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POLISH COMPONENT - BIESZCZADY

Bieszczady mountains NP in Poland is popular tourist destination, and no wonder why. The national park is simply beautiful and I take it as quintessential Carpatian mountains. Due to the depopulation after WWII, the area is not affected by utilitarian pressures as it can be found on Slovak side, which is already WHS.

I comment it in my review to WHS Primeval Beech Forests:

It certainly deserves WHS status. It is more touristy and maybe not so wild as forests on Slovakia part. Due to a bit higher attitude there are large poloninas (mountain meadows) on the mountains ranges, which are very attractive and worth-visiting as well (although poloniny area itself is not part of proposed WHS). I also admired forest management that is 1000-times better than in official WHS of Slovakia. Only shadow on my optimism concerning Polish contribution to this WHS lays in unclear politics in Poland nowdays. Therefore, the nomination was withdrawn by state party in 2017 in spite of high qualities of Polish component, which would be perfetly complementar to sites in Slovakia and Ukraine. I am afraid that it is somehow related to issue in Bielowieza forest, and Polish side wants to avoid "problems" with UNESCO in case of controversial management in forests.

The extension is planned for 2020, we will see...

I visted Bonifacio and nearby cliffs during my Corsica fall holidays in 2013. The limestone cliffs and town of Bonifacio placed in the deep bay were very picturesque. Shores of Sardinia could be also visible (another TWHS - Archipelago of La Maddalena is very very close). However, I could not see any OUV here and it should not be inscribed in my opinion. For example, I enjoyed limestone cliffs in Parc National des Calanques nearby Marseille much more than those of Bonifacio.

I visited the Mleiha Archaeological Museum in winter last year. It is on the way from Al Ain to the northern areas of the UAE. You can spot the high mountains with the red dune splashed up against it a mile high from far far away. I really wished it would be THAT I was visiting. The staff greeted me at the museum but said everything was booked up. What?! Fact is, most people come here for dune bashing. Well, I didn't but still probably would have seeing the dune I am going to! The museum is brand new and has a lot of interesting things not only about the culture in the area and Umm an-Nar, but also camel migration over the millennia. The rest of the site is free but you need your own car to access some of it.

First stop is the roof of the museum. A nice view of the Umm an-Nar tomb below. The more interesting tombs are at the base of the mountain, the less interesting one just along the side road.

Incidentally as the Umm an-Nar Island is currenly off-limits to visitors this is the best alternative to know about Umm an-Nar culture. I actually think they should combine both into a more general "Umm an-Nar Cultural Landscape" instead and I think it would have a good chance to get inscribed.

Community members have now reviewed most of the inscribed Le Corbusier (LC) sites in Europe, Argentina and Japan - but not the Indian site at Chandigarh. I therefore add comments arising from our visit in Feb 2019. I had originally visited the Capitol Complex way back in 1976. Travelling between Simla and Dehli, I had wandered freely around the site before catching my onward bus. I have since counted it as “seen” (together with some other inscribed locations) but, in all honesty, I then lacked the background knowledge to appreciate or learn! 43 years later it isn’t as easy to visit. These are sensitive government buildings situated in a province which has had terrorism problems and lies near the Pak border. In Aug 1995 a suicide bomb at the Secretariat killed the Chief Minister of Punjab – Sikh “terrorism” may have quietened down since then but only to be replaced by the Islamic variety. So, you can no longer just visit on demand and walk around.

Instead you must join an official tour which departs the Capitol Complex Info Centre at 10am, noon and 3pm each day. You will be accompanied by an official guide and 2 armed policemen – and are supposed to stay close to them and not wander off! But it is even more complicated. Officially you can’t just turn up and join a tour. Your details have to be security pre-checked. We had pre-booked a wider day tour of Chandigarh and our “permit” had been …

Flow country is the name given to a large area of bog in the very northern part of mainland Scotland. We visited that region during our “tour of Scotland” in summer 2015. We drove to Forsinard, where a small visitors center is housed in the train station, surrounded by few houses. I understood that the train line and station were still in operation at that time (unexpected for such a tiny and remote village), so this could be a travel alternative to car for those willing to visit that place.

