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The Dead Sea also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. Its surface and sho…moreThe Dead Sea also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. Its surface and shores are 423 metres (1,388 ft) below sea level, Earth's lowest elevation on land. The Dead Sea is 377 m (1,237 ft) deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. With 33.7% salinity, it is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. . It is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, hence its name. The Dead Sea is 67 kilometres (42 mi) long and 18 kilometres (11 mi) wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River. The Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. Biblically, it was a place of refuge for King David. It was one of the world's first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics and herbal sachets. The Dead Sea seawater has a density of 1.240 kg/L, which makes swimming similar to floating. The Dead Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. less

Al Aqsa Mosque is a mosque that includes the Dome of the Rock. It is Islam's third-holiest site after the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in…moreAl Aqsa Mosque is a mosque that includes the Dome of the Rock. It is Islam's third-holiest site after the Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina (both in Saudi Arabia). Al-Aqsa is part of 180,000 square yard compound occupying one-sixth of the walled area of the Old City of Jerusalem The Dome of the Rock is in the centre of the greater Muslim shrine, known as the Haram ash Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), which Muslims believe commemorates Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey into heaven. The site's significance stems from religious traditions regarding the rock, known as the Foundation Stone, at its heart. The Foundation Stone and its surroundings is the holiest site in Judaism. Just as Muslims pray towards the Kaaba at Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, Jews pray towards the raised platform on which the Dome of the Rock stands. Jews have traditionally regarded the location of the stone as the holiest spot on Earth, the site of the Holy of Holies during the Temple Period. The most propitious site for Jewish prayer is the spot that is nearest the Foundation Stone. Because Muslim authorities refused to permit Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, the custom developed of praying near the Western Wall, since it was the site nearest to the Foundation Stone, or on the Mount of Olives facing the site of the Temple. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. less

The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territories, and is considered to be the oldest continuously operating Chr…moreThe Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territories, and is considered to be the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world. The church was originally commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother Helena over the site that is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 AD and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the sixth century AD. A new basilica was built 565 AD by the Byzantine Empire, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance to those of both the Christian and Muslim faiths. The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The church is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities. All three traditions maintain monastic communities on the site The structure of the site. of the Church of the Nativity is a combination of two churches and a crypt beneath—the Grotto of the Nativity where tradition states that Jesus of Nazareth was born and a fourteen-point silver star, beneath the altar in the Grotto marks the traditional spot believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. less

The Western Wall, Wailing Wall or Kotel is located in the Old City of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. It is a remnant…moreThe Western Wall, Wailing Wall or Kotel is located in the Old City of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple's courtyard, and is arguably the most sacred site recognized by the Jewish faith outside of the Temple Mount itself. Just over half the wall, including its 17 courses located below street level, dates from the end of the Second Temple period, commonly believed to have been constructed around 19 BCE by Herod the Great, but recent excavations indicate that the works were not finished during Herod's lifetime. The remaining layers were added from the 7th century onwards. The Western Wall refers not only to the exposed section facing a large plaza in the Jewish Quarter, but also to the sections concealed behind structures running along the whole length of the Temple Mount, such as the Little Western Wall–a 25 ft (8 m) section in the Muslim Quarter. It has been a site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage for centuries. In Judaism, the Western Wall is venerated as the sole remnant of the Holy Temple. It has become a place of pilgrimage for Jews, as it is the closest permitted accessible site to the holiest spot in Judaism, namely the Even ha-shetiya or Foundation Stone, which lies on the Temple Mount. According to one rabbinic opinion, Jews may not set foot upon the Temple Mount and doing so is a sin punishable by Kareth. While almost all historians and archaeologists and some rabbinical authorities believe that the rocky outcrop in the Dome of the Rock is the Foundation Stone, some rabbis say it is located directly opposite the exposed section of the Western Wall, near the El-kas fountain. This spot was the site of the Holy of Holies when the Temple stood. The Wailing Wall is part of the old city of Jerusalem and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. less

The Cenacle (from Latin cenaculum), is the site of The Last Supper. In Christian tradition, based on Acts 1:13, the "Upper Room" was not only the s…moreThe Cenacle (from Latin cenaculum), is the site of The Last Supper. In Christian tradition, based on Acts 1:13, the "Upper Room" was not only the site of the Last Supper, but the usual place where the Apostles stayed in Jerusalem, and according to the Catholic Encyclopedia "the first Christian church". Thus the Cenacle is considered the site where many other events described in the New Testament took place. The early history of the Cenacle site is uncertain. The original building was a synagogue later probably used by Jewish Christians. less

