Taj Mahal, Stonehenge and Chitchen Itza are known to most travellers. But what about all the other amazing cultural sites?
Some countries just have more to offer the cultural explorer than others. To inspire deeper travel into the different cultures of the 8 countries, I’ve carefully chosen 3 lesser-known sites as an inspiration from each country.
Find more inspiration for travelling for World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding universal value = timeless classics and not-to-be-missed spots. I’ve been to all 8 countries listed and in total 222 World Heritage Sites out of 1223 (April 2026), so even though there’s still a long way to go, I know my cultural heritage.
So here you go: 24 lesser-known and some even unfamed extraordinary places counting down to the country with the most UNESCO Sites.
24 overlooked UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UK
- 35 sites
On a shared 7/8 place is United Kingdom with 35 sites. But I think the next country is more exciting, so UK gets a last place on my list.
UK has 35 sites, and I have visited 7 visited – including Scotland.
The most famous site in UK is probably Stonehenge – which I shockingly haven’t been to. But soon… Other extremely popular UNESCO Sites are the royal funeral church of Westminster Abbey and The Tower – a legendary fortress and a prison, both in London and the most visited places in UK. The Abbey as a dark tourist spots is on my list of the world’s top mausoleums.
But the country also have roman ruins, modern architecture as well as notable bridges and for returning cultural travellers, there are a lot more to explore.
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in UK
Canterbury
Ever heard of the book “Canterbury tales” by Chaucer? It tells of a group of people passing the time on their pilgrimage to Canterbury with violent, funny and naughty stories. 700 years ago. Why are they going to Canterbury?
The old city and Canterbury Cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its long history and importance to Christianity. It has been a place of worship for over 1400 years (!) and is linked to Augustine of Canterbury, who spread Christianity in England. The bishop here is still the most important – even more than the one in the capital. Today, the city is as small town, but still a major goal for pilgrims.
Even if you don’t care about religion, the city is important for understanding the history of UK and how it became the country it is today. The Cathedral was also the setting for the famous murder on the king’s chancellor and archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket in 1170.
After visiting, I bought Canterbury Tales and sat down for a cup of tea.
Practical information
- Canterbury is easily reached from London. I just took the train and it was around 1 hour. Faster than driving. You can also take a bus but why would you when the train is better.
- Buy a ticket covering several sites and churches.
- I went here on a work trip and visited as a day trip from London. That was fine.
Maritime Greenwich
You might not even have heard about this place, but your everyday life and travelling is closely connected to Greenwich.This is the baseline spot for telling the time and navigation of the world!
Maritime Greenwich is important within many disciplines: science, history, and architecture. It is closely linked to the development of navigation and timekeeping, which is pretty big deal today and especially for a traveller. Most notable is the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) was established. This means that when you have the east/west coordinates to anywhere, that is calculated from Greenwich. (Latitude is calculated from the equator)
Greenwich is also known for its beautiful and well-planned buildings, including the Old Royal Naval College showing ideas in architecture and landscape design from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Because of its role in shaping how we measure time and navigate the world, I remember my visit vividly – even though it was my first time in London back in 1990’s.
Practical information
- Greenwich is in London. From Victoria Station take the Southeastern train for 22 minutes.
- royal Greenwich observatory can be visited with an entrance fee
- official site
Gorham's cave complex of Gibraltar
I’ve been to Gibraltar twice, despite I don’t find it that interesting. But it does have a surprising UNESCO Site.
The four caves—Gorham’s, Vanguard, Hyaena, and Bennett’s—has archaeological evidence of more than 100,000 years of Neanderthal occupation. The first complete skull was found here in 1848 – 8 years before the famed remains found in the Neander Valley in Germany, which gives its name to these people. A second skull – the Devil’s Tower Child – was found in Gibraltar in 1926.
Practical information
- This is far from london. You can fly from London in less than 3 hours, but depending where you are coming from most fly into Malaga in Spain and from here it’s a 2 hours drive.
