ichimbia.

3. Galapagos Islands

Country: EcuadorCategory: NaturalUNESCO ID: #1

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites of the Galapagos”>Dreamtime19 islands make up the Galápagos archipelago

Ecuador's second list of UNESCO's original World Heritage Sites are the 19 islands that make up the Galápagos Islands. They lie approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent. These islands and the surrounding marine protected area are home to a melting pot of marine species, many of which are endemic to the equatorial islands.

Made famous by Charles Darwin's visit in 1835, the Galápagos Islands are known worldwide for their role in helping Darwin formulate his theory of evolution through natural selection. Darwin described the Galápagos Islands as “a little world unto itself” and marveled at the diversity of species found there.

4. Historical Center of Krakow

Country: PolandCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #29

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites KRAKOW”>DreamtimeKrakow was once the capital of Poland

Krakow is the former capital of Poland and the second largest city in the country after the modern capital Warsaw. Located on the Vistula River in southern Poland, the historic center is home to the largest market square in Europe as well as numerous historic houses, palaces and churches.

The city dates back to the 7th century but is still one of Poland's most important economic and cultural centers. One of the oldest universities of international reputation, the Jagiellonian University, is located here.

Today, the historic center of Kraków is defined by its "public buildings, the remains of its medieval city walls, as well as its palaces and town houses" and is formed by three urban ensembles: the medieval city of Kraków, the Wawel Hill complex, and the city of Kazimierz.

5. Goree Island

Country: SenegalCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #26

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites GORÉE”>DreamtimeGorée was the largest slave trading center on the African coast

The tiny island of Gorée lies off the coast of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Gorée was the largest slave trading center on the African coast for almost 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Originally ruled by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, English and French, its unique architecture is characterized by the contrast between the desolate neighborhoods built for slaves and the elegant houses built for the slave traders. Today, it continues to serve as a reminder of humanity's darkest moments while also serving as a refuge for reconciliation.

6. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Country: CanadaCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #4

old=““>DreamtimeThe first and only known Viking site in North America

Evidence of the first European presence in North America can be found at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, about 300 years before the arrival of Columbus. The remains of an 11th century Viking settlement were unearthed here.

The wood-framed peat-peat buildings are similar to those found in Nordic Greenland and Iceland and include three dwellings, a blacksmith shop and four workshops. Together they form the first and only known Viking site in North America. The site was protected by the Canadian government in 1977, a year before its selection as one of UNESCO's original World Heritage Sites.

7. Mesa Verde National Park

Country: United StatesCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #27

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites MESA VERDE”>DreamtimeMesa Verde National Park is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States

With more than 4,300 sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park is the largest archaeological preserve in the United States. Pueblo dwellings from the 6th to 12th centuries still stand at around 2,600 m (8,530 ft).

Its most famous ruin, Cliff Palace, is made of sandstone, wooden beams and mortar and is more than 700 years old. It was home to approximately 125 people, but was probably an important part of a larger community of 60 nearby pueblos, totaling 600 or more people. With 23 kivas and 150 rooms, the multi-story Cliff Palace is considered the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

8. Nahanni National Park Nature Reserve

Country: CanadaCategory: NaturalUNESCO ID: #24

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites NAHANNI”>DreamtimeNahanni is home to mammals such as wolves, grizzly bears and caribou

Located on the South Nahanni River, one of North America's most spectacular wild rivers, Nahanni National Park contains deep canyons and massive waterfalls, as well as a unique limestone cave system.

The park is also home to 40 species of mammals, including wolves, grizzly bears and caribou, as well as 170 species of birds. Nahanni National Park was first protected as a national park by Canada in 1972 before being named one of UNESCO's original World Heritage Sites in 1978.

9. Rock churches

Country: EthiopiaCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #18

alt="interesting facts about ethiopia lalibela">Atlas & BootsThe rock-cut churches of Lalibela are carved out of rock

Located in the Lasta Mountains of Ethiopia at 2,600 m (8,530 feet), the rock-cut churches of Lalibela were built in the 13th century on the orders of King Lalibela. He reportedly ordered its construction after he died in 1187 BC. Visited Jerusalem in 400 BC, shortly before Muslim troops overran the holy city. The churches were built around Ethiopia's own stretch of the Jordan River.

The churches were not built from scratch but were carved out of volcanic rock. According to legend, the thousands of workers who toiled on Lalibela's "New Jerusalem" during the day were replaced by angels who continued the work at night.

Ethiopia also had two places that were among the original UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the rock-cut churches and the Simien Mountains National Park. There are now nine in total.

10. Simien National Park

Country: EthiopiaCategory: NaturalUNESCO ID: #9

alt="original World Heritage Sites Simien Mountains">Atlas & BootsA typical sight in the Simien Mountains National Park

Formed by massive erosion over millions of years, Simien Mountains National Park – known as “Africa's Grand Canyon” – is a vast cauldron of jagged peaks, deep gorges and sharp chasms that plunge approximately 1,500 m (4,920 feet).

The national park was chosen as one of the original World Heritage Sites because it is also home to several rare mammals, including the Gelada baboon, the Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf, the world's rarest canid and Africa's most endangered carnivore. Fewer than 500 Ethiopian wolves remain in the wild.

11. Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines

Country: PolandCategory: CulturalUNESCO ID: #32

alt=“Original World Heritage Sites WIELICZKA AND BOCHNIA ROYAL SALT MINE”>Salt has been mined in Wieliczka and Bochnia since the 13th century
Dreamtime

The extensive rock salt deposits in Wieliczka and Bochnia have been mined since the 13th century - the oldest of its kind in Europe. The mine continuously produced table salt from its construction in the 13th century until its closure in 2007, making it one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world. However, commercial mining ceased in 1996.

In addition to the site's industrial importance, the salt excavation areas were also converted into warehouses, workshops and chapels, with ornamental statues and decorations carved into the rock salt. As such, the mine has been a tourist destination since the early 19th century.

12. Yellowstone National Park

Country: United StatesCategory: NaturalUNESCO ID: #28

alt="Original World Heritage Sites Yellowstone">DreamtimeThe Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world

Yellowstone, one of the most famous U.S. national parks, is a hotbed of volcanic activity with over 10,000 thermal features, including mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful, a cone geyser that erupts every half hour to two hours.

One of the most extraordinary sights is the Grand Prismatic Spring in the Midway Geyser Basin. The spring - 110 m (360 ft) in diameter and 50 m (164 ft) deep - is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world after Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand and Boiling Lake in Dominica. The spring's extraordinary colors are the result of pigmented microorganisms that grow at the edges of the mineral-rich water.

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World Heritage Sites: A Complete Guide to 1,073 UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been updated to reflect changes to the list of World Heritage Sites for two years.

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