Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe
The continent of Europe encompasses 44 countries, each with their own unique cultural heritage, natural beauty and historical monuments. Many have earned their place among UNESCO’s coveted list of World Heritage Sites so picking just 20 is no mean feat. But we’ve done it. Here you’ll find an equal offering of natural wonders and city delights from countries that span all four points of the compass. And they all have one thing in common – the right to be deemed as one of the top UNESCO sites in Europe.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Croatia is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, eight cultural and two natural including the dazzling Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s the country’s largest national park and is home to over a dozen cascading lakes. Each one flows into the next via mini waterfalls over the course of eight kilometres, some reaching heights of around 70-metres. Walkways take visitors right up to the cascades and there are a number of hiking trails. The surrounding woodland changes colour with the seasons but is perhaps most impressive during spring and summer when vivid greens compliment the turquoise hues of the water.
Cinque Terre, Italy
No doubt due to its illustrious history, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. It claims an impressive 53 sites with an additional 40 on the tentative list. Picking just one is no easy task when you have contenders including the archaeological site of Pompei and the Colosseum of Rome. However, the rugged coastal region of Cinque Terre wins a spot on this list for its spectacular scenery, charming medieval villages and astonishing cliffside construction. Cars are banned here and the best way to get around is either on foot or by train, which only adds to the magic of Cinque Terre.
Alhambra, Spain
Another country with an enviable number of UNESCO sites is Spain. A total of 46 to be precise, ranging from cathedrals to rock art, historic city centres to ancient ruins. The palace and fortress complex of the Alhambra in Granada is one of the most impressive.This historic monument sits proud and majestic atop a hill overlooking the city. The rugged Sierra Nevada provide the backdrop. But it’s not only its dramatic setting that draws visitors. The complex itself is an architectural ode to Moorish culture. Within the 13th century walls are exquisitely carved ceilings, expertly designed courtyards and beautiful gardens.
Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal
Wine goes well with quite a few things in life – a good steak, a balmy sunny day, or in this case, a scenic World Heritage Site. The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a landscape that has been sculpted by both nature and human hands. The River Douro weaves a route through mountains that have then been cultivated with terraces and vineyards. But it’s not just beauty the Alto Douro boasts – there’s history too. It lays claim to being one of the oldest wine regions in the world with more than 2,000 years of wine-making history. Here you can sample world-class port wines, Portugal’s most famous export.
Acropolis of Athens, Greece
If there’s one monument that symbolises civilisation as we know it, it’s the Acropolis in the capital of Greece. This ancient citadel represents the Greek Empire and all that it gave the world – democracy, Western philosophy and the Olympics to name but a few. It sits high above the city of Athens on a rocky outcrop with the ruins of buildings dating back to the 5th century BC. The best-known of them all is the Parthenon, a temple once dedicated to the goddess Athena that was later used as a treasury. Its decorative sculptures and the colonnade of fluted, baseless columns are considered to be the finest example of Greek architecture in existence today.
Cappadocia, Turkey
The Göreme valley and its rock-hewn troglodyte villages was one of the first places in Turkey to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it’s hardly surprising considering what’s on offer. Above ground honeycombed hills and towering boulders could easily have you thinking you’ve landed on another planet. While below ground entire cities have been carved into the soft rock, complete with churches, dungeons, meeting halls and stables. It’s a unique landscape that has been shaped by the power of nature and further enhanced by human hands. Furthermore, it’s a place of history with some remains dating back as early as the 4th century.
Kremlin and Red Square, Russia
Nowhere displays the might and power of Russia better than the capital of Moscow. Here you’ll find Red Square – the political, historical and geographical heart of the city. It’s a vast expanse of grey cobblestones that has evolved from market square to military parade site and now popular pedestrian locale. Some of Moscow’s most important buildings flank the sides of Red Square including the Kremlin. This fortified complex contains within its imposing walls palaces, cathedrals, an armoury and characteristic towers. Opposite sits the fanciful onion-domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the perfect example of Russia’s unique architectural style.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor is easily one of the most beautiful spots along the Adriatic coast. It sits in the southwest of Montenegro and continues to grow in popularity thanks to its plentiful natural beauty and historic attractions. Forested mountains trace the outline of the bay while brilliant cobalt blue waters sparkle in the sunlight. Around the natural harbour are a number of well-preserved medieval towns with Venetian fortifications, commanding cathedrals and red-roofed buildings. The town of Kotor is the most popular of them all. And off the coast lie two island monasteries that complete this pretty picture.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The most important city in the Herzegovina region is also its most romantic. The historic town of Mostar sits on the Neretva River with a surrounding landscape of mountains carpeted in verdant trees. Its varied cultural heritage is reflected in the city’s postcard-perfect architecture of traditional Turkish houses and Austro-Hungarian buildings. The Old Bridge is Mostar’s centrepiece and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. It was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the Balkans. Known as Stari Most in the local language, it’s flanked by two medieval towers and straddles the often-emerald coloured waters of the river.
Budapest, Hungary
Another city that displays an impressive wealth of architectural styles is Budapest. The remnants of Hungary‘s great historical periods can all be found here, from the ancient Roman city of Aquincum to the Gothic Buda castle. And it’s this legacy that won the city World Heritage Status in 1987. Its location on the banks of the River Danube ensures that Budapest can match its urban beauty with natural good looks. Incidentally, water has gifted Budapest with another drawcard – hot springs. The city is famous for its thermal baths where residents and visitors have been soaking their tired bones for centuries.