- The 4 caves are on the east side. Because of its fragile archaeological remains, the caves are closed to the public – unless you’re a scientists and on a specially authorized tour. But theres a viewing platform and boat tours.
- Official site
MEXICO - 35 sites
Mexico. What a place! I travelled from Mexico City to Cancun in a month with my husband and our 13 year old son. Not enough time! I have to go back and drink margaritas, traverse the jungle for Mayan ruins and explore the colonial cities.
Mexico also has 35 sites. I’ve been to 9. Chichen Itza is probably the most famous site as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The Mayan temple complex is a glimpse into a lost civilization. Another popular ruin site is the sun and the moon temples at Teotihuacan. The mesoamerican site is one of the most extraordinary places I’ve been.
I travelled to Mexico just in time for Day of the Dead and you can read what came out of that in one of my most popular blog post: Should You Travel to Mexico for Day of the Dead? But Mexico has a lot to offer and
Less vsited UNESCO-Sites in Mexico
Palenque
Palenque is located in the jungle – there are jaguars out there. We also saw colourfull macaws as well as howler monkeys. Unlike Chichen Itza, Palenque sees fewer tourists and has less restrictions. You are allowed to climb the temples here – but that will probably change to preserve for future generations.
Palenque is an ancient Maya city. It was a major cultural and political center between the 3-8th centuries. The area has impressive temples and detailed carvings, such as the Temple of the Inscriptions and for a dark tourist as me something fascinating: the tomb of the ruler K’inich Janaab’ Pakal. One of my favourite sites in Mexico.
Practical information
- Palenque lies in the region of Chiapas. From Mexico City you can take the bus. it takes around 15 hours, drive for 10 or take a plane to Tuxtla in 1,5 hours and then drive or take the bus.
- Stay in the area for the best experience
- Official site
Campeche
Most travellers go to the nearby city of Merida. But Campeche has an interesting history and is still unsung. So why is it interesting? Pirates! And who doesn’t love a pirate story…
Campeche is a historic fortified town with a unique colonial history. The town was an important port during the Spanish colonial period. Therefore is was often attacked by pirates and needed a strong defensive system. To protect it, thick walls, forts, and gates were built around the city. You can still see most today and even climb the wall.
Even behind the walls, Campeche is known for its colorful buildings and well-preserved layout, which show what a fortified colonial city looked like.
Practical information
- Campeche is around 6 hours drive with car or bus from Cancun.
- The city is easily walkable.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
I usually don’t travel for natural UNESCO sites, but I am not made of stone (despite I love stones). This natural wonder did however win me over.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance for nature and wildlife. That goes without saying.
It’s also called Mariposa, which is the local name for the butterflies.This place is where millions of Monarch butterflies go to spend the winter. With their paper-thin wings and tiny size, they travel thousands of kilometers from North America to this forest. The migration is one of the most remarkable natural events in the world. How do they survive?
I am not sure my description can make you understand the experience. A guide took us into a partly open green area with some trees. First, we couldn’t see anything, but it turned out the dark branches where stuffed with butterflies. Suddenly, one took off and the whole branch became alive. Try google it. It’s surreal.
Practical information
- We visited just rigth at the end of the migration, so we dind’t see millions only thousands of butterflies. I would time it better.
- the wetaher is really important for the butterflies so stay a couple of days if possible. we only had one day and were lucky.
- From Mexico City it around 4 hours by bus or 2h45 min drive.
- We stayed in Angangueo
INDIA - 43 sites
I recently travelled to India for the first time and checked 8 sites of the list out of 43. I’ve only been to the golden triangle, but that also holds the major and most amazing attractions in all of India. Explore India’s Golden Triangle: A Full 11-Day Itinerary
No doubt the most famous site in India is the Taj Mahal – another of the new 7 wonders of the world. The white pearl built as a mausoleum for the Khan’s favourite wife, it seems like a fatamorgana seeing it through the grey smog with its white dome.
