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Page 382 of 539
First published: 12/09/11.

john booth

Etruscan Necropolises

Etruscan Necropolises (Inscribed)

Etruscan Necropolises by john booth

With careful planning I found that I could reach both Cerveteri and Tarquinia by public transport on a day trip from Rome. I took a train to Cerveteri-Ladispoli which connected with a bus to Cerveteri town centre, from where I got a shuttle bus to the necropolis.

After a very satisfactory walk amongst the tombs I retraced my route to Cerveteri-Ladispoli station and caught a train to Tarquinia, changing at Civitavecchia on the way. At Tarquinia a CD bus took me to Piazza Cavour and then continued to the Necropolis.

After the visit I walked back down to Piazza Cavour to catch a bus to Tarquinia station and caught a train direct to Rome.

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First published: 12/09/11.

john booth

Villa Adriana (Tivoli)

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) (Inscribed)

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) by john booth

After visiting Villa d'Este I returned to Tivoli's Piazza Garibaldi and caught a #4 bus to Villa Adriana, 6 kms away. Although the villa is in ruins I was surprised to find remnants of buildings standing up to three storeys high. It was not hard to envisage the extent and grandeur of this villa and its surroundings.

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First published: 12/09/11.

john booth

Rome

Rome (Inscribed)

Rome by john booth

Having visited Rome previously on several occasions and seen all the prominent tourist sights, this year I decided to seek out the more obscure sites included in the WHS inscription.

My first call was the church of San Paolo Fuore la Mura, a monster church beside a metro station in SW Rome.

The rest of the day I spent touring the palazzi, mausolea and churches listed as properties of the Holy See enjoying extraterratorial rights.

Of the churches, San Giovanni in Laterano was lavish and splendid, as also was Santa Maria Maggiore. Santa Maria in Trastevere was rather shabby and insignificant by comparison.

Augustus' mausoleum was a rather insignificant ruin, while Hadrian's was concealed within the Castel Sant Angelo.

The Palaces varied from the shabby and neglected to the pristine serving as museums and offices. My favourite was the Palazzo delle Cancelleria in Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II, where the courtyards housed a collection of Leonardo da Vincio's Big Machines. Another architecturally pleasing example was the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide in the Piazza di Spagna.

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First published: 11/09/11.

john booth

Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort (Inscribed)

Bahla Fort by john booth

Whilst the restoration work still continues, I am glad to say much progress has been made, and the day will come when the last of the scaffolding is removed. It was interesing to see bricks of clay and straw being baked in the sun for use on the reconstruction.

From the bus stop outside the fort buses stop on their way to Nizwa, Salalah and Muscat.

We also visited the nearby forts at Jabreen and Nizwa, where restoration has been completed. Although smaller than Bahla, they are of equal interest.

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First published: 11/09/11.

john booth

Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn (Inscribed)

Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn by john booth

It is essential to have your own transport to visit these sites. We drove from Al Ain (UAE) to Ibri and took the road viaAd Dariz to Bat where we found hilltops dotted with stone tombs. Some were restored, and within a wire fence we found the remains of the Al-Khutm tower.

From Bat we continued along a dusty but smooth road for about 25 kms until we reached a paved road which led to Al Ayn.These were quite spectacular, strung out in a long row along a ridge overlooking the wadi.

From Al Ayn we returned along the paved road which joined the main highway to Nizwa.

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First published: 11/09/11.

Peter Alleblas

Provins

Provins (Inscribed)

Provins by Peter Alleblas

On a sunny day in August 2011 I visited the medieval town Provins. I parked my car in front of the tourist office. Fortunately there where some places left in the shadow. Outside the tourist office I saw that the tourist train was waiting for passengers. Of course I decided to walk, but my first impression was good, a beautiful tourist office, free toilets, a lot of information available and a little train ! In 5 minuts I walked to fortified wall and I made some nice photos of the wall and the gate. I saw that it was possible to climb the wall a little bit, but that I was for later. First I walked slowly to the center of the town. Now I saw a little bit more tourists, but in general it was quiet. One moment I thought that I was walking in a little German town because of the similar timber-framed houses. The square was nice to see, little souvenirs shoppings, restaurants with terraces half full with visitors. From the square I saw the the Caesar Tower and that was my first goal, because I not knew till what time the tower was open. Trough picturesque streets I walked to the tower, I paid 3,80 Euro and went inside. Glady the tower was open till 6 pm. Via a lot of narrow steps I climbed higher. Inside also a movie on the walls about the life a long time ago was busy. Upstairs the view was …

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First published: 10/09/11.

Anonymous

Kazan Kremlin

Kazan Kremlin (Inscribed)

Kazan Kremlin by Els Slots

I went to the Kazan Kremlin on 1st September 2011. To be honest it was quite disappointing. The sun was shining and everything looked beautiful, but somehow the experience didn't live up to my expectations. For a city that boasts of its milennium status I for one could not embrace the concept that white walls were anywhere near 1000 years old, and it look like my suspicions are proved right by other posts.

