The World Heritage Journeys in the European Union
The European Union has a fascinating collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, which reflect the incredible depth and diversity of European culture. The sites tell of a rich history and the many ways in which European ideas, inventions, people and cultures continue to connect with the world.
The World Heritage Journeys centre on the following four themes, and connect UNESCO World Heritage sites spanning multiple countries.
Go deeper into European culture and history and get inspired for your next trip through UNESCO's World Heritage sites in the European Union.
Discover Europe’s Crown Jewels and Hidden Gems
Ancient Europe
Across thousands of years, Europe has seen great civilisations and empires rise and fall. Through diligent archaeological work over the past three centuries, much of Europe’s ancient past has been uncovered to tell the stories of its diverse peoples and their cultures.
Ancient Europe is a journey in time to experience the cities, landscapes and buildings that embody Europe’s ancient culture and history.
Experience the genius of the classical world and see the ancient innovations that still impact our lives today.
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Pont du Gard, France
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Archaeological Site of Olympia, Greece
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Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier, Germany
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Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus, Greece
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Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia, Italy
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Ancient City of Nessebar, Bulgaria
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Stari Grad Plain, Croatia
Romantic Europe
The beauty of Europe has always inspired love. Whether it is in the hearts of honeymooners or the famous works of art, romance abounds across the continent. It is in the picturesque towns, grand cities, stunning churches, and even ancient temples. Europe was also the birthplace of romanticism, a movement beginning in the late 18th century that embraced emotion and imagination, and influenced literature, music, art, and architecture across the world.
Romantic Europe takes visitors to World Heritage Sites that have been the locations for some of the most famous love stories of all time, to feel the
inspiration for themselves. The journey invites its visitors to create their own unforgettable tales of romance.
Let the heart take a journey through some of the most romantic places in European history and legends.
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Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany
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Vilnius Historic Centre, Lithuania
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Pafos, Cyprus
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Bruges Historic Centre, Belgium
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Wachau Cultural Landscape, Austria
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Historic Centre of San Gimignano, Italy
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Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Czech Republic
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Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, France
Royal Europe
Europe’s Kings, Queens, Emperors and Empresses have left a unique legacy of heritage that still fascinates the world today. Europe’s castles, palaces and royal gardens are filled with stories of opulence, conquest, tragedy and innovation.
In particular, parks and gardens enable visitors to explore how European royalty influenced and impacted the world. Royal gardens not only served as important status symbols, they were key for the development of horticultural science. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore these breathtaking parks and gardens while discovering for themselves the royal philosophy of harmony with nature.
Plants, prestige and politics – how Europe’s Royal Gardens took on a life of their own.
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Royal Domain of Drottningholm, Sweden
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Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, Germany
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Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, Spain
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Palace and Park of Versailles, France
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Par Force Hunting Landscape of North Sealand, Denmark
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom
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Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Portugal
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Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž, Czech Republic
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Caserta Royal Palace and Park, Italy
Underground Europe
As the grandeur of Europe grew in cities across the continent, generations of workers toiled underground to power the unstoppable pace of development. From the gold that decorated the Middle Ages, to the wine used to toast revolutions, and the coal that fuelled the modern era, the world as we know it would never have been possible without the tough and dangerous labour taking place deep below the surface. Away from sight and often out of mind, these tunnels, caverns, mines and cellars have been hiding amazing stories about the lives of the people who helped build Europe.
Now open to the public, these incredible World Heritage sites often surprise with an eerie industrial beauty, offering visitors the chance to venture deep underground – and deep into history – of life and culture in the dark depths of Europe.
Life and culture hidden beneath the surface. Dig deeper into the secrets of Underground Europe.
- Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars, France
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Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Germany
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Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica and the Technical Monuments in its Vicinity, Slovakia
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Royal Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia, Poland
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Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun, Sweden
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Major Mining Sites of Wallonia, Belgium
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Tokaj Wine Region, Hungary
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Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, France
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Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar, and Upper Harz Water Management System, Germany
NEWSLETTERS
- Welcome to the first World Heritage Journeys EU Newsletter for 2020!
- Welcome to the September the World Heritage Journeys of the EU Newsletter!
- Welcome to the 2nd edition of the World Heritage Journeys of the EU Newsletter!
- Welcome to the World Heritage Journeys of the EU Newsletter!