Also Amber fort in the pink city of Jaipur is popular. The fortress from the 16th century towering over the city was once home to rulers of Amer. Today, it’s full of travellers, but luckily India has many more historical treasures to explore.
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in India
Humayans tomb, Delhi
Already seen Taj Mahal? How about the mausoleum that was the inspiration for Taj Mahal – an even earlier exquisite Mughal tomb, but without the crowds?
Humayun’s Tomb was built in the 16th century as the tomb of the Humayun. Just like the man behind Taj Mahal, he was a Mughal emperor. Actually, the mausoleum is one of the first examples of Mughal architecture in India and inspired the Taj Mahal! Humayun’s Tomb also has a famous garden designs with pathways and water channels laid out in a symmetrical plan. And it’s heaven on a hot and noisy day in India.
I was shocked how few visitors, there were. As you can see in my photo, it was almost empty. Delhi has a lot to explore for a cultural traveller, but the city is often overlooked for it’s more famed neighbours of Agra and Jaipur.
Practical information
- Located in Delhi, the site is easily reached. We had a driver, but a taxi or tuktuk can take you there. From India gate it’s around 30 minutes by bus or 6 minutes by taxi. Get a taxi.
- a new adjoining museum was being built when I visited. it might be worth checking out.
- official site
Fatehpur Sikri
Besides Taj Mahal, Agra doesn’t have a lot to offer. But just outside of Agra is a perfect stop. It’s also on the way through the golden triangle. But despite this, it doesn’t seem to on many traveller’s list. It should be!
By know you’ve heard of the Mughal emperors. Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal empire. Built in the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital, but only some 10 years. It’s a large complex of monuments and temples in the same architectural style. Here is also has one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Once again, there were only few visitors despite the beautiful architecture, the green gardens and the closeness to the biggest site in India. It felt very sepcial.
Practical information
- 40 minutes outside of Agra its easily reached by car. There’s also a train but it takes 2,5 hours. It makes sense to stop if you are doing the golden triangle coming or going from Jaipur.
- Official site
Jantar Mantar
What is this? and what with that name?
At first, I didn’t get it. A lot of large weird constructions pointing in all directions. It looks like an artwork. But then you realize – it’s basically an outdoor observatory. All the constructions are in fact large instruments used to measure time, space objects and predict eclipses.
Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance in science and astronomy. It was built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh II. He was very interested in studying the stars and planets. Just like all of us who followed the Artemis II to the moon.
Jantar Mantar is special because its instruments are built on a very large scale and are still accurate today. We found a sun dial telling the time and another the month of the year.
Practical information
- The site is in the middle of Jaipur. Jaipur is part of the golden triangle and located 4,5 hours by train from Delhi
- We had a guide and it was very helpful to show how to read the instruments.
- Official site
SPAIN - 50 sites
Spain has 50 sites and I’ve been to 10 of them. One of the most popular is Alhambra in Granada. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Moorish palace 3 times – once even with a backstage pass as part of a UNESCO conference. It’s a dream place. Discover the Majestic Alhambra.
The city of Seville used to be a hidden gem, but not anymore. If you haven’t been find inspiration in Seville, the Cultural Frying Pan of Spain! The weird architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona is also one of the major attractions and UNESCO sites in Spain. I personally don’t like the city, so I will make room for someone else.
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in Spain
Toledo
The main thing I knew about this place before I came, was that this is the land of Don Quixote. The surrounding land is full of windmills, and I imagine the poor old Quixote fighting them. But Toledo is surprisingly enchanting and despite its small size, I could revisit to stay the night.
Toledo used to be the capital of Spain, when the Visigoths were here. Like most interesting places, a lot of different cultures have passed through during the last 2000 years: a Roman city, the capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, an outpost of the Christian kingdoms and the temporary seat of Charles V. What has also shaped this unique city is the three major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam in a coexistence.
I remember mostly the Cathedral and the monastery and walking on the steep, narrow streets and loving it.
Practical information
- Close to Madrid, you can take the train for a day trip. It takes 35 min. or bus, but that is longer. It’s a pretty train ride.