The visitors center is operated by RSPB (Royal Society for Protection of Birds) and gives helpful information about fauna and flora of the area. Main attraction is the nearby board walkway, leading to the recently built observation tower. The area is wide, quite flat with few “bens” (Scottish mountains) in the background, and extremely quiet and relax (and clearly off beaten tracks). We really enjoyed the landscape, as not comparable to any other in Europe (I remember some bogs in French Massif Central, but there is no way they can compete in terms of extend and landscape), as well as observation of insects, lizards and droseras around the small pools. All activities were free of charge. I would be happy to see this area inscribed one day, and I recommend this place to anyone visiting this area (and by the way, the road to Durness, that we drove on the next day, goes along what is probably one of …

"Again a vineyard, again a serial nomination." Ever since hiking through the Piedmont and then later the same year the Prosecco hills have I a certain skepticism when it comes to any site featuring vineyards. Luckily, my skepticism in the case of Burgundy was not warranted as Burgundy to me is primarily a late medieval landscape that happens to have some surrounding vineyards.

The two main locations of the site are Dijon and Beaune. I managed to see both in half a day. Dijon is the regional capital and boasts quite a large old town. For me the Ducal Palace and the Place de La Liberation were the highlights of the town.

To see the vineyards I traveled to Beaune. Beaune is way smaller than Dijon and within 15min you are on the edge of town where the vineyards begin. For those interested there are multiple hiking trails. To get started walk to Park de la Bouzaize (Northwest of the old town). For me this was not an option due to time reasons. And I have seen plenty of vineyards as it stands.

Beaune features the Hôtel-Dieu or Hospices de Beaune. The Hôtel-Dieu is probably the single most iconic component of the inscription with its polychrome roof. It was also featured prominently in my French book in 8th grade.

Based on a donation by the then chancellor of Burgundy, Nicolas Rolin, the Hospices have operated since the 15th century. The initial funding came from another …

No visit to Bhutan is complete without the Tiger's Nest, officially called Taktshang but trust me no-one will remember THAT name if you have already familiarized you with the B-movie Jason Stratham movie title soon coming to a streaming service everywhere. Conveniently placed near Paro, and I saw it from the plane heading to Paro Airport already, this is surprisingly "only" a half-day trip. Getting up early helps to avoid the mid-day heat even in November plus the horse rides that are popular with Indian tourists. The ascent takes roughly 3h with a tea break at the only guest house on the way to the top, providing your first real opportunity at photos. The sun is unfortunately rising beyond the temples and the sun glares right into the camera. The sandy path is not easy. Another hour and you can reach the steps, more viewpoints, then you are in the shade and it is suddenly cold.

When you reach the temples, Tiger's Nest is actually just ONE of the seven here, you have to drop off your camera and phone, shoes are only allowed for the central areas but not inside the actual temples. It was surprisingly empty inside. The Tiger's Nest, as mentioned, is actually a cave temple and the guide did not take me inside. It doesn't seem the highlight of the complex and involves more the story of transforming into a tiger and this lair is nothing to look at from the inside, but honestly none …

I did it in similar way like others, and visited parts of the Garden Kingdom in Dessau adjacent to Bauhaus sites: I could see&visit Georgium when I was walking from main Bauhaus building to Masters` houses, but it was not very appealing for me, because the park, artifitial ruins and eclectic buildings are now penetrated by modern urban lanscapes and roads. I entered the WHS once again after visiting Masters`houses: I walked along Ebert-alle towards Weinbergschlosschen around 15 minutes. This neoclassicist bulding is quite small but pretty (see photo). Then I entered the natural park - in fact a blend of meadows, solitary trees, lakes, marchlands where everything was in bloom in May. This was my highlight of the WHS but I am not sure if it is related to OUV... Then I walked towards Elbe river and had a drink and light lunch in very pleasant Kornhaus Dessau - round functionalist restaurant.

I visited Dublin a couple of times, most recently in 2017, and set aside some time for exploring, but the reality is that there is little to explore there that rises to the level of exceptional. The town is undoubtedly nice, the people are among the friendliest in all of Europe, but beyond a few eye-pleasing clusters in the city center, most of the Georgian architecture that forms the basis of this tentative WH submission is actually kind of boring (I am noting the fact that the text of the submission openly warns the reader of the plainness of the exteriors and contrasts that with purportedly excellent interiors, which can hardly be seen on a short visit to town).

