Names of monuments included in the World Heritage List. Russian World Natural Heritage Sites
Ten natural sites of the Russian Federation are on the UNESCO World Heritage List (4 of them are recognized as natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance), and this is not counting another 15 sites that are cultural objects of protection. This is not at all surprising, because Russia is a truly vast country, with a vast territory, incredibly beautiful and diverse nature, and a rich cultural heritage.
If you want to see the pristine nature of Russia in its pristine form, then Russians (and foreign tourists too) will have no difficulty going to one of the country’s natural reserves or national parks, on the territory of which these ten objects that need constant international protection are located level...
1. Forests of the Komi Republic
The area of these forests is more than 3 million hectares, on which a national park and a state biosphere reserve are located. This facility opened a new page for Russia in environmental protection at the global level.
The virgin forests of Komi are known as the largest intact forests growing in Europe. They occupy an area of 32,600 square kilometers in the north of the Ural Mountains, within the Pechero-Ilychsky Nature Reserve and the Yugyd Va National Park. In terms of their composition, Komi forests belong to the taiga ecosystem. They are dominated by coniferous trees. The western part of the forests is in the foothills area, the eastern part is in the mountains themselves. The Komi forest is distinguished by the diversity of not only flora, but also fauna. More than two hundred species of birds live here, There are 40 species of rare mammals, and the reservoirs are home to 16 species of fish, which are considered valuable for fishing, preserved since ice age. For example, such fish species include Siberian grayling and palia char. Many inhabitants of the virgin forests of Komi are listed in the Red Book of the Planet. This natural site of the Russian Federation was included in the UNESCO list in 1995 - the very first on the list.
2. Lake Baikal
For the whole world, Baikal is a lake, for the residents of Russia, who are in love with a unique natural object, Baikal is a sea! Located in Eastern Siberia it is the deepest lake on the planet and, at the same time, the largest natural reservoir of fresh water by volume. The shape of Baikal looks like a crescent. The maximum depth of the lake is 1642 meters with an average depth of 744. Baikal contains 19 percent of all fresh water on the planet. The lake is fed by more than three hundred rivers and streams. Baikal water has a high oxygen content. Its temperature rarely exceeds plus 8-9 degrees Celsius even in summer in the surface area. The water of the lake is so clean and transparent that it allows you to see at a depth of up to forty meters.
Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest (approximately 1,700 meters) on Earth, covers an area of over three million hectares. The reservoir, which appeared about 25 million years ago, was in almost complete isolation, thanks to which an amazing ecosystem was formed in its fresh waters, the study of which allows us to obtain information about the evolutionary processes taking place on the planet.
Unique even on a global scale, the lake contains about 20% of all available reserves of essential fresh water on Earth, as well as a delightful spectacle, inspiring with beauty and captivating with the luxury of amazing landscapes.
Lake Baikal was named a beautiful pearl by UNESCO in 1996 and included in the list of priceless heritages of the planet.
3. Kamchatka volcanoes .
This site was also included in the World Heritage List in 1996. Five years later (in 2001), the territory of the object subject to international protection expanded due to the movement of lithospheric plates of the Pacific volcanic ring. Today, the territory of the state biosphere reserve is about 4 million hectares. This area is called the “natural museum of volcanology.” Both long-extinct and active volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula can serve as exhibits. Moreover, each of the “exhibits” is an individual object, for which a lifetime would not be enough to study.
In total, there are currently about 300 extinct volcanoes and 30 active volcanoes on the territory of this object, but the number of the latter changes every year. The most interesting attraction for tourists in this region is the Valley of Geysers in the Konotsky Biosphere Reserve. The mountain rivers of Kamchatka abound with huge numbers of salmon fish, and the coastal waters are home to many species of whales and dolphins.
4. Altai Mountains
These mountains are called “Golden”, since every species of animal, bird and fish here is unique. Altai cedar forests and mammals with the most valuable commercial fur, which can be equated in value with gold, have been preserved here. The site covers an area of more than 1.5 million hectares and was included in the UNESCO list in 1998. The “golden” Altai Mountains are located at the intersection of the mountain systems of Siberia and Central Asia.
The vegetation of this region is unique; there is an abundance of alpine meadows, steppes, semi-deserts and tundra. Absolutely everything is unique here, from snow leopards to mountain landforms. Pearl Altai Territory called Lake Teletskoye, which is also called “Small Baikal”.
5. Natural Park"Lena Pillars"
Fabulous beautiful landscapes The park is formed by hundred-meter-high rock formations that pacify the waters of the beautiful Lena River. The Lena Pillars are located in the very heart of Sakha (Republic of Yakutia).
Such an amazing natural phenomenon owes its appearance to the continental climate, temperature fluctuations within which reach about one hundred degrees (+40 degrees in summer and -60 degrees in winter). The pillars are separated by deep ravines with steep slopes. Their formation occurred under the influence of water, which contributed to soil freezing and weathering. Such processes led to the fact that the ravines deepened and widened. Water in in this case plays the role of a destroyer, representing a danger to the pillars.
The Lena Pillars, included in the list of world heritage in 2012, are of interest not only from the point of view of an aesthetic spectacle; it is also a unique archaeological zone, on the territory of which the remains of ancient animals of the Cambrian period were discovered.
This natural site has an area of 1.27 million hectares. If we take into account the geological structure of the soil in the park, then this land can “tell” a lot about the history of the development of the planet, about living organisms and vegetation.
In the Lena Pillars, many remains of mammoths, bison, woolly rhinoceroses, Lena horses, reindeer and other remains of ancient mammals were discovered. Today the complex is home to 12 representatives of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of the Planet. It is believed that the Lena Pillars have a huge “aesthetic influence” on people due to their unique beauty of landscapes, bizarre terrain with huge caves, fabulous-looking stone sculptures, rocky spiers, niches and “towers”.
6. Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve
This territory, included in the UNESCO list in 2001, covers an area of about 0.4 million hectares. The object is valuable because unique broad-leaved forests and ancient coniferous forests have been preserved on its territory. There is also an incredible mixture of different species of flora and fauna, including many rare species.
A large biosphere reserve in the Primorsky Territory was originally created to preserve the sable population. Currently, it represents the most convenient place for observing the life of the Amur tiger. A huge number of plants grow on the territory of the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve. More than a thousand higher species, more than a hundred - mosses, about four hundred - lichens, more than six hundred species of algae and more than five hundred - fungi.
Local fauna represented big amount birds, marine invertebrates and insects. Many plants, birds, animals and insects are protected species. Schisandra chinensis,ginseng,rhododendron Fori and edelweiss Palibina, spotted deer and Himalayan bear, black crane and stork, Japanese starling, Sakhalin sturgeon, fish owl and swallowtail butterfly - they all found shelter in the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve.