- Don’t miss local El Greco’s main artwork in Sao Tomé Church
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia
Valencia is on my Top 10 Cultural Travel Destinations for 2026 Valencia is in general glossed over, I think. Don’t get me wrong, I am not sad it’s not crowded, but this is the most amazing Spanish city. I could live here. And I don’t even count Spain among my favourite countries.
La Lonja means the Silk Exchange. Built 1482- 1533, it was originally used for trading in silk and it has always been a centre for commerce. As my picture hopefully shows it that it’s a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The grandiose Trading Hall shows the power and wealth of Valencia as a major Mediterranean trading place 600 years ago.
You might have seen a lot of Gothic churches, but a non-religious Gothic building is not that usual. Look for gargoyles, demons and fantastic animals. The courtyard is delightful with orange trees.
Practical information
- Located in the center of Valencia right across the big food market
- Official site
El Escorial
I was here on a work trip. But that doesn’t mean, I didn’t enjoy it…
The palace was built at the end of the 16th century at the foot of the mountains. The appearance might not seem too lavish and you’re right. The austere architecture was a break with previous styles. But in had a considerable influence on Spanish architecture for more than 50 years. It became, in the last years of Philip II’s reign, the centre of the greatest political power of the time.
And as a dark tourist, I especially like this UNESCO Site, since it holds the Spanish royal tombs under the palace. Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial was in fact built because Charles V (yes same guy as the one in Toledo) ordered a religious complex as their future resting place. The kings are queens coffins are a bit boring, but the many princess and princess are moving artworks.
Practical information
- From Madrid Principe Pio Station, you can take the train in 45 minutes or a 50 minutes bus. I usually take the train but this time I took the bus since I stayed right at the bus station. The town is San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
- I arrived one hour before the palace opened and was the first in line – getting to be all alone in most rooms.
- Official site
FRANCE - 53 sites
I’ve roamed almost all parts of France starting as a child and have visited at least 14 sites out of the current 53.
France is the biggest tourist destination in the world and its UNESCO sites some of the most visited in the world as well. Of course there is the old part of Paris, and one of my most read travel articles is about the city of lights: 5 Dark Tourism Sites in Paris, France. A huge attraction is the royal palace of Versailles, where the absolute French monarchs enjoyed the high life until they last their heads.
But France is a country with a rich cultural history and diverse attraction around the many regions. If you feel the big sites are too crowded, try 3 of the lesser-known and not so crowded sites.
Less-visited UNESCO-Sites in France
Avignon
Avignon is also known as “cite de papes” – the city of popes. But wait isn’t that Rome?
In the 14th century, Avignon was in fact the seat of the papacy. The Palais des Papes you can see in my photo as an austere-looking fortress, is the palace for the popes. Very different than their current home in Italy. Just like La Lonja, this is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, but a religious one. The palace dominates the city with it’s surrounding ramparts.
Also visit the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms. By the Rhone river, you can also walk halfway across the remains of a 12th-century bridge.The palace and rest of the buildings clearly show how Avignon played a key role in 14th-century Christian Europe. And yes, there are a few papal tombs here.
I’ve been twice – last time in Spring 2025. Make sure to have time to walk around the complex and the streets.
Practical information
- It’s easiest to fly to Cannes airport. From here its 2,5 hours drive or take the train 3,5 hours.
- The city iteslf is easly walked and all attractions are close. you can see it in a day.
- Avoid summer for high temperatures and groups. I went in early May and it was perfect.
- the papal palace are the most poluar spot so buy tickets in advance in high season and avoid group hours.
- Site of the palace
Carcasonne
Am I in a movie set? Yes! Not many places will swirl you back to Middle Ages like Carcasonne. There’s even a board game named after it.
Think of a medieval city and Carcasonne looks like it. It is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defensive walls encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral.
It’s also a little like a movie set because a lot of the city is rebuild. Which in some ways is its own story: the site was the center of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.