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the Christian Quarter of the walled Old…moreThe Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the Christian Quarter of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. The site is venerated as Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary), where Jesus was crucified, and is said also to contain the place where Jesus was buried (the Sepulchre). The church has been a paramount – and for many Christians the most important – pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century, as the purported site of the resurrection of Jesus. Today it also serves as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, while control of the building is shared between several Christian churches and secular entities in complicated arrangements essentially unchanged for centuries. Today, the church is home to Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Anglican and Protestant Christians have no permanent presence in the church and some regard the alternative Garden Tomb, elsewhere in Jerusalem, as the true place of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. On the south side of the altar is a stairway climbing to Calvary (Golgotha), traditionally regarded as the site of Jesus' crucifixion and the most lavishly decorated part of the church. The main altar there belongs to the Greek Orthodox, which contains The Rock of Calvary (12th Station of the Cross). The rock can be seen under glass on both sides of the altar, and beneath the altar there is a hole said to be the place where the cross was raised. Due to the significance of this, it is the most visited site in the Holy Sepulchre. The Roman Catholics (Franciscans) have an altar to the side, The Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross (11th Station of the Cross). On the left of the altar, towards the Eastern Orthodox chapel, there is a statue of Mary, believed to be working wonders (the 13th Station of the Cross, where Jesus' body was removed from the cross and given to his family). Beneath the Calvary and the two chapels there, on the main floor, there is The Chapel of Adam. According to tradition, Jesus was crucified over the place where Adam's skull was buried. The Rock of Calvary is seen cracked through a window on the altar wall, the crack traditionally being said to be caused by the earthquake that occurred when Jesus died on the cross, and being said by more critical scholars to be the result of quarrying against a natural flaw in the rock. Just inside the entrance is The Stone of Anointing, also known as The Stone of Unction, which tradition claims to be the spot where Jesus' body was prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathea. However, this tradition is only attested since the crusader era, and the present stone was only added in the 1810 reconstruction. The Rotunda is located beneath the larger of the church's two domes. In the centre of the Rotunda is the chapel called The Edicule, which contains the Holy Sepulchre itself. The Edicule has two rooms. The first one holds The Angel's Stone, a fragment of the stone believed to have sealed the tomb after Jesus' burial. The second one is the tomb itself. Under the status quo, the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic Churches all have rights to the interior of the tomb. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. less

Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world perhaps as early as the 6th millennium BC.The city's significance in history h…moreAleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world perhaps as early as the 6th millennium BC.The city's significance in history has been its location at the end of the Silk Road, which passed through central Asia and Mesopotamia. When the Suez Canal was inaugurated in 1869, trade was diverted to sea and Aleppo began its slow decline. At the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Aleppo ceded its northern hinterland to modern Turkeyl. Then in the 1940s it lost its main access to the sea, Antioch and Alexandretta (Iskenderun), also to Turkey. Finally, the isolation of Syria in the past few decades further exacerbated the situation, although perhaps it is this very decline that has helped to preserve the old city of Aleppo, its medieval architecture and traditional heritage. Until recently, Aleppo had been experiencing a noticeable revival and was slowly returning to the spotlight. It recently won the title of the "Islamic Capital of Culture 2006", and has also witnessed a wave of successful restorations of its historic landmarks. The most significant historic buildings of the ancient city include: The Citadel, a large fortress built atop a huge, partially artificial mound rising 50 m above the city, dates back to the first millennium BC. the great Umayyad mosque, and the extraordinary souqs . The old city of Aleppo has been named a Unesco World Heritage site. less

St Mark's Square is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, where it is generally known just as "the Piazza". The Piazzetta (the 'little Piazz…more St Mark's Square is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, where it is generally known just as "the Piazza". The Piazzetta (the 'little Piazza') is an extension of the Piazza towards the lagoon in its south east corner. The two spaces together form the social, religious and political centre of Venice. It is one of the few great urban spaces in Europe where human voices and the cooing of pidgeons prevail over the sounds of motorized traffic. Venice and its lagoons are a Unesco World Heritage Site. less

Every year, the first Sunday of September, the Historical Regatta comes back in Venice, the most traditional among the venetian events, which took pl…moreEvery year, the first Sunday of September, the Historical Regatta comes back in Venice, the most traditional among the venetian events, which took place for the first time the 10th of January 1315 . The sumptuous event, organized in the Serenissima times to celebrate the military victories or to honour the foreign dignitaries, today is made up of two different parts: the historical parade and the rowing boat races. The Historical Regatta starts out with the colourful procession on the Grand Canal, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the venetian rowing clubs; the event commemorates the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, coming to Venice, which marked the beginning of the Venice rule over the Mediterranean islands. Venice and its lagoons is a Unesco World Heritage site. less