7. Natural complex of the Wrangel Island reserve
The protected area, which was added to the list of UNESCO treasures in 2004, is located beyond the Arctic Circle. It includes the relief landscapes of Wrangel Island, whose area is over 7 thousand square meters. kilometers, and Herald Island, whose area is 11 thousand square meters. kilometers, as well as the coastal waters of the East Siberian Sea and the waters of the Chukchi Sea.
This region managed to avoid glaciation, thanks to which the area is characterized by amazing biological diversity. The harsh climate of the protected area attracted walruses, who formed the largest rookery in the Arctic here. Polar bears have also taken a liking to the picturesque land; the density of their dens in this region is considered to be the highest on the planet.
Over fifty species of birds nest here, some of which are endemic and endangered. Gray whales rush here, choosing this place for feeding. Surprisingly, over four hundred species of vascular plants are found on the island, among which there are also endemics.
Here tourists can see the largest bird colonies in the eastern Arctic. Relics of the Pleistocene predominate among plant forms. The landscape of the island is unusual, as is its water area. Many travelers dream of visiting here.
8. Ubsunur Basin
The area of this unique biosphere reserve is 0.8 million hectares. The object was included in the UNESCO list in 2003. A salt lake with a large area is located on the border of Mongolia and the Russian Republic of Tyva. By the way, on the territory of Russia there are only seven sections of the intermountain basin with a shallow lake (up to 15 meters), the remaining five parts of the Transboundary Site are located in Mongolia. Each of the seven sections of the basin on our territory is individual in appearance and the plants that grow there depending on the landscape.
Inhabitant of the Ubsunur Basin
ZHere you can see foothills with eternal areas of snow-capped peaks, there are also areas of mountain taiga, alpine meadows, wetlands, mountain tundra and even sandy deserts. The remnant mountains with bright vegetation and contrasting landscapes make the Ubsunur basin especially picturesque. Endangered species of animals are found here - mountain sheep - argali, snow leopard, as well as many rare species of birds - geese, herons, terns, gulls, waders, etc. During excavations of ancient mounds on the territory of the basin, unique rock paintings, burials and stone sculptures were discovered .
9. Putorana Plateau
Included in the World Heritage List in 2010, this natural site of the Russian Federation has a total area of more than 1.8 million hectares. This virgin basalt plateau in the north of Eastern Siberia, almost at the Arctic Circle, is invaluable for study by geologists and geomorphologists. The mountainous terrain has a stepped landscape, with flat-topped massifs intersected by deep canyons. The plateau was formed at the boundary of the Mesozoic and Paleozoic as a result of volcanic activity. Forty-layer deposits make it possible to study the structure of the planet.
Deep cracks in the plateau were formed by glaciers, which were subsequently filled with water, forming lakes with a unique appearance and a depth of up to 400 meters. There are many beautiful waterfalls on the plateau, one of which (in the valley of the Kanda River) has a height of 108 meters. In total, on the territory of the Putorana Plateau there are 25 thousand small and large lakes with a huge supply of fresh water. There are more than 30 species of mammals in this northern reserve and all of them are rare or relict.
The vegetation is represented by 400 species - mainly open forest, mountain tundra and larch taiga. The plateau serves as a resting place for thousands of species of migratory birds.
The picturesque landscapes of the beautiful plateau coincide with the boundaries of the reserve of the same name located beyond the Arctic Circle, which adorns the territory of Central Siberia. The changing zones give a special charm to the area: virgin taiga, rich forest-tundra, colorful landscapes of the tundra and the fabulous beauty of the icy Arctic deserts. A real decoration of the plateau: curly ribbons of rivers and a crystal lake saucer filled with clean cold water. A road along which deer migrate runs through the inhospitable lands of the plateau. This is an incredible spectacle, which can be observed less and less in nature.
10. Territories of the Western Caucasus
The natural reserve with an area of 0.3 million hectares has been included in the UNESCO list since 1999. These territories are almost untouched by human civilization. Today they are protected not only by UNESCO, but also by other all-Russian and international organizations - Greenpeace, the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, NABU, Dresden Technical University, the North Caucasus working group, etc. The territory of the reserve covers areas that stretch from the headwaters of the river Kuban to the Belaya and Malaya Laba rivers..
Caucasus. Blooming rhododendron in the Upper Mzymta valley
The vegetation in this protected region is represented by coniferous and broad-leaved forests, crooked forests, mountain meadows, and the nival belt. Every third plant here is considered relict. Rare species of birds of prey nest here - ospreys, bearded vultures, golden eagles, griffon vultures, etc. Among the large animals in the reserve you can see Western Caucasian tigers, brown bears, wolves, Caucasian red deer, bison, etc. Tourists will be interested in seeing beautiful karst formations in this natural area with deep gorges, waterfalls, underground rivers, tarns, moraines, cirques and valleys formed by mountain glaciers.
11. Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a sand spit located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The Curonian Spit is a narrow and long saber-shaped strip of land separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea and stretching from the city of Zelenogradsk in the Kaliningrad region to the city of Klaipeda (Smiltyne) (Lithuania).
The length is 98 kilometers, the width ranges from 400 meters (in the area of the village of Lesnoy) to 3.8 kilometers (in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Bulviko, just north of Nida).
The Curonian Spit is a unique natural-anthropogenic landscape and a territory of exceptional aesthetic value: the Curonian Spit is the largest sand body included in the Baltic complex of sand spits, which has no analogues in the world. The high level of biological diversity due to the combination of different landscapes - from desert (dunes) to tundra (raised bog) - provides insight into important and long-term ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, riverine, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. The location of the spit and its relief are unique.
The most significant element of the spit's relief is a continuous strip of white sand dunes 0.3-1.0 km wide, some of them approaching the highest in the world (up to 68 m).
The Curonian Spit contains natural habitats that are the most representative and important for the conservation of biological diversity, including those where endangered species are preserved, which are of outstanding global importance from the point of view of science and nature conservation: due to its geographical position and orientation from north-east to south- to the west it serves as a corridor for migratory birds of many species, flying from the north-western regions of Russia, Finland and the Baltic countries to the countries of Central and Southern Europe. Every year in spring and autumn, from 10 to 20 million birds fly over the spit, a significant part of which stop here to rest and feed.
In the last post I did not include all the architectural objects of Russia, noted by UNESCO for their uniqueness and historical value. Today I will add to this list...
12. Citadel, old town and fortifications of Derbent .
The citadel, old town and fortifications of Derbent is the collective name under which UNESCO in 2003 included the medieval architectural heritage of the city of Derbent on the list of World Heritage Sites.
The history of ancient Derbent, located off the coast of the Caspian Sea, on the territory of modern Dagestan, dates back, according to archaeologists, five thousand years. This one of the oldest cities in Russia was initially a small settlement founded at the foot of the spurs of the Caucasus Mountains, which later acquired city fortifications of impressive size.
