the beautiful world heritage sites

The ruins of a capital city built by King Kashyapa I (473 to 495 AD). With portions of the ancient city located atop a 180m high granite peak known as the Lion s Rock the city is famed for its staircases and galleries. This site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982.

Made up of 40000 black basalt columns jutting from the sea on Northern Ireland s Antrim plateau the Giant s Causeway has been as much encapsulated in local legends as it has been studied by geologists. Formed through volcanic activity during the Tertiary period 50 60 million years ago it was declared as World Heritage Site in 1986.

Said to be the worlds number one unbroken system featuring intertidal sand and mud flats this vast site straddles Netherlands Germany and Denmark. Characterised by a wide range of flora and fauna it contains mussel beds mudflats beaches dunes and sandbars. This site was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009.

Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1986 this temple is said to have been built during the middle of the 5th century BC and is dedicated to Greek God Apollo. It represents a combination of Archaic and Doric styles.

The residence of French kings starting from Louis XIV and ending at Louis XVI this palace park combination is seen as the archetype royal residence and features contributions from sculptors and landscape architects from several generations. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

The ruins of Copan were discovered by Diego Garca de Palacio in late 16th century and are regarded among the most significant remains of the Mayan civilisation especially the public squares and ruined citadel. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1980.

Still a vibrant community hub for the local tribe of Pueblo Indians the adobe settlements of Taos Pueblo are located in a small tributary of the Rio Grande. Established as a settlement in the late 13th century it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Arguably the best known groups of megaliths in the world these standing stone structures have intrigued both astronomers and archaeologists for years. A testimony to both the beliefs and mechanical ingenuity of prehistoric man the sites were given World Heritage status in 1986.

This Buddhist temple dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries was constructed in three tiers comprising a base in the shape of a pyramid featuring five concentric square terraces and a stupa at the top. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1991

Exemplary of the Norman military architecture this tower started life as a castle constructed on the Thames to safeguard London by William the Conqueror. Over the years as the structures purpose changes became a symbol of Britain s royal history and now plays host to the famed crown jewels. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988.