Istanbul biggest draw remains its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is popularly known as th…moreIstanbul biggest draw remains its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. At its lower levels and at every pier, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in more than fifty different tulip designs. Dolmabahçe Palace, located in the Beşiktaş district on the European coastline of the Bosphorus strait, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922, Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum. From the date of its dedication in 360 until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople, except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 29 May 1453 until 1931, when it was secularized. It was opened as a museum on 1 February 1935. Topkapi Palace was the Sultan's residence during Ottoman's times. Construction began in 1459, ordered by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, The Spice Bazaar, or Egyptian Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city. Located in Fatih, in the neighborhood of Eminönü and is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. The building itself is part of the külliye of Yeni Mosque, and rents from the shops within was intended to help pay for the upkeep of the mosque. The structure was designed by the chief court architect Koca Kasım Ağa, but completed by architect Mustafa in 1660. less

The Old and New Town districts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting some thirteen million visitors a year. As a centre of the 18th century A…moreThe Old and New Town districts are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting some thirteen million visitors a year. As a centre of the 18th century Age of Enlightment Edinburgh was nicknamed "Athens of the North", also earning the soubriquet Auld Reekie for its belching chimneys and insanitary living conditions. Historic Edinburgh is divided by Princes Street Gardens, reclaimed in the early 19th century from boggy land that was once a finger of the loch. To one side Edinburgh Castle perches on its volcanic crag, with the Old Town trailing down the ridge. The medieval plan is preserved and many buildings date from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Royal Mile leads away from the castle. There are market squares and squares surrounding major structures such as St.Giles Cathedral, begun in the 12th century. The Law Courts, Mc Ewan Hall, Surgeons Hall and Royal Museum of Scotland are also noteworthy. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland. The palace stands at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, at the opposite end to Edinburgh Castle. Holyrood Palace is the setting for state ceremonies and official entertaining. Holyrood Abbey was founded by David I, King of Scots, in 1128, and Holyrood Palace has served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 15th century. Queen Elizabeth II spends one week in residence at Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each summer, where she carries out a range of official engagements and ceremonies. less

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province. It was …moreEphesus was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the west coast of Asia Minor, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, Ephesus had a population of more than 250,000 in the 1st century BC, which also made it one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean world. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Emperor Constantine I rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. Following the Edict of Thessalonica from emperor Theodosius I, the temple was destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John Chrysostom. The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. Ephesus was one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the Book of Revelation. The Gospel of John may have been written here. The city was the site of several 5th century Christian Councils, see Council of Ephesus. It is also the site of a large gladiators' graveyard. Ephesus has been estimated to be in the range of 400,000 to 500,000 inhabitants in the year 100, making it the largest city in Roman Asia and of the day. Ephesus was at its peak during the 1st and 2nd century AD. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (Diana),[21] who had her chief shrine there, the Library of Celsus, and its theatre, which was capable of holding 25,000 spectators.[22] This open-air theater was used initially for drama, but during later Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage, with the first archaeological evidence of a gladiator graveyard found in May 2007.[23] The population of Ephesus also had several major bath complexes, built at various points while the city was under Roman rule. The city had one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in the ancient world, with multiple aqueducts of various sizes to supply different areas of the city, including 4 major aqueducts. They fed a multiple set of water mills, one of which has been identified as a sawmill for marble. Ephesus is a Unesco World Heritage Site. less

The Cedar of Lebanon was important to various ancient civilizations. The trees were used by the Phoenicians for building commercial and military sh…more The Cedar of Lebanon was important to various ancient civilizations. The trees were used by the Phoenicians for building commercial and military ships, as well as houses, palaces, and temples. The ancient Egyptians used its resin in mummification, and its sawdust has been found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. The largest of Lebanon nature reserves, Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south. blanketed with oak forests on its northeastern slopes and juniper and oak forests on its southeastern slopes the reserve's most famous attractions are its three magnificent cedar forests of Maasser Al-Shouf , Barouk and Ain Zhalta - Bmohary . These Cedar forests account for a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in Lebanon , and some tress are estimated to be 2,000 years old. Over the centuries, extensive deforestation has occurred, with only small remnants of the original forests surviving. less

Palmyra was an ancient city in central Syria located in an oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus and of the most important cultural cen…morePalmyra was an ancient city in central Syria located in an oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus and of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. First mentioned in the archives of Mari in the 2nd millennium BC, Palmyra was an established caravan oasis when it came under Roman control in the mid-first century AD as part of the Roman province of Syria. It grew steadily in importance as a city on the trade route linking Persia, India and China with the Roman Empire, marking the crossroads of several civilisations in the ancient world. A grand, colonnaded street of 1100 metres' length forms the monumental axis of the city, which together with secondary colonnaded cross streets links the major public monuments including the Temple of Ba'al, Diocletian's Camp, the Agora, Theatre, other temples and urban quarters. The Arab castle built 1,000 years after the Romans overlooks the town. less

With much less tourists to contend with, visiting Florence in the winter season has its rewards. No line to Museums and the weather can be balmy too.