Practical information
- Carcassone is between Toulouse and Montpellier. The latter has the most flight and driving here takes 1,5 hours or 2 hours by bus.
- Avoid summer, since it is hot and more crowds
- Official site
Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch of Orange
And we are back to the Romans again. If you think you need to go Italy to explore Roman ruins, you’re wrong. You can go to France – and with fewer crowds.
The ancient theatre of Orange, with its 103-m-long facade, is one of the best preserved of all the great Roman theatres.
Besides the theatre you can also see the socalled Triumphant arch. The arch was built between A.D. 10 and 25. It’s unusual because it not only still here, but also a rare triumphal arch outside of Rome from the time of Augustus. But it’s the theater that is the highlight – and you can get it almost to yourself.
Practical information
- Orange is 1,5 hours from Montpellier or Marseille or 2,5 hours by car from Nice airport and around 4 hours by train.
- I visited in May. But I don’t think it is ever too crowded -just avoid school hours.
- Check the calender for concerts and more.
- Official site
GERMANY - 54 sites
Many are surprised that Germany has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
That is probably because Germany doesn’t have anything iconic like Taj Mahal. But Germany is home to 54 sites both cultural and natural. I’ve been to only 9, which is pitiful few considering Germany is a neighbouring country to Denmark and how many sites I’ve visited in the other countries.
The famous fairytale castle of Neuschwhanstein has been a huge attraction for a long time, but it was only just added to the list last year and had otherwise not been a on the list. Berlin’s Museum Insel with the Pergamon Altar, the bust of Nefertiti as well as the mesmerizing paintings of Caspar David Friedrich is also a big cultural draw, but my guess is that few know it’s a UNESCO site.
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in Germany
Trier
Roman ruins in France- okay. But in Germany? I visited Trier during COVID-19 on a road trip to the Rhine Valley (next on the list). I came here for the Roman ruins, but the Cathedral also made a huge impression on me.
Trier is not located on the Rhine river, but by Moselle River (that is also a wine area). The city was a Roman colony from the 1st century and then a great trading centre. It became known as the ‘second Rome’. The town has a surprisingly big amount of ruins including baths and a the town gate “Porta Nigra”. Most amazing is the basilica. (Long story it’s not a church, but the buildings early churches were inspired by).
Practical information
- Trier is actually right next to Luxembourg, so you can fly here and take the train for 45 minutes and you’ll have two countries in one trip. Otherwise go to Frankfurt (1,5 hours by car) or cologne (2,5 hours by train)
- Trier is a small town and you can walk around. I came during COVID 19 and there were still many tourists (although mainly German) so I would avoid summertime.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
AKA Rhine Valley. I am a cultural traveller and would always choose stone over mountains. So why have I added a valley? Because beside being a beautiful landscape, this is packed with castles, historic towns and vineyards. Furthermore, it is also the part of a second UNESCO Site connected to the Romans. But the lovely landscape itself has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers.
And the Romans? As you just read about Trier, the Romans were this high up in Germany and sections of the river Rhine are part of the frontiers of the Roman Empire. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooked. The frontier or border stretched in the 2nd century across Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, over 7,500 km. This means you can find fortresses, towers, camps, roads, harbours, a fleet base, a canal and an aqueduct, as well as towns, cemeteries, sanctuaries, an amphitheatre, and a palace. All this in Germany and not Italy! Sadly, almost all of these are now buried underground.
But with enough wine and a trip to Trier, you get it.
Practical information
- The UNESCO part of the river Rhine is 65 km between Bingen am Rhein and Koblenz
- You can easily drive, take the train, and the area is also very bike and hike friendly.
- There are many hotels, we stayed near Koblenz in Klostergut – an old monastery now with amazing vies of the river.
- The Rhine is huge wine area. I got diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after and haven’t had wine since 2000, so I think fondly back on the winetasting there at the many local wineries.
Lübeck
Most people in Denmark know this town for its delicious cultural treasure: marzipan. Others more into history known the name the Hanseatic League.