However, the first documentary evidence of this place as a large city dates back to the 5th century. At this time, the Persian king Yazdegerd II ruled here, who appreciated its strategic location. This, by the way, is reflected in the name, because Derbent translated from Iranian means “mountain outpost” or “mountain pass”. About 100 years later, another king, on the remains of previous defensive structures, erected a fortified city, which is called Old, with an impregnable fortress and powerful fortifications. Between these fortifications, stretching more than 40 kilometers deep into the Caucasus Mountains, a city emerged that still retains its medieval character.
Citadel of Nara-kala
It continued to be a strategically important place until the 19th century. Derbent has experienced many dramatic events throughout the history of its existence: wars, assaults, periods of decline and prosperity, times of independence and subjugation to other nations. But still, this place has preserved many monuments from all these turbulent periods.
This: the Naryn-Kala citadel, with thick and high walls, the ruins of the palace of the Derbent Khan, baths and a guardhouse;
13. Struve geodetic arc
The Struve Arc is a network of 265 triangulation points, which were stone cubes embedded in the ground with an edge length of 2 meters, with a length of more than 2820 kilometers. It was created to determine the parameters of the Earth, its shape and size. Named after its creator, the Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve (Vasily Yakovlevich Struve).
The Struve geodetic arc was measured by Struve and the staff of the Dorpat (Tartu) and Pulkovo observatories (of which Struve was the director) over 40 years, from 1816 to 1855, over a distance of 2820 km from Fuglenes near the North Cape in Norway (latitude 70° 40′11″N. sh.) to the village of Staraya Nekrasovka Odessa region near the Danube (latitude 45° 20′03″N), which formed a meridian arc with an amplitude of 25° 20′08″.
Geodetic arc Struve, “Point Z”, o. Gogland, Leningrad region
Currently, arc points can be found in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia (on the island of Gogland), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova (the village of Rud) and Ukraine. On January 28, 2004, these countries approached the UNESCO World Heritage Committee with a proposal to approve the surviving 34 points of the Struve Arc as a World Heritage Monument. In 2005, this proposal was accepted.
A story about other architectural monuments of Russia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Around the world
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Planet Earth is a bottomless treasury that has endowed man with countless riches and made it possible to take advantage of its benefits to create comfortable living conditions. Therefore, the formation of society and its evolution have always occurred in interaction with nature. A clear confirmation of this are the cultural, historical and natural monuments included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Madain Salih Complex, Saudi Arabia
In the northern part of Saudi Arabia there is a unique complex of Madain Salih. It includes more than 100 burials dating from the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, amazing hydraulic structures that previously served the inhabitants of Hegra, an ancient city that became a center of caravan trade.
More than 50 inscriptions were discovered on the rocks of the complex, the appearance of which dates back to the pre-Nabatean period. In 2008, the amazing Madain Salih complex was added to the UNESCO treasury.
Longmen Grottoes, China
“Dragon Gate” or Longmen Grottoes are located in one of the picturesque Chinese provinces, near the city of Luoyang. This amazing ensemble, consisting of beautiful temples and ancient caves, was the residence of the rulers of China, representing the Wei dynasty, until 494.
After the residence was moved to a new city, Buddhist monks settled among the caves and temples. Relief drawings and all kinds of sculptures decorating the stone ensemble are the work of artisans who lived in the vicinity of the grotto.
2,300 amazing caves, about 80 mausoleums, more than 100,000 Buddhist paintings, a huge statue of the majestic Buddha guarding the entrance to the Fengxianse Cave, more than 2,500 inscriptions decorating the rocks along the deep Yishui River - these precious monuments of ancient Chinese culture, making up a single complex, were brought in on the UNESCO heritage list. 
Bayon Temple, Cambodia
Among the picturesque nature of Angor Thom, the amazing Bayon temple complex, erected in the 7th century AD in honor of Jayavarman, has been preserved. The ancient architectural structure includes three levels of stone buildings surrounded by three monumental walls.
The temple complex is decorated with huge stone faces and drawings depicting the life and everyday life of the Khmers.
In addition to the Bayon Temple, the Angkor region is home to over a thousand unique temples, representing different eras and levels of civilization. Every year, millions of curious tourists come here to see with their own eyes the unique monuments of ancient religious architecture.
Many of them have survived to this day in a dilapidated state, some have been restored, and some have remained a pile of stones silently resting among endless fields sown with rice.
Stonehand, UK
An oversized stone structure, Stonehand is located among the luxurious nature of Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wilshere in the UK. 150 stones placed in a certain sequence are of great interest to scientists and ordinary tourists who come here to look at amazing creation man, created in 3000 BC.
Under the influence of time and natural phenomena, the unique ancient monument began to collapse, so now it is protected with special care. If half a century ago tourists could even climb huge structures, then since 1977 you can only look at them. To touch the stones, you need a special permit, issued within a year on the basis of a personal request.
Stonehand was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
Lonesome George, Ecuador
The only giant tortoise representing this type mammals, lives in the National Park located in Ecuador. The unique animal was found in 1927 on Pinta Island, located in the northern part of the archipelago, and named after the famous actor George Gobel.
The world's most famous bachelor is in the prime of his life; according to scientists, he is now about 90 years old. It's time to have offspring. For George, a female has already been found that has genetic similarities to the “groom’s” ancestors, so there is every reason to believe that the line of giant tortoises will continue.
Summer Palace, China
Among the fabulous beautiful scenery In the imperial garden in Beijing in 1750, the magnificent Summer Palace was built, which to this day preserves the memory of the royalty who lived within its walls.
In 1860, the unique architectural masterpiece was destroyed, and more than 20 years later it was restored.
In 1998, the Summer Palace was added to the list of UNSO World Treasures
Statue of Liberty, America
The symbol of the United States of America, the Statue of Liberty, is located in one of the largest metropolises in the country and the world - New York. This is a symbolic gift presented by the French in honor of the centenary of the American Revolution.
“Lady Liberty” personifies the triumph of democracy, freedom of spirit and is a kind of reminder of the difficult period of the Americans’ struggle for their rights.
In 1984, “Lady Liberty” was added to the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Iguazu National Park, Argentina
In the picturesque province of Misiones, there is a majestic monument of Argentine nature - Iguazu National Park, which in 1984 was recognized as a unique UNESCO heritage.
In addition to the diversity of bird species and the luxury of beautiful exotic vegetation, the park is notable for the incredible number of waterfalls concentrated near the Iguazu River. The number of cascading streams (from 150 to 250 waterfalls) depends on the water level in the river from which they originate.
The territory of the park is an oasis in the center of civilization, which has preserved a huge number of endangered representatives of flora and fauna. A paradise on earth, filled with the strange aromas of flowers, the crystal sound of water and the cheerful singing of colorful birds, annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world, eager to see with their own eyes the riches of the Argentine region.
Kinderdijk, Netherlands
On the picturesque banks of the canals located near Rotterdam, rows of huge windmills, built several decades ago.