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. It is considered the fourth-ho…moreThe Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. It is considered the fourth-holiest place in Islam. After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. The mosque holds a shrine which today may still contain the head of John the Baptist, honored as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims alike, and is believed to be the place where Isa (Jesus) will return at the End of Days. The tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque and holds the resting place and grave of the medieval Kurdish Ayyubid Sultan Saladin. The mausoleum was built in 1196, three years after the death of Saladin. Al-Adiliyah Madrasa, a madrasah or religious school founded in 1215 by Sultan Al-Adil I. He was buried in the school. The madrasa is considered an important example of Ayyubid architecture in Syria. The Old City of Damascus is a Unesco World Heritage Site. less

The Citadel of Damascus is a large medieval fortified palace and. It is part of the Ancient City of Damascus, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heri…moreThe Citadel of Damascus is a large medieval fortified palace and. It is part of the Ancient City of Damascus, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The location of the current citadel was first fortified in 1076 by the Turkman warlord Atsiz bin Uvak,During this period, the citadel and the city were besieged several times by Crusader and Muslim armies. In 1174, the citadel was captured by Saladin, who made it his residence . Al-Hamidiyah Souq is the largest and the central souk in Syria, located inside the old walled city of Damascus next to the Citadel. Khan As'ad Pasha is the largest khan in the Old City of Damascus, covering an area of 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft). Situated along Al-Buzuriyah Souq, it was built and named after As'ad Pasha al-Azm, the governor of Damascus, in 1751-52. Khan As'ad Pasha has been described as the most "ambitious" work of architecture in the city. Throughout the Ottoman era, it hosted caravans coming from Baghdad, Mosul, Aleppo, Beirut and elsewhere in the Middle East. less

Byblos today is believed by many to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a third of the…moreByblos today is believed by many to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a third of the once grand Roman Theatre of Byblos has survived to this day. It was built in 218 AD and its floor once contained a mosaic of the god Bacchus, now at the National Museum of Beirut. less

Baalbek, is a town in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. It is famous for its exquisitely detailed yet monumentally scaled temple ruins of the Roman peri…moreBaalbek, is a town in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. It is famous for its exquisitely detailed yet monumentally scaled temple ruins of the Roman period, when Baalbek, then known as Heliopolis was one of the largest sanctuaries in the empire. It is Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure, and it can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world, containing some of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins. Towering high above the Beqaa plain, their monumental proportions proclaimed the power and wealth of Imperial Rome. The gods worshiped there, the triad of Jupiter, Venus and Bacchus, were grafted onto the indigenous deities of Hadad, Atargatis and a young male god of fertility. The town is about 85 km (53 mi) northeast of Beirut and about 75 km (47 mi) north of Damascus. Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site. less

The Temple of Heaven, is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emper…moreThe Temple of Heaven, is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies. It has been regarded as a Taoist temple, The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a magnificent circular building, built on three levels of marble stone base, where the Emperor prayed for good harvests. The building is completely wooden, with no nails. The Summer Palace is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. It covers an expanse of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is water. Longevity Hill is about 60 meters (200 feet) high and houses many buildings positioned in sequence. The front hill is rich in the splendid halls and pavilions, while the back hill, in sharp contrast, is quiet with natural beauty The central Kunming Lake covering 2.2 square kilometers was entirely man made and the excavated soil was used to build Longevity Hill. In the Summer Palace, one finds a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures. In December 1998, UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. It declared the Summer Palace "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design". The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China in part to protect the Chinese Empire against intrusions . Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BC While some portions north of Beijing portrayed in this video and near tourist centers have been preserved and even extensively renovated, in many locations the Wall is in disrepair. The Great Wall is a World Heritage Site. less

Tiananmen Square is a large city square in the center of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its North, separ…moreTiananmen Square is a large city square in the center of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to its North, separating it from the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world (109 acres - 960 by 550 yd). It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history. In November 1958 a major expansion of Tiananmen Square started, which was completed after only 11 months, in August 1959. This followed the vision of Mao Zedong to make the square the largest and most spectacular in the world, and intended to hold over 500,000 people The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987,[2] and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. In Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. Since the mid-20th century, the number of Beijing hutongs has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and recently luxury condominium. More recently, some hutongs have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history. less

