This year, there have been additions to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 15 interesting sites seeped in history, culture, beauty and more have made it to the iconic list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024. From India to Germany, we have listed down all the newly recognised sites around the globe. Check it out and visit soon.
2024’s 15 Newly Added UNESCO World Heritage Sites
1. Moidams In Assam, India
Cultural Milestone! #Moidams of Assam has earned the 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site title in the cultural category!
This honor brings global attention to the 700-year-old Ahom royal legacy and brings the Northeast’s rich cultural tapestry to the global stage.#MoidamInUNESCO pic.twitter.com/uI3YsfhJcF
— National Council of Science Museums-NCSM (@ncsmgoi) July 29, 2024
The remarkable 13th-century vaulted mounts are an ancient burial site in Assam. It belonged to the rulers of the Ahom Dynasty. Moidams have kings and queens buried along with their garments, ornaments, and weapons reflecting their religious traditions and history. This newly added UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only one from India this year.
2. Phu Phrabat, Thailand
Some impressions of the Phu Phrabat Historical Park. #Thailand #BaanPhue pic.twitter.com/K6dI6OiG93
— René Paparusso 🚀 (@winnie_chily) January 24, 2016
Phu Phrabat dates back to the Dvaravati era and is especially known for its old stone carvings and historical inscriptions. These rock arts and inscriptions give an understanding of the rich Thai civilisation and its religious practices.
3. Badain Jaran Desert, China
Colorful lakes in the Badain Jaran desert, northern Gansu province, China. It is the fourth largest desert in the world, yet it has more than 100 lakes. You can take an SUV for a three-day trip😍😍 pic.twitter.com/JCCptQgPMm
— Sharing Travel (@MyChinaTrip) June 4, 2020
You are in for a treat when you visit the Badain Jaran Desert! It has spectacular sand dunes and lakes offering scenic landscapes. Witness the magnificence of Nature with sand formations and ephemeral lakes.
4. Sado Island Gold Mines, Japan
⛰ At the historic Sado Island Gold Mines, diplomats experienced the mining work of the time and deepened their understanding of the history and value of the mines. https://t.co/QiYTrWmGGF#史跡佐渡金山 では、当時の採掘の様子を体感し、歴史と価値について理解を深めました。👣 pic.twitter.com/v5EfJHuVwn
— 【外務省】地方連携推進室/Local partnership MOFA JAPAN (@LocalMofa) October 17, 2023
Rolling back to the economic sector of Japan with the newly added UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sado Island Gold Mines. These are considered historic mining locations in Japan as they played a vital role in Japan’s economy during the Edo era. Check out the amazing technical and other factors related to earlier practices of gold mining.
5. Human Rights, Liberation Struggle and Reconciliation In South Africa
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 – Nelson Mandela
Sculpture: ‘Mandela’ by Egon Tania, situated at Leeu House, South Africa pic.twitter.com/Ur7EjbEuZq
— Anindita (@hatefreeworldX) July 18, 2023
The legendary Nelson Mandela and his vision are still celebrated. In 2024, these spots were clubbed and added under the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites for the updated UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. His residence is among the other historic spots that have been included to highlight his doings for human rights, liberation, and reconciliation.
6. Gedi, Kenya
the swahili city of Gedi
ca. 1950
Kenya
-ETH Zurich#archivesxt #historyxt pic.twitter.com/0JQpvvfGDF
— isaac Samuel (@rhaplord) July 12, 2024
Gedi is an archaeological site in Kenya. It is now a well-preserved ruins of the Swahili civilization. Visiting this site will give an insight into the trade system, intricacies and culture of Swahili back to the medieval period.
7. Royal Court of Tiébélé, Burkina Faso
2024’s additions to the UNESCO #WorldHeritage list are complete. The four I would most like to visit are the Royal Court of Tiébélé (Burkina Faso), Badain Jaran – Towers of Sand and Lakes (China)… pic.twitter.com/FlKuIQEnG4
— Liam Hetherington (@FrodVegas) July 27, 2024
If you want any knowledge regarding the Kaso folks of Burkina Faso in West Africa, then this is the place for you. The Royal Court of Tiébélé has artistic buildings and walls steeped in cultural traditions. Through these, you can understand the rich history of its monarchs along with the architecture.
