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5 Cultural Heritage Icons
Cultural heritage is what makes a destination and it’s people unique
And sadly, it is disappearing at an alarming rate. Yet tourism can help protect and preserve our precious cultural heritage so we are proud to work closely with the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage to highlight some icons which you may be aware of but are far better enjoyed during the low season months. Join our resident cultural heritage expert and executive chairman of World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, Chris Flynn, who provides an overview of five amazing cultural and natural heritage places that are just as mysterious as they are beautiful. Add these places to your bucket list and start planning your next trip!
There are many cultural heritage sites around the world that are truly amazing and offer a glimpse into the history and culture of humanity. Here are five of the more popular sites that are well worth visiting in the low season months:
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The site was rediscovered in 1911 and has since become a popular tourist destination, known for its impressive architecture and stunning mountain views.
ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA
Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It was built in the 12th century and was originally a Hindu temple before being converted to a Buddhist temple. The complex consists of several temples, each with intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
PETRA, JORDAN
Petra is an ancient city located in Jordan and is famous for its impressive rock-cut architecture. It was built by the Nabataean people in the 6th century BC and was an important trading centre in the region. The most famous structure in Petra is the Treasury, which is carved into the sandstone cliffs and is a popular tourist attraction.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. It was built over several centuries, beginning in the 7th century BC, and was used as a defence against invading armies. Today, parts of the Great Wall are open to tourists and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
THE COLOSSEUM, ITALY
The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheatre located in Rome, Italy, and is one of the most iconic cultural heritage sites in the world. It was built in the 1st century AD and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public events. Today, the Colosseum is a popular tourist attraction and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman culture and architecture.