If you’re eager to explore iconic cultural and natural wonders around the world, then a great idea would be to focus on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as these are some of the globe’s most awe-inspiring destinations. As of 2024, there are 1,223 designated sites scattered across our planet. These are selected by the World Heritage Committee of the UNESCO based on rigorous cultural and natural criteria that each monument needs to meet. Below, you will find a list of countries with the most World Heritage Sites that will make your journey easier and provide a clear guide on where to head next for an exciting exploration of the world’s heritage.
1. Iran (28)
As of 2024, Iran has 28 historic landmarks listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Out of these, 26 are cultural sites, while two are natural. This year, Hegmataneh, also known as Ecbatana in Western historical sources, was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage site list. This landmark is located in Hamadan city, and its history dates back to the Medes period.
Persepolis, located near Shiraz, was built in the 6th century BCE by Darius the Great. This monumental complex that showcases the grandeur of the Persian Empire was recognized as a World Heritage site in 1979.
The Meidan Emam in Esfahan, also known as Naghsh-e Jahan Square, is a must-visit since it’s surrounded by significant landmarks, such as the Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. This stunning urban square was also listed in 1979.
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Some other iconic cultural World Heritage sites in the Land of Persia include the ancient Elamite complex of Tchogha Zanbil, Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Tehran’s Golestan Palace, Pasargadae, the Historic City of Yazd, Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble, Shahr-e Sukhteh, and the Persian Qanat.
The Lut Desert, one of the hottest places on earth, is listed as a natural World Heritage site in Iran. On the northeastern side of the country is located one of the oldest national parks, Golestan National Park. This stunning site was also designated as a natural World Heritage site in 1976.
2. Russia (32)
Russia is known for preserving both its cultural and natural heritage which allows the Land of the Tsars to stand among the top countries globally with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country has 32 designated landmarks in total, out of which 21 are cultural and 11 natural.
The most famous of all is the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow. This site is the heart of Russia’s capital and was designated in 1990. It features the marvelous St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin. After all, this has been the symbol of Russian statehood since the 12th century.
The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg, or Russia’s “cultural capital,” is famous for its Baroque and neoclassical architecture. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1990, it includes the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Other key cultural World Heritage Sites worth visiting in Russia include the Kizhi Pogost, the Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings, the Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands, the Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin, among many others.
As for the natural sites, some of the most notable include Lake Baikal, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the Virgin Komi Forests, Wrangel Island, and the Volcanoes of Kamchatka.
3. The United Kingdom (35)
With the addition of Northern Scotland’s Flow Country and Northern Ireland’s Gracehill to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024, the United Kingdom now has a total of 35 listed landmarks. Twenty-nine of these are cultural, five are natural, and one is a mixed site.
The symbol of British royalty and history, the Tower of London was designated in 1988. As for Stonehenge and Avebury, these prehistoric monuments in Wiltshire earned the World Heritage award in 1986. They remain some of the world’s most recognizable Neolithic structures, embodying 5,000 years of human history.
Hadrian’s Wall, part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire site, was listed in 1987. It’s also worth checking out the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, the heart of the capital of Scotland, which represents a blend of medieval and Georgian architecture. This site was listed in 1995.
The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast is a famous natural UNESCO site in Northern Ireland and is renowned for its iconic basalt columns. These were formed by volcanic activity.
4. Mexico (35)
35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total make Mexico the seventh country with the highest number of recognized sites globally. Out of the 35, 27 are cultural, six are natural, and two are mixed sites. One of the most notable landmarks is the “City of Gods,” or Teotihuacan, located northeast of Mexico City. An ancient Mesoamerican city, it’s known for the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun and was once a major urban center.
Chichen Itza, designated in 1988, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its most famous structure is El Castillo, or the Temple of Kulkulkan. Another key landmark on the list is El Tajín in Veracruz, a pre-Hispanic city that flourished between the 9th and 12th centuries. The most iconic structure of this site is the Pyramid of the Niches.
Other notable cultural World Heritage Sites in Mexico include the Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Monte Albán, the Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, Palenque, Guanajuato and its Mines, the Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda, the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, and Campeche.
It’s also worth visiting the designated natural sites such as the Sian Ka’an, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, and the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno.
5. India (43)
India boasts 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024. This includes 35 cultural, seven natural, and one mixed site. The most famous of the cultural landmarks is the Taj Mahal, which is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The white marble structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Maharashtra is home to a significant World Heritage Site listed since 1983, and that is the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These two ancient cave complexes are renowned for their beautiful rock-cut monasteries and temples. You can see Buddhist frescoes that date back to the 2nd century BCE in Ajanta. Ellora is more diverse, with a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples.