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites is an eclectic site that was inscribed on 5 cultural criteria. It got praised as an …moreAssisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites is an eclectic site that was inscribed on 5 cultural criteria. It got praised as an authentic Umbrian hill town, a sanctuary, for its art and architecture in the Basilica of San Francesco, and for the influence of the Franciscan order in the world. The town, already a sanctuary in Roman times, has been associated with Saint Francis since the 13th century; Assisi was his birthplace, and he founded the Franciscan religious order here in 1208. Unesco declared the Basilica a World Heritage Site. less

Standing in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architectur…moreStanding in a large green expanse, Piazza del Duomo houses a group of monuments known the world over. These four masterpieces of medieval architecture – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the 'Leaning Tower') and the cemetery – had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century. Piazza del Duomo has been declared by Unesco a World heritage site. less

In Marrakech a visit to the monumental Saadian Tombs is a must. The great Mosque needs to be seen. And then the Medina has some of the best shopping…moreIn Marrakech a visit to the monumental Saadian Tombs is a must. The great Mosque needs to be seen. And then the Medina has some of the best shopping anywhere. The Medina of Marrakesh is an old Islamic capital originating from the 11th century. It is enclosed by 16km of ramparts and gates. The city owes its original splendour to the Almoravide and Almohade dynasties (11th – 13th centuries), who made Marrakech into their capital. But the big story is in Djemaa Elfna, a grand open theater with storytellers, fire eaters, snake-charmers and endless open-air restaurants. Food stalls display the great variety of dishes of Moroccan cuisine. Unesco declared the Medina of Marrakech a World Heritage Site. less

Essaouira, an 800 year old Atlantic port with a massive fort and charming café’s and restaurants. The Medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is …moreEssaouira, an 800 year old Atlantic port with a massive fort and charming café’s and restaurants. The Medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is an example of a late 18th century fortified town, as transferred to North Africa. SultanSidi Mohamed ben Abdellah decided to build a port that would open Morocco up to the outside world and assist in developing commercial relations with Europe. Unesco declared the Medina of Essaouira a World Heritage Site. less

Fez, was the first Imperial City built in 790 A.D. by Moulay Idriss II. This is the world last surviving Medieval city with great monuments and a …more Fez, was the first Imperial City built in 790 A.D. by Moulay Idriss II. This is the world last surviving Medieval city with great monuments and a sprawling a Medina with the oldest tanneries in the world. The Medina of Fez is a walled city with madrasas, fondouks, mosques and palaces dating from Marinid rule in the 13th–14th centuries. At that period, Fez replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. Fez is also known for great shopping in its bustling souks. Unesco declared it a World Heritage site. less

This is the Imperial City of Meknes. Sultan Moulay spared no expense in creating this jewel of a city, building 40 kilometers of walls, an artificial…moreThis is the Imperial City of Meknes. Sultan Moulay spared no expense in creating this jewel of a city, building 40 kilometers of walls, an artificial lake and Bab Mansour, the grandest of all gates in Morocco on the big square which rivals Marrakech with its theatrical events. Over 80 monuments are enlisted, including mosques, medresas, hammams and fondouks. Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site. less

“Rabat, modern capital and historic city, a shared heritage” shows different construction phases from the Almohad period (12th century) up to the …more “Rabat, modern capital and historic city, a shared heritage” shows different construction phases from the Almohad period (12th century) up to the present day. The city was substantially modernized by the French from 1912 on, resulting in the Ville Nouvelle. Not to be missed is the great Mohammed V Mausoleum with the Hassan Tower. The Medina with its Andalusian blue walls. The Atlantic beaches are wide and pristine. Unesco declared the historic city a World Heritage Site less

he Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) is a port city on the Atlantic coast which was seized in 1502 and subsequently ruled by the Portuguese unti…morehe Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida) is a port city on the Atlantic coast which was seized in 1502 and subsequently ruled by the Portuguese until 1769. It has been acknowledged for its interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures. The Portuguese built a citadel here in 1514, and enlarged it into a fortification in 1541. They also constructed 4 churches within the fortification. Remaining buildings from the Portuguese period are the cistern, and the Manueline Church of the Assumption. After the departure of the Portuguese, the city remained uninhabited until the mid-19th century. Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site. less