More than a thousand historical structures, named Kinderdijk, after the village in which they are located, have replenished UNESCO's bottomless treasury.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
The decoration of the relief landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, located in the picturesque province of Santa Cruz, is a huge glacier with the sweet name Perito Moreno. In size it is second only to the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland.
An amazing masterpiece created by nature became not only a decoration of Argentine Patagonia, it joined the UNESCO world treasury. A talented creator gave the glacier an amazing architectural form, parts of which are modified under the influence of water flows.
The fact is that from time to time the glacier reaches Lake Argentino and spills over to the opposite shore, thereby forming a massive dam and dividing the water surface into two parts. This leads to a significant increase in water levels in the southern part of the lake.
Cubic meters of icy liquid press on the walls of the glacier, breaking the binding barrier. Such an action is a fascinating spectacle and occurs sometimes once a year, and sometimes once every ten years.
Bahai Terraced Gardens, Israel
In the north of Israel is the picturesque town of Haifa, whose territory is surrounded by unique terraced gardens created many years ago.
The beautiful Tomb of Bob, the founder of the popular Bahai religious movement, is buried in the luxury of amazing vegetation.
The majestic symbol of the interaction between nature and man was included in the UNESCO list of unique heritage in 2008.
Vatican
The Vatican, a tiny state located on the territory of Rome, is the world center of Christianity. Here is the papal throne and many unique architectural monuments, the main of which is the majestic St. Peter's Square, built in 1667 according to the design of the architect Bernini.
Two monumental symmetrical hemispheres connect near St. Peter's Basilica, forming a large-scale square where believers gather to hear and see the pontiff.
Residents of a small state carefully preserve the historical and cultural heritage previous generations, part of which was the unique architecture of the country, and valuable works of art preserved behind the walls of the holy basilica.
In 1984, the Vatican was included in the UNESCO lists.
Petra, Israel
The ancient city of Petra is located in the Siq canyon leading to the Arava valley. Residential areas carved out of sandstones rise at an altitude of about 900 meters above sea level and are small caves connected by narrow paths.
Here, on the territory of modern Jordan, where Petra is located, ancient crypts and amazing temples built many centuries ago have been preserved.
The amazing city of Petra is rightfully included in the UNESCO heritage list; in addition, since 2007 it has been called another “wonder of the world”.
Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is a unique system consisting of 3,000 individually located coral reefs and more than 900 picturesque islands. It lies in the waters of the Coral Sea and annually attracts millions of divers eager to see the amazing masterpiece created by tiny microorganisms.
Over 2,500 kilometers of fabulous flora and amazing underwater fauna, this is the largest coral reef on the planet, visible even from space.
In 1981, the Great Barrier Reef was added to the UNESCO treasury, and earlier it was awarded the status of a “wonder of the world”.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus
Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the most famous nature reserves in Europe and the largest national park in Belarus. In 1993, it received the status of a biosphere reserve, and a year earlier it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The picturesque nature conservation site is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions; the Polish-Belarusian border passes through it.
The picturesque landscapes of this amazing area provide excellent conditions for the habitat of many species of animals, including those listed in the Red Book of Belarus.
In the dense thickets of relict forests that once covered the entire territory of Europe, you can meet their powerful owner - the bison, which tourists from different parts of the world come to see.
Rock paintings in Alta, Norway
Another UNESCO cultural and historical heritage is rock paintings discovered in the north of Norway, in the city of Alta. Thanks to this find, it became known about the settlements of ancient people who traded here during the Iron and Stone Ages. Rock paintings reflect the way of life of those who lived in coastal areas and on the mainland people, their beliefs, traditions and rituals.
More than 5,000 unique images date back to 4200 - 500 BC and prove that the northern parts of the Earth were previously inhabited.
People first started talking about amazing drawings in 1960, when the first petroglyphs were found. During further excavations, one of the largest archaeological sites of Jemmelüft was discovered, on the territory of which the Alta Museum was founded, open to tourists.
Stave church Urnes, Norway
Among the majesty of the silent mountains, on the picturesque Sognefjord, the outline of the stave church Urnes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms. An amazing masterpiece of wooden architecture was built three times in the same place. A church built in 1150 for one of the revered and very influential families has survived to this day.
The craftsmen who worked on the construction of the temple were able to convey the splendor of the architecture of that time and restore the decorative details present on the previously destroyed church.
The durable wood, prepared for the construction of the temple in 1130, was able to withstand the influence of time and the elements. Therefore, the unique Urnes Church still delights everyone who has been lucky enough to visit the royal Sognefjord at least once.
Struve Arc
A unique geodetic structure called the Struve Arc is a network with reference points marked on the ground using stone cubes, iron crosses, and depressions made in the rocks.
The Struve arc was used to establish the size of the Earth and determine its shape. Over the 40 years of its existence, the amazing geodetic structure has undergone changes, and today it passes through the territory of Belarus, Norway, Lithuania, Moldova, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Russia, and Sweden. The total length of the network on which triangulation points are located is 2820 kilometers.
34 strongholds of the Arc, named after one of its creators, Vasily Yakovlevich Struve, are now included in the UNESCO world treasury.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Ukraine
The Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a great Christian shrine located on the right bank of the mighty Dnieper. Founded in the 9th century, the monastery has undergone many changes throughout its existence. Today is a unique reminder ancient architecture reverently delights both true believers and ordinary tourists who come from all over the world to admire the golden-domed temple.
The Pechersk Lavra received its name due to the caves located on its territory, in which the first hermit monks lived.
Since its foundation, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra has become a spiritual and cultural stronghold Kievan Rus, and her fame thundered far beyond the borders of the state.
Basilica of the Nativity and pilgrim paths, Palestine
A few kilometers from Jerusalem is the Church of the Nativity of Christ, built in 339 AD. The location for the founding of the basilica was not chosen by chance; it is believed that this is where Jesus Christ was born.
In the 6th century AD, the Church survived a fire, after which it was restored. Only mosaic floors remain from the original structure.
In 2012, the Basilica of the Nativity, along with pilgrimage paths, bell towers, and magnificent terraced gardens, was included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
Kakadu National Park, Australia
Kakadu National Park is a unique combination of lush plains and picturesque plateaus, marshy areas covered with emerald thickets of exotic plants, and rivers cutting through the park's life-filled expanses.
In the park you can see hundreds of rare plant species and endangered animals. An amazing natural complex is located in the north of Australia, where tribes of ancient settlers lived 40 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by rock paintings found during archaeological excavations. The drawings reflect the way of life of a prehistoric society, whose members hunted and gathered.
Today, Kakadu Park is an archaeological and natural reserve, listed as a UNESCO site in 1981.
Rain forests of the east coast of Australia
In eastern Australia, along the vertiginous cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, lie the mysterious rain forests, which in 1994 became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This unique zone, which includes several luxurious parks and amazing reserves, is of enormous importance for modern science. After all, its territory contains geologically important objects, such as the craters of extinct volcanoes, and dense thickets of rain forests are home to endemic species representing the local fauna.
Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia
450 kilometers of tropical rainforests lie along the north-eastern coast of Australia. Dense, often impenetrable, thickets have become a habitat for funny marsupials, exotic songbirds and rare representatives of the richest Australian flora and equally diverse fauna.
In 1988, tropical rainforests joined the treasury of the world organization UNESCO.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, which is more than 120 kilometers long, is the largest sand island on the planet. Its relief surface is covered with humid tall forests, and the golden curves of the dunes are cut by blue-eyed “hanging” lakes filled with fresh water.
In 1992, this amazing natural complex was included in the UNESCO treasury.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
Shark Bay and its surrounding islands are a fabulously beautiful place, famous for the phenomenal gifts presented by nature itself. Firstly, over 10 thousand dugongs live in the waters washing the coast (the largest population of these animals in the world).
Secondly, in coastal waters you can see huge plantations of algae, covering more than 480 thousand kilometers of the seabed.
Thirdly, the surroundings of the bay are decorated with rounded calcareous formations - stromatolites. They owe their appearance to colonies of algae that actively live under water.
Fourthly, several species of rare mammals live in the bay. Together, all factors stopped the bay from becoming a natural treasure, which in 1991 was added to the UNESCO lists.
Macquarie Island
In the endless subantarctic waters, between the two continents of Antarctica and Australia, the tiny Macquarie Island is lost. A picturesque piece of land with a length of only 34 kilometers appeared after the collision of the Pacific lithospheric plate with the Indo-Australian plate.
As a result of a strong collision, unique basalt rocks stored at a depth of over 6 kilometers in the Earth's mantle were deposited on the relief surface of the papaya. In 1997, Macquarie Island joined UNESCO's richest treasury.
Sydney Opera House, Australia
A snow-white structure rises above the azure waters of Sydney Bay, reminiscent of a sailboat filled with winds, ready to set sail - this is the Sydney Opera House. The “shells” located on a solid foundation house a magnificently decorated hall and a wonderful restaurant.
Erected in 1973, the building took its place among UNESCO sites (in 2007) and became the most grandiose architectural structure of our time.
The talented architect Jorn Utson worked on the implementation of this amazing project. Changing the traditions of urban planning developed over the years, he created a unique sculptural masterpiece that harmoniously complements the picturesque landscapes of the Pacific coast.
Convict settlements, Australia
Of the thousands of camps created by the British Empire in Austria (18th-19th centuries), eleven, located on the islet of Norfolk, Tasmania, around Sydney, were included in the lists of UNESCO sites in 2010.
The prisons were designed to house hundreds of thousands of those convicted by British justice. These were men, women, and even children.
Each correctional institution had its own specifics of work and methods of re-educating criminals.
This unique object is valuable as a reminder of the largest expansion of European states, realized through the deportation and placement of convicted criminals in colonies.
Leon Cathedral, Nicaragua
The Lena Cathedral, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, personifies the transitional period in architecture, when the Baroque traditions were replaced by more progressive neoclassical trends at that time. In the design of the exterior and interior, features of eclecticism are clearly visible, with the refined luxury and abundance characteristic of the style decorative details, harmoniously combining into a single ensemble.
Magnificent stained glass windows, rich ornaments, the use of works of art (paintings by Antonio Sarria, which depict the difficult path to Calvary) - all this gives the cathedral a special flavor that conveys the atmosphere of a difficult era.
The monumental structure of the temple was created according to a design developed by the Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel.
Since 2011, León Cathedral has been part of the UNESCO treasury.
Mozambique island city
The colorful town of Mozambique, founded in the 16th century, is located on the territory of the island of the same name, which once played an important role in the development of trade relations between Portugal and India.
The tiny town, surrounded by an endless expanse of emerald water, framed by the edge of a magnificent sandy shore, is surrounded by the luxury of exotic plants, many of which are of particular value to science.
But not only the picturesque landscapes of the island are noteworthy; local architecture is of particular interest to tourists and researchers. The buildings, maintained in the same style, were built from makuti stone and decorated taking into account the building traditions established in the 16th century.
In 1991, the amazing island city of Mazambique was added to the list of UNESCO sites.
Pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan
Teotihucan, a sacred city (previously considered the birthplace of the gods), was founded in the 1st century AD, and was completed only at the end of the 7th century. Location (50 kilometers from Mexico City) and high level cultural development made it one of the most influential cities in Central America.
The remarkable architecture of Teotihucan, especially the large-scale monuments, temples and unique pyramids of the Moon and the Sun, designed using the principles of geometry.
Since 1987, the pre-Hispanic city of Teotihucan has been a UNESCO treasure.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
The eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is decorated with a picturesque biosphere reserve with the symbolic name Sian Ka'an. This is an amazing natural complex created from tropical forests, mangroves, impenetrable swamps and coral reefs, which have become home to the inhabitants of the nearby water area.
The local flora is amazing and diverse, and the fauna of the reserve is no less rich. More than 300 species of exotic birds enliven the dense forests with their singing, and hydrogeological conditions contribute to the predominance of terrestrial vertebrates, typical for such a region.
The picturesque Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1987.
Historic city of Meknes, Morocco
Founded in the 9th century AD, the military settlement blossomed over time and became the picturesque town of Maknes. Under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Maknes became the capital of the Moroccan state, and the architecture of the city acquired a distinctly Spanish-Moorish flavor.
Majestic towers, powerful walls, huge gates have survived to this day, carefully preserving the memory of the past centuries of prosperity of Meknes.
Since 1996, the historical city has been included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
Bikini Atoll
Until 1946, Bikini Atoll could easily be called heaven on earth. Beautiful nature, good-natured people, crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. But the beginning of the Cold War put an end to the happy existence of local residents. In 1946, they were resettled from their home island, and the picturesque landscapes and waters became a test site for American nuclear weapons.
Over 12 years, more than 60 thunderstorms thundered on the atoll. nuclear explosions, the first hydrogen bomb was tested here, thereby causing irreparable damage to the geology and nature of the island. The level of radiation in this place is such that nothing living can withstand such radiation.
The ships that sank during the tests, as well as the huge crater left after the explosion of a nuclear bomb, became silent witnesses to the unfortunate events.
Bikini Atoll, as a terrifying symbol of the nuclear age, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
Lake Malawi National Park
The southern side of the picturesque Lake Malawi has turned into a unique national park, the waters of which are home to many interesting representatives of underwater fauna.
Deep water lake with pure water shelters dozens of species of endemic fish, and its ichthyofauna is of great interest to scientists studying evolutionary processes on Earth.
The unique lake was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1984.
Ancient quarters and fortifications of the city of Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a fortified city in different periods, which was part of the Roman Empire, Prussia, Spain, France. Passing from one state to another, the city became more and more fortified, eventually turning into the most protected fortress in Europe.