You can witness grand architectural designs at Fatehpur Sikri, home to one of the tallest gates in the world, the Buland Darwaza, as well as the Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Emperor Akbar, joined the ranks of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986.
Other historic designated World Heritage Sites in India include the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, the Chola Temples, the Red Fort Complex, the Churches and Convents of Goa, and the Rani-ki-Vav. These are all cultural landmarks.
Natural landmarks in India that have made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list include the Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Great Himalayan National Park, and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. Spain (50)
The Land of the Fiesta comes 5th on the list with a total of 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024. Forty-four of these are cultural, four are natural, and two are mixed sites. The Moorish palace complex of Alhambra and Generalife, Granada, was designated in 1984. It’s famous for its exquisite Islamic architecture, lush gardens, and beautiful courtyards. The Alhambra symbolizes the height of Andalusian art, and it definitely should be at the top of your bucket list.
The famous Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2005. Antoni Guadí’s unfinished basilica is known for its otherworldly design and unique Gothic and Nouveau art styles. The Old Town of Ávila with its Walls is also on the list since 1985. This is a medieval city encircled by some of Europe’s best-preserved city walls, dotted with 88 semi-circular towers.
Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are worth a visit in Spain at least once during your lifetime include the Historic Centre of Cordoba, the famous pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago, the Cathedral of Seville and Alcázar, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Burgos Cathedral, the Old City of Salamanca, and the list goes on and on.
7. France (53)
With 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, France ranks 4th globally in terms of the number of sites recognized for their cultural and natural significance. One of the most important landmarks on the list is the medieval abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, which is perched on a tidal island. It is known for its breathtaking architecture and impressive history, which dates back to the 8th century.
The symbol of royal opulence, the Palace and Park of Versailles is also on the list, and it reflects the French monarchy’s grandeur with its meticulously designed palace, gardens, and fountains. The Loire Valley, or “Garden of France,” is another landmark on the UNESCO list. This region is famous for its châteaux, charming landscapes, and the beautiful historic towns of Blois, Amboise, and Tours.
While it’s not possible to list all of France’s UNESCO Heritage Sites here, some of the key designated landmarks that are worth exploring include the Vézère Valley (Cave of Lascaux), the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars, the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, and Bordeaux, Port of the Moon.
8. Germany (54)
This is the third country with the most Heritage Sites globally, with 54 landmarks on the UNESCO list. The Aachen Cathedral is Germany’s first Heritage Site, which was designated in 1978. It was built in the 8th century by Charlemagne and is an outstanding example of Carolingian architecture.
There’s a vital coastal ecosystem that Germany shares with the Netherlands and Denmark, and it’s called the Wadden Sea. This natural landmark was added to the UNESCO list in 2009. As for Berlin’s Museum Island, it houses world-renowned collections of art and historical artifacts. It was inscribed as a UNESCO site in 1999.
The Würzburg Residence is a Baroque masterpiece in Bavaria and is one of the key World Heritage Sites in Germany. Other interesting sites on the list worth exploring include the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the Caves and Ice Age Art of the Swabian Jura. Germany also had two new landmarks added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2024: The Schwerin Residence Ensemble and Herrnhut’s Moravian Church.
9. China (59)
China is one of the top countries globally for cultural and natural heritage preservation, as it’s home to an impressive 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2024. The Great Wall of China is, of course, top on the list. This historic landmark stretches over 13,000 miles and was built to protect the country from invasions.
A stunning palace complex in China that served as the imperial residence for centuries is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the Forbidden City in Beijing, famous for its vast courtyards, intricate design, and halls that tell plenty of stories about the opulent lives of China’s emperors.
In 1974, a vast collection of life-sized terracotta soldiers was discovered. These warriors were built to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, in the afterlife. The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, home to the Terracotta Army, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Other notable Heritage Sites in China include but are not limited to the Mogao Caves, the Jiuzhaigou Valley, Mount Tai, and the Beijing Central Axis, which was added in 2024.
10. Italy (60)
As of 2024, Italy holds a record 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is the most in any country around the world. The most recent addition to the list is the Via Appia. This ancient Roman road connects Brindisi and Rome and has an important cultural significance in the country.
The Historic Centre of Rome is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, and it includes the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, which are all among the world’s most iconic landmarks. As for the Vatican City, it’s an independent city-state located within Rome, and it’s home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
In 1987, “Venice and Its Lagoon” was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Venice is known globally for its network of canals as well as its charming Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal are some of the most iconic sites in Venice. The lagoon that surrounds the city is also part of the World Heritage designation.
Other key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy include Florence, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, the Historic Centre of Siena, the Dolomites, and many more. All of these sites are worth visiting at least once during your lifetime if not more.