Lübeck was the former capital and Queen City of the impressive medieval trading group the Hanseatic League. The city prospered from the 12th- 16th century as the most important trading centre for northern Europe.
During WWI, the city – like many other German cities – was damaged. But the basic structure of the old city can still be seen, mainly 15th- and 16th-century residences, public monuments (like the famous Holstentor brick gate on my picture), churches and salt storehouses.
Practical information
- Lubeck is located in the northern part of Germany around 45 minutes by train from Hamburg. From Berlin is a bit more than 3 hours.
- The city is small, but I think you should stay the night.
- Many take boat trips on the canal to explore he city.
- Eating marzipan is mandatory.
CHINA - 59 sites
With 59 World Heritage Sites, China is the country with the second most UNESCO sites. And alongside India the only -non-European country on the list. I’ve visited 19 of the extraordinary places, while travelling China for 3 months in 1999. If we had had internet and digital maps, we could have seen more. I travelled to China on a Memorable Journey with the Trans-Mongolian Railway.
The great wall and the forbidden city are world famous world heritage sites. The great wall is also one of the new 7 wonders of the world with Taj Mahal and Chichen Itza. The long wall shaped the Chinese border to the north and was build to withstand the Mongols attacking. Today it’s one of best known UNESCO Sites in the world. Another famous site is the splendid and awe-inspiring Qin imperial tomb and its terracotta warriors in Xi’an. All definitely worth seeing and I would love to go back someday.
But China is a country with an immense long history and fascinating culture and if you venture out of the two big cities in the north, cultural treasures awaits you.
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in China
Giant Buddha of Leshan
Located by Mount Emei, the giant Buddha is just that: Giant. Even though it was raining when I was at the feet of it, it was a spectacular sight. The Buddha is carved out of a hillside in the 8th century. It’s 71 meters high and is the largest Buddha in the world.
The first Buddhist temple in China was built right here in the 1st century and it became with other temples one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. The surrounding area and the mountain is also notable for its nature and plants. Some of the trees there are more than 1000 years old.
Practical information
- Leshan lies in the western part of China and can be reached by a 5 hour bus trip from Chongqing. if you are visiting the pandas in Chengdu, it’s a 45 min by train or 2 hours bus ride here.
- It was a long time ago, I travelled here, so all the practical details are better worth looking up.
Lijiang
I have very fond memories of Lijiang. Maybe since it was a quiet place – unlike the big cities – the weather was good and we had a really nice hostel and met some other travellers which were very few in these parts of China 27 years ago. However, I also liked it because it was clearly a region with a strong local community with a distinct culture.
The town has a long history and is closely connected to the Naxi people. They only live here in Yunnan and have their own religion and alphabet.
Lijiang is also known for its well-preserved wooden houses and traditional architecture. Its layout is unusual, with canals, bridges, and streets that follow the natural landscape. Because of its distinctive culture, town planning, and historical importance, it is recognized by UNESCO as having special value for the whole world.
Practical information
- Lijiang is close to Burma. From Kunming a 4 hour train ride will take you there or a 7, 5 hours bus ride. Stop in Dali on the way.
- Back in 1999, there was only 1 or 2 hostels for “aliens” as it were called, but that has probably changed.
Macao
Macau or Macao. Actually, when I travelled here back in 1999 as part of my China trip, Macao was not part of China but Portugal. For 442 years, it was controlled by the Portuguese. On the exact day, I flew back home from Hong Kong fireworks celebrated the transition to China. What an historical event. And it’s precisely that mix of cultures, that makes the historic centre of Macao a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Macao became an important trading port. Here Chinese and Europeans met and traded for over 400 years. Coming from mainland China, it clearly has an European vibe with churches, temples, and public squares, which combine different architectural styles.
In 1999, a few casinos existed, but I did not go. Visiting today would probably be a very different experience and I think I will keep my old one.
