UNESCO

World Heritage Sites

As of January 2025, there are 1,181 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. These include a combination of cultural, natural, and mixed sites (both cultural and natural significance). This number is constantly updated as new sites are added, and some may be removed or altered.

Europe

As of 2025, Europe is home to 448 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total, spread across 49 countries. These include cultural, natural, and mixed (both cultural and natural) sites, reflecting Europe’s rich diversity in history, art, architecture, and natural wonders. Here is the list of some of the main destinations for tourism.
France

  • Mont-Saint-Michel: An island commune with a medieval abbey.
  • Palace and Park of Versailles: Iconic royal palace with expansive gardens.
  • Chartres Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
  • Chartres Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
  • Chartres Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Italy

  • Colosseum (Rome): Ancient Roman amphitheater.
  • Venice and its Lagoon: A unique city built on water with canals and historical buildings.
  • Historic Centre of Florence: Renowned for Renaissance art and architecture.
  • Piazza del Duomo (Pisa): Famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata: Ancient Roman cities preserved by volcanic eruption.
Greece

  • Acropolis of Athens: Ancient citadel with temples like the Parthenon.
  • Meteora Monasteries: Monasteries perched on rock formations.
  • Delphi Archaeological Site: Ancient Greek religious center.
  • Santorini: A beautiful island known for its whitewashed buildings and blue domes.
  • Knossos (Crete): Ancient Minoan palace complex.
Spain

  • Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín in Granada: Moorish palace and gardens.
  • Sagrada Família (Barcelona): The famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí.
  • Historic City of Toledo: A city with a rich cultural and architectural history.
  • Cave of Altamira: Prehistoric cave paintings.
  • Park Güell (Barcelona): A colorful public park designed by Gaudí.
Germany

  • Brandenburg Gate (Berlin): A symbol of Germany’s unity and history.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: A fairy-tale castle in Bavaria.
  • Aachen Cathedral: One of the oldest cathedrals in Europe.
  • Colonial City of Weimar: A cultural center associated with the German Enlightenment.
  • Würzburg Residence: A Baroque palace with stunning gardens.
United Kingdom

  • Stonehenge: Prehistoric stone circle.
  • Tower of London: Historic castle and former royal residence.
  • Bath: Roman-built spa town with Georgian architecture.
  • Westminster Abbey (London): A historic Gothic church.
  • Edinburgh Old and New Towns: A city with a blend of historical and modern architecture.
Switzerland

  • Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn: The largest glacier in the Alps.
  • Lavaux Vineyards: Terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva.
  • Old City of Bern: A medieval city center.
  • Château de Chillon (Montreux): A lakeside castle.
  • Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch: A region of impressive alpine landscapes.
Austria

  • Historic Centre of Vienna: Known for its imperial palaces and cultural heritage.
  • Schönbrunn Palace: A former imperial summer residence.
  • Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut: A picturesque village and salt mines.
  • Semmering Railway: A historic mountain railway.
Belgium

  • Grand Place (Brussels): A stunning central square with ornate architecture.
  • Belfries of Belgium: A series of medieval bell towers.
  • Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes: Ancient flint mining site.
  • Historic Centre of Bruges: A medieval town with canals and cobblestone streets.
Portugal

  • Tower of Belém (Lisbon): A fortress and iconic symbol of Portugal’s maritime history
  • Monastery of Batalha: A Gothic monastery.
  • Historic Centre of Oporto: A riverside city with historic buildings.
  • Sintra Cultural Landscape: A picturesque town with palaces and gardens.
  • Alcobaça Monastery: A UNESCO-listed Gothic monastery.
Sweden

  • Skogskyrkogården (Stockholm): A serene woodland cemetery.
  • Birka and Hovgården: Viking-age settlements.
  • Birka and Hovgården: Viking-age settlements.
  • Visby (Gotland): A medieval town with well-preserved walls and towers.
Norway

  • Geiranger Fjord: A picturesque fjord surrounded by mountains.
  • Vega Archipelago: A group of islands with traditional fishing culture.
  • Bryggen (Bergen): Historic waterfront area with colorful wooden houses.

Asia

As of 2024, there are 281 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia. This includes a variety of cultural, natural, and mixed sites spread across the continent’s diverse countries.

China

  • Great Wall of China: A monumental series of fortifications built to protect against invasions.
  • Forbidden City: The imperial palace complex in Beijing, reflecting China’s royal history.
  • Potala Palace: The former residence of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet, and a spiritual center.
  • Ancient City of Ping Yao: A well-preserved ancient city that offers insight into traditional Chinese architecture and culture.
  • Mount Huangshan: Famous for its stunning granite peaks, pine trees, and misty scenery.