This was the case until 1867, after which the fortification was destroyed. Today, the dilapidated remains of the fortress and stone buildings remind us of the former power of military-era architecture.
The ancient city with its quarters and fortifications was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 1994.
Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit is a sandy peninsula with a length of 98 kilometers. The width of the unique strip in different areas ranges from 400 meters to 4 kilometers.
The picturesque landscapes of the peninsula have been actively developed by people since ancient times. Today there is a struggle to preserve a unique natural masterpiece exposed to wind and sea. To nullify Negative influence natural factors, work is underway to strengthen forest plantations and sand dunes.
In 2000, the Curonian Spit was added to the UNESCO heritage list.
Los Catios National Park, Colombia
Los Catios National Park is located on 72 thousand hectares of picturesque Colombian land, which was added to the UNESCO treasury in 1994.
The relief landscapes of the colorful land are covered with dense forests, wet plains, from time to time turning into low hills.
The territory of the park has become home to a huge number of amazing animals, including rare representatives of the local fauna.
Lake system in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya
The shallow lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria) are a unique nature reserve, home to an incredible diversity of birds, including over 12 endangered species. Birds can survive only if they are within the safe Great Rift Valley.
The emerald surface of the lakes is surrounded by luxurious landscapes, covered with emerald thickets of forests, which have become home to a huge number of animals (black rhinoceros, funny Rothschild giraffe, powerful lion, population of wild dogs and leopards).
The Rift Valley is a place where pelican chicks are born and colorful flocks of beautiful flamingos walk in the shallow waters. This mesmerizing spectacle annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to see with their own eyes the amazing beauty of the Great Rift Valley and lake system, which was included in the list of UNESCO sites in 2011.
UNESCO sites in Russia are cultural, architectural, historical and natural attractions that are a world heritage. First of all, of course, it is worth mentioning the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square. These are central places where the most important cultural and political events take place. modern Russia. In addition, unique architectural monuments. This includes St. Basil's Cathedral, the Church of the Annunciation, the monument to Minin and Pozharsky, and other iconic objects. Tens of thousands of tourists come to Moscow every year to visit the Kremlin.
One of the most famous attractions of our country - the architectural ensemble of Kizhi - is also a UNESCO heritage site in Russia. This is a masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture, located in Karelia. The complex includes several objects built in the 18th century. These are two churches - the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Church of the Intercession. They are completely made of wood. The bell tower standing next to them was completed in the 19th century. The uniqueness of these objects lies in the monumentality of the entire ensemble and the amazing ornaments made by masters of traditional architecture.
Sights under UNESCO protection in Russia also include unique natural sites. One of them, of course, is Lake Baikal. This is the largest freshwater body of water on the planet. In addition, it is famous for its unique ecosystem, which is home to rare living organisms. Baikal is surrounded on all sides by mountains. In particular, the Barguzinsky and Primorsky ridges are located here. The maximum depth of the lake exceeds one and a half kilometers. Due to its exceptional importance for the ecology of our planet, Baikal was included in the World Heritage Site.
Another iconic city of our country is St. Petersburg. Its sights and architectural monuments are also of global significance. It’s not for nothing that this city is called the “Venice of the North”. There really is a special atmosphere here. It is thanks to its uniqueness and large number of cultural and architectural monuments that St. Petersburg was included in the World Heritage Site.
World Heritage sites included in the UNESCO special list are of enormous interest to the entire population of the planet. Unique natural and cultural objects make it possible to preserve those unique corners of nature and man-made monuments that demonstrate the richness of nature and the capabilities of the human mind.
As of July 6, 2012, there are 962 sites on the World Heritage List (including 745 cultural, 188 natural and 29 mixed), located in 148 countries. Among the objects there are individual architectural structures and ensembles, for example - the Acropolis, cathedrals in Amiens and Chartres, historical city centers - Warsaw and St. Petersburg, the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square; and there are also entire cities - Brasilia, Venice along with the lagoon and others. There are also archaeological reserves - for example, Delphi; national parks - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Yellowstone (USA) and others. States on whose territory World Heritage sites are located undertake obligations to preserve them.
In this photo collection you will see 29 objects from different parts of our planet that are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1) Tourists examine the Buddhist sculptures of the Longmen Grottoes (Dragon Gate) near the city of Luoyang in the Chinese province of Henan. There are more than 2,300 caves in this place; 110,000 Buddhist images, more than 80 dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) containing relics of Buddhas, as well as 2,800 inscriptions on rocks near the Yishui River, a kilometer long. Buddhism was first introduced to China in these places during the reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty. (China Photos/Getty Images)
2) Bayon Temple in Cambodia is famous for its many giant stone faces. There are more than 1,000 temples in the Angkor region, which range from nondescript piles of brick and rubble scattered among rice fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat, considered the world's largest single religious monument. Many of the temples at Angkor have been restored. More than a million tourists visit them every year. (Voishmel/AFP - Getty Images)
3) One of the parts of the archaeological site of Al-Hijr - also known as Madain Salih. This complex, located in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 6, 2008. The complex includes 111 rock burials (1st century BC - 1st century AD), as well as a system of hydraulic structures dating back to the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra, which was the center of caravan trade. There are also about 50 rock inscriptions dating back to the Pre-Nabatean period. (Hassan Ammar/AFP - Getty Images)
4) "Garganta del Diablo" (Devil's Throat) waterfalls are located in the Iguazu National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones. Depending on the water level in the Iguazu River, the park has from 160 to 260 waterfalls, as well as over 2000 species of plants and 400 bird species Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984 (Christian Rizzi/AFP - Getty Images)
5) The mysterious Stonehenge is a stone megalithic structure consisting of 150 huge stones, and located on Salisbury Plain in the English county of Wiltshire. This ancient monument, is believed to have been built in 3000 BC. Stonehenge was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
6) Tourists stroll at the Bafang Pavilion at the Summer Palace, the famous classical imperial garden in Beijing. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, was destroyed in 1860 and restored in 1886. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. (China Photos/Getty Images)
7) Statue of Liberty at sunset in New York. "Lady Liberty", which was given to the United States by France, stands at the entrance to New York Harbor. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Seth Wenig/AP)
8) "Solitario George" (Lonely George), the last living giant tortoise of this species, born on Pinta Island, lives in Galapagos National Park in Ecuador. She is now approximately 60-90 years old. The Galapagos Islands were originally included on the World Heritage List in 1978, but were listed as endangered in 2007. (Rodrigo Buendia/AFP - Getty Images)
9) People skate on the ice of the canals in the area of the Kinderdijk mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located near Rotterdam. Kinderdijk is home to the largest collection of historic mills in the Netherlands and is one of the top attractions in South Holland. Decorating holidays taking place here with balloons gives a certain flavor to this place. (Peter Dejong/AP)
10) View of the Perito Moreno glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park, in the southeast of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. The site was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1981. The glacier is one of the most interesting tourist sites in the Argentine part of Patagonia and the 3rd largest glacier in the world after Antarctica and Greenland. (Daniel Garcia/AFP - Getty Images)