8. Pleistocene Sites, South Africa
Media Advisory
The emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene occupation sites of South Africa becomes the 11th South African World Heritage Site pic.twitter.com/GHQ2uhz71h
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) July 26, 2024
Psychology geeks, heading out to Pleistocene sites in South Africa is quite an experience for you! Here, you can understand more about the growth of human behaviour in modern times. There is a plethora of evidence of innovation, art, and social practices dating back to early humans.
9. Schwerin Residence Ensemble, Germany
The Residence Ensemble Schwerin in northeastern Germany was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List on Saturday. #Schwerin pic.twitter.com/cQtwPaOsTK
— Jenco van Zalk (@jencovanzalk) July 28, 2024
The popular Schwerin Castle in Germany is on the list of newly added UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024. The castle and its adjacent gardens reflect the gorgeous architectural splendour of the Northern European Renaissance. Hence, this site emphasises its cultural and historical significance.
10. Kenozero Lake, Russia
Kenozero Lake, Russia . pic.twitter.com/SwfANUJ9wT
— Javier Pichardini Quintana (@JAVIERPICHARDI) August 1, 2016
One of the stunning locations added is the Kenozero Lake in Russia. The cultural and historical site has traditional wooden architecture and agricultural techniques. These practices are adapted to the harsh environment around the lake.
11. Melka Kunture and Balchit, Ethiopia
🗣🗣Today Melka Kunture and Balchit was inscribed on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List
Congratulations to Ethiopia🇪🇹, to Oromia regional government and the Awash people!!!#EthiopianHeritageAuthority
The Melka Kunture team is very proud to be a part of it. 🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/hjkZ1hWsh3— Melka Kunture project (@KuntureMelka) July 26, 2024
Another site that focuses on the habitation and prehistoric cultures of the early humans is Melka Kunture and Balchit in Ethiopia. These new UNESCO World Heritage Sites are archaeological and palaeontological pieces of evidence that offer a glimpse into pre-historic human life.
12. Hegmataneh, Iran
#Hegmataneh, l’antica Ecbatana, capitale dell’impero dei Medi e una delle cinque achemenidi, in collina alla periferia di #Hamadan. L’area, di grande interesse archeologico, ha una superficie di 50 ettari e reperti storici anche di epoca parta, sasanide e islamica. #Iran#Turismo pic.twitter.com/0IrsITphjj
— Iran – Appunti di viaggio (@IraninMi) July 28, 2020
Come and explore one of the world’s ancient cities, Ecbatana! Hegmataneh has numerous archaeological remains of the Medians from its earlier civilizations. You can get an insight into the developments and living conditions of the region by exploring it.
13. Saint Hilarion Monastery, Palestine
Ruins of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer in Gaza inscribed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India pic.twitter.com/nbvOevjwQT
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 26, 2024
The State of Palestine has an old Saint Hilarion Monastery. This Christian monastery is known for the archaeological remains of the famous Tell Umm Amer. Glimpse into the ancient Christian monasticism and the developments of the area.
14. Via Appia, Italy
A stretch of the Via Appia passing through the ancient city of Minturnae.
Minturno, Italy 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/baUy6qCO6B
— Dr. M.F. Khan (@Dr_TheHistories) June 22, 2022
2024’s list of newly added UNESCO World Heritage Sites also has one of the oldest roads in ancient Rome! Via Appia or the Queen of Roads was an essential path that aided in the evolution of the Roman Empire.
15. Umm Al-Jimāl, Jordan
مدينة ام الجمال ، الأردن
📍umm al-jimal , Jordan pic.twitter.com/QYi9YasrWv
— M (@Unlym_) August 23, 2023
Located in northern Jordan, it is an ancient site with well-preserved desert towns. Here, you can witness the architectural and historical importance that underlines the trading systems and expanding civilizations of Umm Al-Jimāl.
Also Read: Taj Mahal To Colosseum, Book Flights For World’s Most Visited 8 UNESCO Heritage Sites
This is the entire list of sites recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. You should plan your next trip around these phenomenal sites around the globe.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.