Practical information
- Macau is right next to Hong Kong. From the big city you travel by helicopter (!) in 15 minutes or a ferry in e1 hour. I took the ferry and even though I dont like sailibng it was fine. It’s also possible to take the bus in 1,5 hours.
- Official site
#1 ITALY - 60 sites
SUPRISE! Italy is home to the largest number of World Heritage Sites in the world. Italy has 60 UNESCO Sites. Just one more site than China – for now.
Rome, Venice, Florence and Pompeii (in the image above) are fantastic cities and legendary travel destinations. They hardly need any introduction, but the old Roman city with the forums, the mausoleums and the aqueducts is what dreams are made off. Colosseum is the 4th our of 7 new world wonders in this list. Explore Pompeii in my reader’s favourite: 20 Dark Tourism Sites: From Pompeii to Ground Zero
Since Italy is my favourite country, I’ve explored 17 of its UNESCO Sites. I struggled to narrow it down to 3 – since how can you choose… And are there really any hidden sites in Italy? Well, here are 3 lesser known sites:
Less visited UNESCO-Sites in Italy
The mosaic of Ravenna
One of my most recently visited World Heritage Sites. It was even more overwhelming than expected and I had high expectations.
I am a big fan of mosaics. how can small pieces of coloured stones create such beautiful and moving images. If you think it sounds boring, imagine covering the walls, ceilings and floors of your own house in handmade and golden mosaics. No one will ever do this again.
Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and then of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. So an important city for a long time. The early Christian mosaics and monuments are unique. The main visit comprises of eight buildings – the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. All from the 5th and 6th centuries. That is a lot older than most churches.
For the world’s most famous mosaics: head to Istanbul. But the mosaics of Ravenna captured my heart.
Practical information
- Ravenna is only 1 hour by train from Bologna or 2,5 hours from >Milan. I actually visited on my way to the small antion of San Marino.
- Buy a combined ticket to the 8 sites – also so you have a time slot for the tiny shurches
- stay a night in Ravenna and get city to yourself after the groups leave
- Official site: https://www.turismo.ra.it/en/follow-your-way/unesco-monuments-ravenna/
Modena
Come for the food! Stay for the food. I visited Modena on a road trip through Emilia-Romagna with my sister to dine at the world best restaurant at the time, Osteria Franciscana. Unfortunately, I became sick and only watched her eat, but even that was an experience. But the delicious food is the reason it’s a world heritage site.
Like in nearby Bologna, it has towers built by rich families which makes for a nice skyline. The magnificent 12th-century cathedral is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. The cathedral, the piazza and the soaring tower, it testifies to the power of the Canossa dynasty who built it.
Modena is also a university city, and you know when there are students there will be cool places and lively bars.
Practical information
- 2,5 hours drive from Milan airport, 3,5 hours by bus and 4 hours by train. And only 1 hour from lovely Bologna.
- Modena is known for balsamico, parmigiana cheese and parma ham, so bring a big suitcase.
- It’s not a big city and can be visited on a day trip.
Residences of The Royal House of Savoy in Turin
I don’t understand why not more people visit Turin. Is it due to the fact that Italy just has too much to offer? I get it. But maybe the second or third time around… Well, I think travellers are finally discovering this hidden gem.
Italy was once not too long ago not a country, but a lot of states. The Duke of Savoy, moved his capital to Turin in 1562. He wanted to make it great and to show his power, so he began a huge series of building projects. Of course, he used the leading architects and artists of the time. Not only for palaces in Turin, but also country residences and hunting lodges.
These palaces make Turin a lot more imposing than you would have expected. But it’s also a very charming city with a new square waiting to be explored around every corner. Book a guided tour of the royal tombs and go to Baroque Palazzo Reale. The shroud of Turin allegedly showing the face of Jesus is also kept here, but sadly inside a box.
Practical information
- Turin is within 2 hours drive of the airport in Milan.
- Spend a few days here visiting palaces, the royal tombs and just lounging in the square
Let me know if you know of another special world heriatges site. Have you visited any of these places?
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