You may be impressed by the campus of the Trinity College (stop by to see the Book of Kells in the college library). You will likely be pleasantly surprised to discover the Dublin Castle and Gardens, effectively hidden smack in the middle of the city. You will certainly walk over the Ha'penny Bridge over the river Liffey. And regardless of your attitude towards beer, you will likely linger on the streets - or in the establishments - of the Temple Bar district, the most colorful and at times boisterous part of town. Beyond that, there is little that can be pointed as a must-see in Dublin.

Curiously enough, the justification portion of the tentative submission emphasizes the literary traditions of the city. You will most certainly come across a …

I only visited the Augustow Canal on the Belarus side in April last year. The Polish side seems like a long drive and little tourist stuff in the northeast (sorry to say) of the country. Saying that, there are probably nice forests but nothing unique or special. Belarus on the other hand has the city of Grodno (still unsure why it's not HrodnA as that's how the pronounce it) nearby and easy access to the canal by a great road system. Only when you get close to the canal do the roads get gravel and unclear signs could possibly lead you onto the wrong road through the forest. Driving past the canal with NO barriers surely is not for the faint of heart, unless of course you are used to driving around in Dutch cities!

I stopped at three places with the pictured Dambrowka clearly the highlight. The first thing I noticed is that the entrance is FREE - wow. Not even parking or someone trying to make a buck of tourists - although that could be different in summer time. The swan pedal boats were also not out because there was clearly nobody vacationing here at the time.

Another bridge you can drive over the canal. Not that great but just want to point it out. There is a cycle track along the canal from Dambrowka all the way to the border which I would probably aim for on my next visit. The weather was beautiful.

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Welcome to the world heritage site of ...whaaaat wait why are there UNESCO symbols on the maps and signs? Someone surely thought they can place themselves onto the inscribed list without going through the entire process. Funny that since I didn't even see any sign at the Selimiye Mosque nearby. Maybe someone switched the sites secretly :)

I almost walked directly into the mosque but the stall keeper pointed me to the museum entrance 30m further down. The area is divided into two parts: the hospital and the study/admin areas. The latter is the more aesthetic one built as a medium-sized courtyard and many side rooms. Not all the rooms are open and the ones that are contain mannequins and replicas of what was once in the study rooms. The other side of the museum has the same kind of mannequins to attempt to make the pale rooms interesting, but I find that more laughable especially the "insanity" room. Many plaques describe the way the hospital was run and procedures, how many staff were in the hospital and what the rooms were used for. It is nothing special but they try to give you as much info as they can probably squeeze out of what is in my opinion just an old hospital. The instruments on use, if original, are kind of unique to look at but the rest of the hospital is not unique enough to warrant a visit. I am glad this is only a few minutes …

Gujarat possesses 2 wildlife “parks” with UNESCO WH “history”. Each “majors” on a specific Mammal species - Gir NP, famous as the only location remaining for the Asiatic Lion, and the Little Rann of Kutch, gazetted as a “Wild Ass Sanctuary”. The former was once on India’s T List but was removed in 1992 and the latter was added in 2006 having once had a failed nomination way back in 1993 - and it remains there (without, as far as I am aware, any further nomination activity). We had time for but 1 “wildlife” experience during our 2019 trip to Gujarat - which was it to be??? Gir seemed to require at least 2 days of a.m/p.m game runs in order to provide even a "hope" of coming up with a lion and reports of the experience on the Web were not that inviting. But can anyone really justify going out of their way to see an “Ass” – an animal whose general persona is of a rather unprepossessing creature which, across the millennia, has been badly treated by humans as a pack animal and "repays" that treatment by braying complaints and apparent general "stupidity"?

Well, the Indian Wild Ass on show in the Little Rann of Kutch, is, I think you would agree (photo), actually a rather a handsome creature, somewhat removed in looks and stature from the domesticated version most of us will have come across in N Africa/Middle East!! It turns out that there are 2 …

I completely agree that Mikulčice archeological park is one of the most important archeo-sites in Czech and Slovak Republics. Empire of Great Morava is of great importance for Czechs, Slovaks and Balkan Slavonic nations, but it has no OUV and should not be WHS. The site is very popular. It is partly due to a propaganda in the Comunist times that everything related with the East that beats the West was greatly supported, and also in midle ages because the emperor Charles IV used the lagacy of Great Moravia archbishopric for justification of independency of church of Bohemia from Germans in 14th century. Furthermore, the testimony of Great Moravia is misused by Slovak nationalists and ultraconservatives. The problem is that Great Moravia lasted only for short period in 9th-10th century, and its heritage is overestimated.