11) Terraced gardens in the northern Israeli city of Haifa surround the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, founder of the Baha'i faith. Here is the world administrative and spiritual center of the Baha'i religion, the number of professers of which worldwide is less than six million. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
12) Aerial photography of St. Peter's Square in. According to the World Heritage website, this small state is home to a unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces. The Vatican was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984. (Giulio Napolitano/AFP - Getty Images)
13) Colorful underwater scenes of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This thriving ecosystem is home to the world's largest collection of coral reefs, including 400 species of coral and 1,500 species of fish. The Great Barrier Reef was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. (AFP - Getty Images)
14) Camels rest in the ancient city of Petra in front of Jordan's main monument, Al Khazneh or the treasury, believed to be the tomb of a Nabatean king carved from sandstone. This city, located between the Red and Dead Seas, is at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, and Phenicia. Petra was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985. (Thomas Coex/AFP - Getty Images)
15) The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world, a symbol of Sydney and one of the main attractions of Australia. The Sydney Opera House was designated a World Heritage Site in 2007. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP - Getty Images)
16) Rock paintings made by the San people in the Drakensberg Mountains, located in eastern South Africa. The San people lived in the Drakensberg region for thousands of years until they were destroyed in clashes with the Zulus and white settlers. They left behind incredible rock art in the Drakensberg Mountains, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. (Alexander Joe/AFP - Getty Images)
17) General view of the city of Shibam, located in the east in the province of Hadhramaut. Shibam is famous for its incomparable architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program. All the houses here are built of clay bricks; approximately 500 houses can be considered multi-story, as they have 5-11 floors. Often called "the world's oldest skyscraper city" or "Desert Manhattan", Shibam is also the oldest example of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. (Khaled Fazaa/AFP - Getty Images)
18) Gondolas along the shore of the Grand Canal in Venice. The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is visible in the background. Island Venice is a seaside resort, a center of international tourism of world importance, a venue for international film festivals, art and architectural exhibitions. Venice was included in the UNESCO World Heritage program in 1987. (AP)
19) Some of the 390 abandoned huge statues made of compressed volcanic ash (moai in Rapa Nui) at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano on Easter Island, 3,700 km off the coast of Chile. Rapa Nui National Park has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Program since 1995. (Martin Bernetti/AFP - Getty Images)
20) Visitors walk along the Great Wall of China in the Simatai area, northeast of Beijing. This largest architectural monument was built as one of the four main strategic strongholds to defend against invading tribes from the north. The 8,851.8 km long Great Wall is one of the largest ever completed construction projects. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP - Getty Images)
21) Temple in Hampi, near the South Indian city of Hospet, north of Bangalore. Hampi is located in the middle of the ruins of Vijayanagara - the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi and its monuments were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP - Getty Images)
22) A Tibetan pilgrim turns prayer mills on the grounds of the Potala Palace in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. The Potala Palace is a royal palace and Buddhist temple complex that was the main residence of the Dalai Lama. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum actively visited by tourists, remaining a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and continuing to be used in Buddhist rituals. Due to its enormous cultural, religious, artistic and historical significance, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. (Goh Chai Hin/AFP - Getty Images)
23) Inca citadel Machu Picchu in the Peruvian city of Cusco. Machu Picchu, especially after receiving UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, has become a center of mass tourism. The city is visited by 2,000 tourists per day; In order to preserve the monument, UNESCO demands that the number of tourists per day be reduced to 800. (Eitan Abramovich/AFP - Getty Images)
24) Kompon-daito Buddhist pagoda on Mount Koya, Wakayama Province, Japan. Mount Koya, located east of Osaka, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. In 819, the first Buddhist monk Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school, a branch of Japanese Buddhism, settled here. (Everett Kennedy Brown/EPA)
25) Tibetan women walk around the Bodhnath Stupa in Kathmandu - one of the most ancient and revered Buddhist shrines. On the edges of the tower crowning it are depicted the “eyes of Buddha” inlaid with ivory. Kathmandu Valley with an altitude of about 1300 m is a mountain valley and historical region Nepal. There are many Buddhist and Hindu temples here, from the Boudhanath stupa to tiny street altars in the walls of houses. Locals say that 10 million Gods live in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
26) A bird flies over the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum-mosque located in the Indian city of Agra. It was built by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The architectural marvel was also named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" in 2007. (Tauseef Mustafa/AFP - Getty Images)
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27) Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18-kilometre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a feat of Industrial Revolution-era civil engineering, completed in the early years of the 19th century. Still in use more than 200 years after its opening, it is one of the busiest sections of the UK canal network, handling around 15,000 boats a year. In 2009, the Pontkysilte Aqueduct was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "landmark in the history of civil engineering during the Industrial Revolution". This aqueduct is one of the unusual monuments to plumbers and plumbing (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
28) A herd of elk grazes in the meadows of Yellowstone National Park. Mount Holmes, to the left, and Mount Dome are visible in the background. In Yellowstone National Park, which occupies almost 900 thousand hectares, there are more than 10 thousand geysers and thermal springs. The park was included in the World Heritage program in 1978. (Kevork Djansezian/AP)
29) Cubans drive an old car along the Malecon promenade in Havana. UNESCO added Old Havana and its fortifications to the World Heritage List in 1982. Although Havana has expanded to a population of over 2 million, its old center retains an interesting mixture of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and homogeneous ensembles of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates and courtyards. (Javier Galeano/AP)
Surely you have at least once seen majestic mountains and peaceful valleys, winding rivers and endless forests that will take your breath away? There are many such places on Earth. Unique territories that are important to preserve in their original form are included in the World Natural Heritage List. Now it has 203 objects, 11 of which are in Russia. It just seems that this is quite a bit: among all countries, Russia ranks fourth in the number of objects after China, America and Australia.
World Heritage areas include state nature reserves and national parks. Landscapes change from high-mountain lakes, glaciers, arctic tundras to alpine meadows, taiga, endless steppes and even volcanoes.
These are not only incredibly beautiful places, but also home to many species of animals and plants, rare and even endemic - those that are not found anywhere else in the world. One example is the Amur tiger and the Daurian crane. Some plants on the territory of natural monuments are hundreds of years old. The age of cedar in the Pritelets taiga is more than six centuries.
An object is included in the list if it meets at least one of the criteria:
(VII) represents a natural phenomenon or area of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
(VIII) reflects the main stages of the history of the Earth, symbolizes geological processes in the development of relief or its features
(IX) reflects ecological or biological processes in the evolution of animals, plants and other organisms
(X) includes significant natural habitat for the conservation of biological diversity and endangered species of exceptional global value
4 out of 11 sites in Russia were selected according to criterion VII: Komi forests, Lake Baikal, Kamchatka volcanoes and the Putorana plateau. Therefore, travelers all over the world strive to see them.