The Archaeological Site of Volubilis encompasses the remains of a Roman city that was capital of Mauritania Tingitana. It is notable for its high num…moreThe Archaeological Site of Volubilis encompasses the remains of a Roman city that was capital of Mauritania Tingitana. It is notable for its high number of mosaic floors. Also, marble and bronze statues have been found. The site was settled already in the 3rd century BC, before it was annexed by the Romans in about 40 AD. It has a favourable location, due to fertile grounds, for the cultivation of olives. At its heyday, the city probably had 20.000 inhabitants. Most of its large monuments such as the triumphal arch and capitol date from the 2nd and 3rd century AD. Volubilis has been declared by Unesco a World Heritage Site. less

The Trodos mountains are characterized by one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire. The complex of 10 mon…moreThe Trodos mountains are characterized by one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire. The complex of 10 monuments included on the World Heritage List, all richly decorated with murals, provides an overview of Byzantine and post-Byzantine painting in Cyprus. The painted churches of the Trodos region have been declared by Unesco a World heritage site. less

San Giminiano is in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 15…moreSan Giminiano is in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 150 feet) as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art. Every year a medieval festival takes place through the town. The historic center of San Giminiano has been declared by Unesco a World Heritage Site less

The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, occupied from the 7th to the 4th millennium B.C., is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eas…moreThe Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, occupied from the 7th to the 4th millennium B.C., is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Its remains and the finds from the excavations there have thrown much light on the evolution of human society in this key region. Since only part of the site has been excavated, it forms an exceptional archaeological reserve for future study. The settlement has been declared by Unesco a World Heritage Site less

The trulli , limestone dwellings found in the southern region of Puglia mainly in the town of Alberobello are remarkable examples of drywall (mortar…moreThe trulli , limestone dwellings found in the southern region of Puglia mainly in the town of Alberobello are remarkable examples of drywall (mortarless) construction, a prehistoric building technique still in use in this region. The trulli are made of roughly worked limestone boulders collected from neighbouring fields. Characteristically, they feature pyramidal, domed or conical roofs built up of corbelled limestone slabs. The town of Alberobello has been declared by Unesco a World heritage site. less

On the souther part of the Dalmatian coast in Croatia is Trogir a World Heritage site with great architecture and the feeling of having stepped right…moreOn the souther part of the Dalmatian coast in Croatia is Trogir a World Heritage site with great architecture and the feeling of having stepped right into the Renaissance. Trogir has a 2300 years of continuous urban tradition. Its culture was created under the influence of old Greeks, Romans, and Venetians. Trogir has a high concentration of palaces, churches, and towers, as well as a fortress on a small island, and in 1997 was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. "The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period", says UNESCO report. Trogir is the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex not only in the Adriatic, but in all of Central Europe. Trogir's medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises a preserved castle and tower and a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Trogir's grandest building is the church of St. Lawrence, whose main west portal is a masterpiece by Radovan, and the most significant work of the Romanesque-Gothic style in Croatia. less

Split is a World Heritage Site on the Adriatic coast of Croatia with a very old history: it has an amazing old city built inside the huge palace buil…moreSplit is a World Heritage Site on the Adriatic coast of Croatia with a very old history: it has an amazing old city built inside the huge palace built by the Roman Emperors’ Diocletian. Diocletian built the massive palace in preparation for his retirement on 1 May 305 AD. It lies in a bay on the south side of a short peninsula running out from the Dalmatian coast, four miles from Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. After the Romans abandoned the site, the Palace remained empty for several centuries. In the 7th century nearby residents fled to the walled palace to escape invading barbarians. Since then the palace has been occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls.[1] Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes, can still be found within the walls. This palace is today, with all the most important historical buildings, in the centre of the city of Split. Diocletian's Palace far transcends local importance because of its degree of preservation. The Palace is one of the most famous and complete architectural and cultural features on the Croatian Adriatic coast. As the world's most complete remains of a Roman palace, it holds an outstanding place in Mediterranean, European and world heritage. less

Down toward the central region of Licka are the Plitvize lakes. Surrounded by 3 mountains feeding the lakes this World Heritage Site is a grand colle…moreDown toward the central region of Licka are the Plitvize lakes. Surrounded by 3 mountains feeding the lakes this World Heritage Site is a grand collection of amazing waterfalls and 16 lakes known for their unusual changing colors colors ranging from blue to aqua to turquoise . less

Castel del Monte in Andria in Apulia is a 13th Century castle and a Unesco World Heritage Site. It stands on a promontory, where it was constructed …moreCastel del Monte in Andria in Apulia is a 13th Century castle and a Unesco World Heritage Site. It stands on a promontory, where it was constructed during the 1240s by the Emperor Frederick II, who had inherited the lands from his mother Constance of Sicily. In the 18th century, the castle's interior marbles and remaining furnishings were removed. It has neither a moat nor a drawbridge and some considered it never to have been intended as a defensive fortress;however, archaeological work has suggested that it originally had a curtain wall. less