I really like the artefacts that were found during long-term excavations such as jewelry. What can be seen in Mikulčice now is only the platforms of 11 churches and several other buildings. Almost no architectonical details were found (only few fragments of crushed frescoes). Several types of churches were excavated showing influences of both West and East: (1) simple one nave church with rectangular apsida, (2) simple one nave church with round apsida, (3) central building with one or more apsidas - rotunda (adriatic influence), (4) three-nave basilica with one apsida. All of them were not very monumental or special as compared to buildings in other parts of Europe. The only still standing church …

Ellis Island has been an entry point for over 12 million immigrants to the United States over the course of 60-plus years. The descendants of those immigrants nowadays make over 40% of the population of the USA. My wife's family name can be found on the Wall of Honor on the island.

Ellis Island can only be visited on a combined ticket together with the Statue of Liberty, and quite a lot of people give it the short shrift, spending the bulk of their time on Liberty Island. Those who decide to budget time for Ellis Island quickly realize that even a few hours may not be enough for seeing and learning all there is to see and learn. The audio guide - included in the ticket price - has over 120 hours of narration with nearly 2000 stops across half a dozen exhibitions and general areas. I suggest budgeting at least 3 hours, which will allow you to take a look at all major aspects of the site and explore one or two areas in depth. It is not about visual impact so much - although the Great Hall is definitely visually impressive - but rather about myriad of details and circumstances that featured in the processing of arrivals from all over the world. It is a fascinating experience for any student of history or anyone with their own history of immigration, although I can understand how someone with no emotional connection to this topic might not find …

This is one of my favorite WHS in Italy. The reign of Norman kings and their heirs, Hohenstaufen such as Frederick II, is the heyday era of Sicilly and antient Calabria and Apulia from 11th to 13th century, and one can see its testimony even nowadays. The great examples are the romanesque cathedrals and castles in Apulia (TWHS + WHS), and Arab-Norman monuments in Palermo, Monreale and Cefalu (WHS). While the Apulian cathedrals show strong Norman, Lombard, and Tuscany impact with a touch of Byzantine style, the Sicilian treasures are incredible blends of Norman, Byzantine and Arab styles.

There are around 22 Arab-Norman monuments in/around Palermo that survived from midle ages. Only 9 of them have been selected as WHS, and I must admit that it is a well-balanced selection. All sites can be quite easily visited in two-three days: The sites in Palermo are in walking distance, although Admiral`s Bridge and Zisa Palace are located a little bit off the historic center. Monreale and Cefalu are accessible by public transport, Monreale by AMAT bus 389 from Piazza Indipendenza and Cefalu by train.

(1) Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel: I visited this site on Thursday, so, I could see only Palatine Chapel in the second floor of the Palace. The third floor with the Room of King Roger and the Wind Tower is open for public only from Friday to Sunday because of sessions of the local parliament. Even though the Palatine Chapel is a unique blend of …

The Sri Harimandir Sahib (a.k.a - “Golden Temple”), was 15th on our Community list of “Top Missing” but is, as yet, unreviewed by any Community member (just once - by a “guest”) – I wonder why?? We too had missed it across a number of other visits to N India. The city of Amritsar, where it is situated, is a bit of a “cul de sac”, with the Pak frontier only c30kms away and the more travelled routes from the South into the Himalayas to Shimla, Manali and Leh all turn off before you reach it. In Feb 2019 we finally made it and found it well worth the journey.  

Being the Sikh religion’s most “holy place”, it is a very active pilgrimage site. The relatively few non-Indian “tourists” are totally lost within the throng of devotees of varying degrees of fervour. There are “rules”, but the whole atmosphere is extremely friendly, with the Sikhs determined to demonstrate/explain their beliefs in openness, tolerance, brotherhood and equality to anyone entering with respect.

