This world is rich in cultural past, thanks to the inheritance left by our ancestors. To preserve and appreciate the heritage, World Heritage Day is created. The day is chosen to let the younger generations know that it is important to continue the legacy and protect our culture. So, when this special day is globally celebrated, where can you find these heritage sites?
World Heritage Day – What Is It?
The history of World Heritage Day can be traced back to 1982 when the efforts of the International Council on Monuments (ICOMOS) were globally acknowledged. During the period when ICOMOS asked for global-stage approval, ICOMOS also tried to gather solidarity from international societies. It was aimed to strengthen and protect heritage sites across the world.
World Heritage Day is celebrated annually. The celebration mainly focuses on the greatest architectural structures on earth. It is also aimed to spread awareness, especially to younger generations of the diversity and rich culture of human heritage.
Aside from this special day, there is also National Heritage Day which is celebrated every year as Heritage Day which goes in line with its global celebration. The Heritage Day itself was initially started by Nelson Mandela. Back in 1996, he declared that a global celebration was needed to improve awareness of the rich and varied cultures in India.
18th April is globally used to celebrate World Heritage Day annually. This international event is specially designed to preserve historical sites and monuments all around the world. Not only that but this special day is also to spread the message that rich inheritance linked to these sites should be protected at all costs.
The Theme of World Heritage Day 2022
Ready to say happy World Heritage Day to your friends? Hold on! Wait until you find out the theme used to celebrate this special day this year. This is important since every year the theme is different. Most of the time, the themes chosen are associated with an appreciation of cultures, traditions, or artistic hands.
For instance, the theme chosen for the celebration in 2021 was Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures. Meanwhile, the theme used in the previous year was Shared Cultures, Shared Heritages, and Shared Responsibility. Due to the global pandemic in 2020, the theme was picked up to respond to the world health crisis. Unfortunately, the theme for World Heritage Day in 2022 hasn’t been announced yet. So, just wait!
Read More : Colosseum, the Real Proof of the Ancient Roman Empire
List of 2022 World Heritage
Today, there are 1.154 sites found across 167 countries listed on the World Heritage Sites website per July 2021. Among these heritage sites, 897 of them are listed as cultural heritages and 218 are included as natural heritage.
Meanwhile, 39 of these world heritage sites are identified as mixed properties. The list below will show you some of the heritage sites acknowledged globally.
• Afghanistan: Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
• Albania: Butrint, Historic Centers of Berat and Gjirokastra
• Algeria: Djemila, Timgad, Tipasa, Kasbah of Algiers, M’Zab Valley, Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad
• Andorra: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
• Angola: Mbanza Kongo
• Australia: Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park. Ningaloo Coast, Tasmanian Wilderness, Wet Tropics of Queensland
• Bangladesh: Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat
• Belize: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
• Botswana: Okavango Delta
• Cambodia: Angkor, Temple of Preah Vihear
• Chile: Rapa Nui National Park, Sewell Mining Town, Churches of Chiloe
• China: the Great Wall, Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang, Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
• Costa Rica: Cocos Island National Park
• Denmark: Kronborg Castle, Wadden Sea, Stevns Klint
• Egypt: Ancient Thebes, Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, Wadi Al-Hitan, Abu Mena
• Fiji: Levuka Historical Port Town
• France: Chartres Cathedral, Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, Palace and Park of Versailles, Palace and Park of Fontainebleau
• Gambia: Stone Circles of Senegambia
• Germany: Aachen Cathedral, Speyer Cathedral, Pilgrimage Church of Wales
• Greece: Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Acropolis, Mount Athos, Meteora, Medieval City of Rhodes
• Honduras: Maya Site of Copan
• India: Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves
• Indonesia: Borobodur Temple. Komodo National Park, Prambanan Temple, Ujung Kulon National Park, Cultural of Bali Province
• Italy: Cinque Terre, Venice, Colosseum
• Turkey: Rock Sites
• Portugal: Sintra
Visiting World Heritage Sites on Budget
Who says that it is expensive to arrange a visit to world heritage sites? Traveling to both domestic and international destinations is quite affordable if you know where to buy the tickets. With the Airpaz app, booking tickets to various destinations is cheaper, thanks to special programs like the “Promo Weekend Sale” offered by the travel expert. Not only that but you can also book convenience hotels at affordable prices simply by clicking on the Airpaz website. So, go grab the offer and enjoy World Heritage Day in your favorite heritage sites with low-price tickets!