Read the mini-guide to all UNESCO natural heritage sites in Russia to see them in person someday.
1. Virgin forests of Komi
The largest intact forests in Europe cover an area of 32,600 km². This is approximately 3 km² larger than the area of Belgium. The Komi Forests are the first Russian site to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is home to brown bear, sable, elk, more than 200 species of birds, including those listed in the Red Book, and valuable fish species - palia char and Siberian grayling.
In the thicket of virgin forests and on the banks of rivers you can see stone sculptures of bizarre shapes, unusual remains and other forms of weathering, reminiscent of either the ruins of castles or mythical creatures.
Lush taiga stretches to the Ural Mountains, flowing into the tundra, where there are almost no plants, and crystal rivers descend from the ridges and merge into Pechora, giving birth to amazing landscapes.
2. Lake Baikal
A slightly smaller area, 31,722 km², is occupied by the deepest lake on the planet. All of Malta, even enlarged 100 times, would fit on its surface. This is one of the largest World Heritage sites. The maximum depth of the lake is 1642 meters. This means that if the Eiffel Tower was installed at the bottom, and four more were placed on top, the last one would still not appear from the water.
The reservoir itself big lake Russia has almost 19% of the world's fresh water reserves. The water in Baikal is so clean that some stones at the bottom are visible even at a depth of 40 meters. In many ways, cleanliness is ensured by epishura, a unique crustacean that consumes organic matter. In general, about 2,600 animals live in Baikal, more than half of which are endemic. On the banks of the reservoir there are forests and swamps, glacial lakes, cirques and canyons. There are more than 800 species of higher plants here.
A special phenomenon and a real attraction of Lake Baikal is ice. At the end of winter in the bays its thickness reaches two meters. On different parts of the surface it freezes in different ways: sometimes it is covered with a web of cracks, sometimes it is dotted with bubbles, sometimes it looks like a mirror, sometimes like frosted glass. Ice splashes formed by frozen waves several meters high and grottoes that are not accessible in summer are striking. You can skate on a huge lake, raft on an ice floe and fill your camera’s memory with cool shots.
In summer, Lake Baikal is also interesting: you can go around this natural monument or arrange it with rafting, jeeping and trekking.
3. Volcanoes of Kamchatka
Kamchatka resembles a cake with candles: there is so much here, and 28 out of 29 are in the eastern part. Klyuchevskoy is the highest volcano not only in Russia, but throughout Eurasia (4750 m), Mutnovsky is famous for its smoking fumarole fields, and in the crater of Maly Semyachik there is a piercing lake, like a blue eye wide open into the sky. That is why six separate areas of Kamchatka were included in the UNESCO list.
Another unique place is the Uzon caldera. 40,000 years ago, due to several eruptions in a row, a huge volcano collapsed, and in its place a caldera with a diameter of 10 km was formed. It is located on the territory of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve and combines rivers, hot springs, tundra, forests and lakes in one landscape.
4. Golden Mountains of Altai
World Heritage Sites include the Altai Nature Reserve and the buffer zone of Lake Teletskoye, the Katunsky Nature Reserve and the buffer zone of Mount Belukha, as well as the Ukok Plateau. Their territory includes taiga, steppe, mountain tundra and glaciers, meadows and plateaus. If you want to see all the most picturesque places in one trip to Altai, then choose. Especially suitable for those who love comfort, because you will spend the night in hotels.
Altai is no less interesting in winter. Going to, you will see mountain lakes, snow-covered passes, tracts and cedar forests. After spending time here, recharge your batteries for many months to come. And having walked around this UNESCO natural site, you will photograph panoramas of the North Chuya Range and see a unique turquoise lake that does not freeze even at very low temperatures.
5. Western Caucasus
The Western Caucasus was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. This definition includes the Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia and part of the Main Caucasus Range from Mount Fisht to Elbrus. On the territory of the object there are “three-thousander” mountains, bizarre rocks, deep gorges, caves, glaciers and alpine lakes.
Adygea probably has the largest number of natural beauties in square meter. There are only two cities in the republic, and the rest of the territory is mountains and waterfalls, alpine meadows and untouched forests, deep canyons and raging rivers. This makes it possible to practice different types active recreation, and even. Rock climbing and hiking, horseback riding - why not do it this way, for example?
6. Central Sikhote-Alin
Sikhote-Alin in eastern Russia is a mix of coniferous and broad-leaved trees, taiga and subtropics, southern and northern animal species. Here, for example, you can meet both Himalayan and brown bears. Primorye is a whole world of relics and endemics, where groves of relict yews grow, carpets of Red Book lotuses bloom and rhododendrons—the local sakura—bloom. Protected bays with white beaches hide starfish and schools of colorful fish. At high altitudes the tundra extends, while in the lowlands the grass grows up to 3.5 meters.
Sikhote-Alin is the homeland of Amur tigers. Over the past 100 years, their number in the world has decreased by 25 times. Moreover, 95% of the entire population lives in the Far East, and 5% in China. There, killing a tiger is a crime punishable by death. And the Far Eastern leopard remained only in Primorye.
V.K. traveled through the local taiga. Arsenyev is a researcher of the Far East. On the expedition he was with his friend and guide Dersu Uzala, a local hunter. Today you can follow in their footsteps during
7. Ubsunur Basin
This object includes Lake Uvsu-Nur, which belongs simultaneously to Mongolia and Russia (Republic of Tuva). On the territory of Mongolia, this lake is the largest, and its Russian part is only 0.3% of the total area. There are contrasting landscapes here - highlands, mountain taiga massifs, forest-steppe, steppe and semi-desert areas. There is even a real sandy desert. The surrounding area of the lake was inhabited several thousand years ago. This is evidenced by petroglyphs on the rocks, stones and mounds, of which there are about 40,000.
8. Wrangel and Herald Islands
In the very north of Russia, where the Chukchi Sea meets the Arctic Ocean, are the gloomy and mountainous Wrangel Islands (7.6 thousand km²) and Herald Islands (11 km²). In a harsh environment where thriving life seems impossible, there are hundreds of plant species - more than on any other Arctic island. Among the blackening rocks, walruses settled in the largest rookery in the Arctic, and thousands of birds set up nesting grounds. Gray whales swim through these waters during their migrations. Wragnel Island is called the “maternity hospital of polar bears” - there are so many of his ancestral dens here. And in Chukchi it’s called Umkilir, “the island of polar bears.”
It’s worth visiting here at least once to see truly rare animals. For example, musk oxen, which, like reindeer, survived the Late Pleistocene extinction. Their wool is eight times warmer than sheep's wool! , you can also try whale meat, learn an Eskimo dance and walk along the alley of whale bones.