Shoes and socks must be deposited at a counter and a head covering worn. A range of rather fetching scarves is available which are the normal choice for non-turban wearing locals! Entry is through a shallow stream of cleansing running water. You will immediately see signs stating “Photography and Videography is strictly prohibited in the precincts of Sachkhand Sri Harimandar Sahib (Golden Temple). The spiritual centre of the World. (The Manager)”. We …

The highlight of the sites here is clearly the Temple of Zeus. It is half restored and looks impressive from the side I took a picture, with the acroterion placed in front it also in good condition. Not having done much research I didn't expect to go UNDERNEATH the temple this time - which Roman temple can you say you went to visit the basement? As you descend the steps (the same way as they did in ancient time) you feel the vibe of the sanctuary. It may have something to do with the eery music playing of course. there isn't that much to see here but what you see is quite interesting. Pedestals, broken columns as usual, an altar piece. Several have descriptions. I enjoyed this place. Although they try to keep pigeons out as much as possible they should try to close off the gaps a bit more. The temple visit only costs 6 lira!

If you have more time to spare you can seek out the antique macellum (market) with the Price Edict of Diocletian, a kind of inflation ceiling used back in the days of said Roman Emperor.

The theatre is mainly destroyed and not worth your time if you have seen similar ones in other areas (and I'm sure you have).

The necropolis is rather mediocre.

The bridge is under renovation early 2019.

Combining all these may be enough for an inscription. It's a worthy visit for at least the …

Oh my, I dislike religious-based sites so much. So when my friend from Udon Thani wanted to drive here a couple of years ago I only agreed if we stopped at the mushroom-shaped rocks at Phu Phan NP on the way. The drive to Nakhon Phanom takes 3 hours for me, 2 1/2 for her on the way back.

At first sight the stupa looks like any other in Thailand. On second sight, it still does. On third, after checking the document now, it's actually rebuilt and looks less interesting. So according to their description this was the first to have this kind of architecture and it inspired the rest of the region - fair enough. That might be something to impact not only Thailand but also Laos across the Mekong.

As for the other criteria is is trying to inscribe, literature and all that, I am not familiar with it. It sounds important for Buddhists so I don't want to talk bad about it.

I'm going to cut this short now and just say you can save yourself some time not to visit here if you have already seen many stupas around SE Asia. If you are religious then you maybe have a better reason to visit. If you leave early you can pack both this place and the NP into one day and it's kind of entertaining.

It is surprisingly hard to write a review of one's home area attraction. I've been to Central Park in New York City a few hundred times, in conservative estimation, likely setting foot at least once at or near all of its major features and points of interest. On a pure intellectual level, I continue to recognize it as a monumental achievement of purposeful civic planning and the blueprint for many other parks since. But a park that I've seen only once in some remote locale probably retains a stronger impression for me than the park I've seen and used for most of my adult life.

Central Park is huge, larger than some cities enshrined on the WH list. If you are touring New York City, you should definitely budget some time for exploring the park, especially on a brilliant sunny day. Hitting all of the highlights is hard to do even if you have a full day, but you can see a few in a couple of hours of leisurely strolling, which will give you plenty of appreciation for the scale and the diversity of the place. From Gapstow Bridge to the Mall to the Bethesda Fountain, then over the Bow Bridge to the Belvedere Castle to the Great Lawn will take you through the southern half of the park, with the added advantage of proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the eastern edge or the Museum of Natural History on the western one at the end …

I loved Carcassonne with its massive stone walls, pointy turrets, and the inner castle of Chateau Comtal. Sure, Viollet-le-Duc may have taken some artistic license, but the overall result is really fantastic. Part of my enthusiasm for the city may be from the time of year that I visited. I visited in late October -- the weather was crisp and fine, and the crowds very small. I might feel differently if I had been fighting the summer hordes. I had an easy time getting photos with no people during the early morning or evening. I made it my base for a few nights, staying a couple blocks outside La Cite'. I had a blast exploring many Cathar Castles (and non-Cathar) in the extended area, from the 4 castles of Las Tours down to the Pyrennes, plus other sights, including the WHS Canal du Midi. One of Carcasssonne's highlights was certainly taking the ramparts walk (combined ticket with the Chateau Comtal). I also stopped in for mass in the ancient basilica in the citadel. This has some gorgeous stained glass, which was unfortunately mostly hidden behind scaffolding while I was there (2017), but I really loved the small glimpses I could get. It was great strolling into the citadel after dark for a hot dish of cassoulet at one of the outdoor restaurant tables in the chilly autumn air.