Even if you’re a traveller with only moderate experience, there’s every chance you’ll have visited an UNESCO World Heritage Site or two, perhaps without even knowing it. 981 properties of cultural and national heritage around the world, they can be found in many different countries worldwide, which means that on a river cruise, you’ve a good opportunity to visit some of them yourself, no matter which river you’re exploring. Here’s a look at nine different UNESCO sites you can see.
Site – Angkor
Country – Cambodia
River – Mekong
One of the world’s most important archaeological sites, Angkor Archaeological Park is home to a host of ruins and remains, most famously, Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. This 12th century temple is a truly breathtaking sight and one of UNESCO’s most visited sites.
Site – Budapest
Country – Hungary
River – Danube
Budapest is a city rich in history and architectural attractions; so much so that multiple parts of it comprise a designated World Heritage Site. The banks of the Danube are home to the famous parliament building, while the Castle Quarter boasts such sites as Mathias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Site – Cologne Cathedral
Country – Germany
River – Rhine
One of the most celebrated gothic structures in the world, this architectural masterpiece is the city’s top tourist attraction and though work began on it in 1248, it wasn’t completed until 1880. It’s the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and its façade is larger than that of any other church in the world.
Site –The Great Wall
Country – China
River – Yangtze
At a total of 13,171 miles, this has to be the longest UNESCO World Heritage Site, and certainly one of the most famous. Some stretches date back as far as the 7th Century BC, and though many parts are popular tourist attractions, on a Yangtze river cruise, you’ll likely visit part of the 4,000-mile section close to Beijing.
Site – Lyon
Country – France
River – Rhone
This famous French city has over 2,000 years of history to its name and a captivating mix of historic buildings from a variety of historical periods.
Don’t miss the Notre Dame Basilica and the Traboules; a captivating network of passageways and apartments in the old town.
Site – Oporto Historic Centre
Country – Portugal
River – Douro
Another city with two millennia of history to its name, Oporto is has one foot in the future too, and is home to a wealth of architectural wonders, including the iconic Ponte D.Luis I bridge, Palacio da Bolsa and Clerigos Tower. It’s also the home of port wine.
Site – St Petersburg Historic Centre
Country – Russia
River – Neva
A city which is synonymous with Russia’s fascinating and often turbulent history, St Petersburg is home to such must-sees as the Winter Palace, Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Hermitage – one of the world’s largest museums.
Site – Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Country – Germany
River – Rhine
Popularly known as the Rhine Gorge, this is a spectacular stretch of the iconic river which boasts a large amount of spectacular scenery as well as playing an important role in the county’s history and industrial and ecological development. It has its own microculture and home to a number of celebrated vineyards.
Site – Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Country – China
River – Yangtze
This awe-inspiring archaeological site is China’s largest preserved mausoleum and home to thousands of terracotta warriors, found in the middle of a huge complex built to mirror the capital Xianyan. Some archaeologists believe that there are as many terracotta statues as there were imperial guards in the emperor’s army.
By Simon Brotherton
Google
