SYDNEY-Baffled by which of the 851 U.N. World
Heritage sites to visit?
Men's Web portal www.askmen.com has narrowed
down the list compiled by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to the top 10.
1. Stonehenge, England
A prehistoric monument in the county of
Wiltshire, Stonehenge has long stoked conversations about its
origins. Some say witches constructed it as a temple of worship,
while others insist alien visitors left it behind. Either way,
archeologists believe that the circular setting of large
standing stones dates back to 2200 BC, with construction
spanning at least 3,000 years.
2.Chichen Itza, Mexico
A sprawling, pre-Colombian site built by the
Mayas, the Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is the type of
building you can imagine being filled with El Dorado's lost
gold.
3.The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
A holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims
alike, Jerusalem has always retained an aura of mystique about
it. Boasting over 220 historic monuments - among them the
marvelous 7th century Dome of the Rock, The Wailing Wall and
Christ's tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
4.Rapa Nui, Easter Island
The indigenous name of Easter Island, Rapa
Nui is a volcanic, Polynesian island watched over by huge stone
Maoi, eerie figures supposedly built to represent important
ancestors of each clan that weigh hundreds of tons and rise 60
feet. Over 3,000 people live on the island today alongside the
statues.
5.Vatican City, Italy
One of the most religious and beautiful
cities on earth, the Vatican City is actually a landlocked,
self-contained sovereign city-state with a population of 900.
Ruled by the Pope, it's a must-see place when in Rome. Arguably
one of the most stunning sights inside the Vatican City is the
Apostolic Palace, home of the Pope, including Raphael's Rooms,
the Sistine Chapel and frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
6. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Rising out of the sand on the outskirts of
Cairo are the pyramids, a complex of ancient monuments that are
actually the last standing of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World. The ancient necropolis consists of the Pyramid of Khufu,
the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great
Sphinx. The allure of the pyramids is undeniable.
7. Historic Center of St. Petersburg, Russia
With canals that snake through the center,
bridges that arch over them and twisting spires that spear the
sky, the historic Center of St Petersburg is quite a site to
behold. Created under the reign of Peter the Great, the city's
cultural and historical past is etched across every piece of
architecture with the World Heritage Site including monuments
such as the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace, and
the Hermitage.
8. Everglades National Park, US
Everglades National Park is one of the most
natural World Heritage Sites in the world, and is an enormous
subtropical marshland in southern Florida. An expanse of lush
greenery and swamp, the Everglades is teeming with wildlife but
it's best-known for the crocodiles and alligators that swim
menacingly through the reeds.
9. The Alhambra, Spain
A majestic palace on the border of Granada,
the Alhambra was once the residence of Moorish kings, but it's
now one of the world's largest open-air museums of Islamic
architecture and a World Heritage Site. Inside the citadel
complex you'll discover royal residential quarters, official
chambers, a bathhouse, and a mosque, as well as a series of
courtyards flanked by sweeping archways, columns and fountains.
10. Notre Dame de Paris, France
Notre Dame is a world heritage site steeped
in history and characterized by its French-gothic architecture,
natural-looking sculptures and beautiful stained glass windows.
A stop-off at this fascinating cathedral is as important as
visiting designer stores when in Paris. -Reuters
