the beautiful world heritage sites

Nestled between cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean and the Lattari Mountains lies picturesque hillside towns such as Amalfi and Ravello. Prized for the dazzling versatility of the inhabitants in adapting to their environment this region of the Italian coastline is as rich in local cultural history as it is in citrus and olive groves. It was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Straddling both cultural and political importance the Kremlin and Red Square have become global icons of the city of Moscow. The city itself can trace its roots back to the time when the Finno Ugric people settled here in the 2nd century BC. This site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1990.

Located in Wyoming Yellowstone National Park is famed for its vast forests and geothermal features such as Old Faithful. A natural habitat for a vast number of unique species it was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1978.

This unique series of hanseatic commercial buildings lining the eastern side of the fjord is famed for its historic and cultural importance. This was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

The Taj Mahal the white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra is widely recognised as the jewel of the Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world s heritage. This site was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Home to a blend of maritime power and stunning architectural beauty stretching back to the middle ages the city of Venice with its splendid piazzas bridges and palaces has long been a cultural European hotspot. The city and its lagoon were declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Described as the most alien looking place on Earth Yemen s Socotra Archipelago is blessed with an incredible richness of plant and animal life. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2008.

A blend of cultural influences and the architectural styles UNESCO describe Chichen Itza as one of the important examples of the Mayan Toltec civilization on Mexicos Yucat?n peninsula. Occupied for a millennia the site boasts several stunning structures such as the Warriors Temple El Castillo (pictured) and the circular observatory known as El Caracol. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Yosemite National Park is well known for its spectacular granite cliffs waterfalls clear streams giant sequoia groves and wildlife. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Spanning a 1000 square km the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon comprises of a 445 densely vegetated limestone islands surrounded by coral reefs. Located to the south of Babeldaob in the western Pacific Ocean the lagoon network boasts a dazzling mixture of local wildlife as well as the remains of island communities dating back three thousand years. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 2012.