There are more than 1,000 temples in Angkor which have been reclaimed from the jungle and some are magnificent architectural gems to rival the best…moreThere are more than 1,000 temples in Angkor which have been reclaimed from the jungle and some are magnificent architectural gems to rival the best around the world. Recent Satellite photos have revealed that Angkor spread over 400 square miles making it the largest preindustrial center in the world. Here are some of the best. The immense Khmer empire from the 9th to the 15th C century stretched over present day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam all the way to India. At Angkor it created a sophisticated network of hydraulic canals and rice paddies that supported over a million people and left architectural monuments that are as overwhelming as ancient Egypt. The ruins of Angkor have been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. In 1431 enemy armies invaded and sacked Angkor. The population left , the region was abandoned and most of this incredible culture was swallowed up by the jungle. For more information go to http://www.cambodia.org Hosted and narrated by Roberto Mitrotti 10 Best highlights the best things to do in a city or country. less

The Grand Canyon, mysterious, engulfing, full of wildlife. It can place your life in perspective. Unesco has declared the Grand Canyon a World Her…moreThe Grand Canyon, mysterious, engulfing, full of wildlife. It can place your life in perspective. Unesco has declared the Grand Canyon a World Heritage Site. less

50 miles North of Bangkok lies the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the Thai capital for 417 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong it was ruled by 33 king…more50 miles North of Bangkok lies the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the Thai capital for 417 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong it was ruled by 33 kings before being destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Auytthaya covering more than 2.5 square kilometers was one of South East Asia most prosperous cities trading with Europeans and leaving behind a most amazing architectural legacy. In 1991 Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site. Hosted by Sunida Thirasak, born in Bangkok and now living in New York. less

I've dreamed of traveling to Easter island for years and when i found myself in the airport in Santiago, Chile I new I just had to change my ticket h…moreI've dreamed of traveling to Easter island for years and when i found myself in the airport in Santiago, Chile I new I just had to change my ticket home and make my way to one of th most amazing island In the world. Unesco declared Easter Island a World Heritage Site less

Hosted by Peter Greenberg. The magical city of Petra was carved out the mountains of Wadi Musa. It contains over 800 carved tombs but its origin a…moreHosted by Peter Greenberg. The magical city of Petra was carved out the mountains of Wadi Musa. It contains over 800 carved tombs but its origin and history is still shrouded in mistery. Spielberg gave Petra new notoriety with the shooting here of "Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade" in 1989. Unesco has declared Petra a World Heritage Site less

On My way to the World Rally ChampionshipIn Gteat britain, I had a few moments to walk around the World heritage site of Stonehenge. I'm your host …moreOn My way to the World Rally ChampionshipIn Gteat britain, I had a few moments to walk around the World heritage site of Stonehenge. I'm your host Michael Murphy and this is Destination Unknown stonehenge less

Its hard to explain, or even illustrate, the magic of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. This is a modest attempt. Unesco has declared the Galapagos a…moreIts hard to explain, or even illustrate, the magic of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. This is a modest attempt. Unesco has declared the Galapagos a World Heritage Site less

Stretching from the highlands of Central Mexico to the Pacific Coast, Michoacan is a State that hosts great colonial cities, craft traditions dating …moreStretching from the highlands of Central Mexico to the Pacific Coast, Michoacan is a State that hosts great colonial cities, craft traditions dating back 2500 years and 2 spectacular natural events: the breeding of 40 million Monarch butterflies in the Sierras and the laying of eggs of thousands of marine turtles on the Coast. Animals have good instincts for this sort of thing. If Michoacan is so special for them there must be a good reason. Unesco declared the butterfly Biosphere a World heritage Site Hosted by Roberto Mitrotti less

On this journey I find myself traveling around the galapagos Islands .This episode is a quick look at some of the highlight I experienced in the 8 …more On this journey I find myself traveling around the galapagos Islands .This episode is a quick look at some of the highlight I experienced in the 8 week I spent in Enchanted Islands . Unesco declared Galapagos Islands a World Heritage Site I'm your host Michael Murphy and this is Destination Unknown The Galapagos Island less

Wafting over the fairy chimneys in a Goreme hot air balloon. On the morning of the eclipse, we awoke before dawn to set out on an unforgettable ho…moreWafting over the fairy chimneys in a Goreme hot air balloon. On the morning of the eclipse, we awoke before dawn to set out on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the unearthly landscapes of Cappadocia. Unesco has declared Cappadocia a World Heritage Site. less

the temples at Khajuraho with their intricate carvings from the Kama Sutra, are a famous celebration of love. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments dat…morethe temples at Khajuraho with their intricate carvings from the Kama Sutra, are a famous celebration of love. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments date from around 1000 AD, when the Chandella Dynasty ruled this area. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. There are both Brahman and Jain temples at the site. The temples, a World Heritage Site are beautifully decorated on the outside: bands of sculptures surround the walls. These depict life in the time of the Chandellas. less

The Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, frequently called the Pelourinho, is extremely rich in historical monuments dating from the 17th through th…moreThe Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, frequently called the Pelourinho, is extremely rich in historical monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Bahia was the first colonial capital of Brazil and the city is one of the oldest in the New World (founded in 1549 by Portuguese settlers). It was also the first slave market on the continent, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations. The Olodum drum band here helps young people find a purpose in spite of poverty and crime. Unesco declared Salvador de Bahia a World Heritage Site. less

he Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a World Heritage site. It consists of three lakes in basins on the floor of the valley, known for th…morehe Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a World Heritage site. It consists of three lakes in basins on the floor of the valley, known for their high concentration of lesser flamingo, great white pelicans and migratory birds. Lake Nakuru is one of them. All the three lakes are shallow, alkaline and are hydro-geologically connected through sub surface seepage of water. The alkalinity of the three lakes supports the abundant growth of the green algae (spirulina platensis) which is the food of the lesser flamingoes which congregate in the lakes in great numbers. Thousands of pink flamingos have been living forever on Lake Nakuru but are facing environmental threats. less

The Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza is a large archaeological site built by the Maya civilization. It is located in the northern center of the Yuca…moreThe Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza is a large archaeological site built by the Maya civilization. It is located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, present-day Mexico. It is one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Chichen Itza was a major regional center in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic through the Terminal Classic and into the early portion of the Early Postclassic period. The site exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, from what is called “Mexicanized” and reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico to the Puuc style found among the Puuc Maya of the northern lowlands. The presence of central Mexican styles was once thought to have been representative of direct migration or even conquest from central Mexico, but most contemporary interpretations view the presence of these non-Maya styles more as the result of cultural diffusion. Unesco has declared Chichen Itza a World heritage Site less

SThe West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou is an implementation of the classical Chinese landscape ideal by improving the natural landscape with b…moreSThe West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou is an implementation of the classical Chinese landscape ideal by improving the natural landscape with bridges, causeways, pavillions etc. The ‘improved’ landscape had a profound impact on the design of gardens not only in China but also further afield. Unesco declared West Lake a Worls heritage Site less

Set in the midst of the most rural China is the dramatic Yellow Mountain, the subject of chinese paintings for two thousand years. Huang Shan (meani…moreSet in the midst of the most rural China is the dramatic Yellow Mountain, the subject of chinese paintings for two thousand years. Huang Shan (meaning Yellow Mountain) is a mountain range that has played a leading role in the cultural, literary and artistic history of China because of its scenic beauty. It has attracted a large number of poets, painters and other artists. Its attraction lies in the peculiar shapes of the granite peaks, in the weather-shaped Huangshan Pine trees, and in views of the clouds from above. The area also has hot springs and natural pools. The Huang Shan are located in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The mountain range comprises of 77 larger peaks. The mountains were formed in the Mesozoic, about 100 million years ago, when an ancient sea disappeared. Unesco declared Huan Shan a World Heritage Site less

Lushan National Park is a cultural landscape known for its natural beauty. It has inspired many Chinese artists, writers, philosophers and scientists…moreLushan National Park is a cultural landscape known for its natural beauty. It has inspired many Chinese artists, writers, philosophers and scientists. Lushan is famous for its ‘Lushan Conference’ in 1959, when Mao Zedong asserted his power and led him to proceed with the Great Leap Forward. Mao had a house here too which was previously occupied by Chank Kai Chek, which now holds the Lushan Museum where Mao's period furniture has been preserved. This is a site of pilgrimage for millions of chinese less

Leaving Istanbul on a 12 hour luxurious bus ride to the ancient biblical city of Cappadocia. Unesco has declared Cappadocia a World heritage Site

Cuba, cobblestone streets, old cars,cigars, and beautiful women populate this island with historic embargo from the United States. Unesco has de…moreCuba, cobblestone streets, old cars,cigars, and beautiful women populate this island with historic embargo from the United States. Unesco has declared Trinidad a World Heritage Site. less

Cuba, cobblestone streets, old cars,cigars, and beautiful women populate this island with historic embargo from the United States. Unesco declar…moreCuba, cobblestone streets, old cars,cigars, and beautiful women populate this island with historic embargo from the United States. Unesco declared "Old Havana" a World Heritage Site. less