Whilst it was fascinating to step inside a mosque I found it an unsatisfactory experience. The glitzy finish of what is an oversized empty room didn't bring me any closer to God, but left me feeling like an intruder as we wore our blue plastic overshoes and were only permitted access to a viewing gallery.

Imagine taking a trip to St.Pauls Cathedral in London and being told you were only welcome in a small part? Unlike my many trips inside cathedrals there was no evidence of faith through the acts of mere mortals within, but rather a thought that one was supposed to have a sense of awe, which I sadly didn't share.

The mosque was a disappointment, but inside the Kremlin Orthodox Church I was actually assaulted by the security guard! There's no doubt the painting inside were impressive, but as a first time visitor I was quietly discussing what was going on at the rear of building. A qualified priest appeared to be traing a lay man on thart of "incantation". All of a sudden …

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First published: 10/09/11.

Anonymous

Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe (Inscribed)

Great Zimbabwe by Els Slots

In 1939 I first visited the ruins with my family when I was six years old.

In 1954 I was posted by the National Parks department as Assistant Warden to Mr S.D.Sandes the Curater who was ex B.S.A.P. and C.I.D. (The old visitors book was still there with the families signatures in it. The park though managed by National Monuments Commission in Bulawayo was maned and run by Natioanl Parks Department.

There is to much to be written here about what I learnmed from Local Shona people - the assumed five stages of construction and method used - repairs clearly visible in the entrences to the Temple.- hidden weir in old stream - The phalic religion in the Temple design - look at ruin plan from above, can you not see a foetal head-spine along the narrow passage to the conical tower where the foetus is situated.Then to conflict between two tribes - Political involvement and take over.

Much much more to tell if of interest.

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First published: 06/09/11.

Anonymous

Surame Cultural Landscape

Surame Cultural Landscape (On tentative list)

Surame is one of the best places anyone could ever be, it is a very large construction of pure stone believed to be carried out by men and no machinery was used because by that time all the machinaries were not invented. one of the things that make up the place is still the great walls and the hell fire and paradise which was said to have fire burning non-syop. it really is a place to go and see

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First published: 05/09/11.

Hubert

Vicenza and the Palladian Villas

Vicenza and the Palladian Villas (Inscribed)

Vicenza and the Palladian Villas by Hubert

In August this year I finally managed it to visit the last of the Palladian villas on my wish list, the Villa Americo-Capra, named La Rotonda. During several trips to Northern Italy in the last ten years I have visited almost all the Palladian villas that are open to the public. La Rotanda is regarded as one of Palladio's masterpieces and is really amazing. The villa was built on the top of a hill and should certainly demonstrate the power and wealth of its owner. The building is symetrical: it has a cubic form with a round hall and a dome in the centre. There are four vestibules leading to four entrances, each with a loggia with six columns and a staircase. The interior is decorated with paintings and ornaments from the late 16th and the 17th Century.

Vicenza is a charming city, though not my favourite town in Northern Italy. The highlight is a visit to the Teatro Olimpico. The construction of the stage impresses by its spatial depth, which is an optical illusion. Across from the theater is the beautiful Palazzo Chiericati (now the City Museum), one of the few Palladian palaces that are open to the public. From here you can stroll along the Corso Palladio, where a lot of the Palladian palaces are located. A must see is the Piazza dei Signori, with the Loggia del Capitanio and the so-called Palladian Basilica. It is not really a basilica, Palladio designed a new front with a double-storey …

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First published: 04/09/11.

Anonymous

Kasbah of Algiers

Kasbah of Algiers (Inscribed)

Kasbah of Algiers by Solivagant

I miss Algeria!! I lived in Algeria 1963-1967, as a high school student. I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Casbah. It has left an indelible impression on me. The timeless experience serves to open my heart to this day. What, 48 years later and I am a silver surfer reconnecting!! Thank you for having this site.

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First published: 02/09/11.

Frederik Dawson

China Danxia

China Danxia (Inscribed)

China Danxia by Frederik Dawson

This place currently maybe one of the least informative world heritage sites in China, but after long internet searching, it is a great surprised to discover that visiting Danxiashan National Park, part of China Danxia, is very easy from Guangzhou, or even Hong Kong, and I am really happy to visit this beautiful place in one of the least visited places in the region. Danxia is a name of red sandstone landform in southern China, has many similarities with Monumental Valley and Canyonlands National Park in Utah, USA, but in the lush tropical forest of Southeast Asia environs creating unique landscape of red rock which in my opinion this place is the red version of classic Chinese mountain.

By the infamous Chinese 310 Km/h high speed train from Guangzhou, I was in Shaoguan for less than 50 minutes (normal train will take 2-4 hours!). From the new train station, I took a bus to the old train station in the city center for 2 RMB and then took another bus to Danxiashan which depart frequently for 16 RMB. After an hour with many beautiful views of Danxia landscape along the road, the bus dropped me at a casino, part of tourist complex in front of the gate of the national park, a truly typical Chinese tourist facility. I walked through the sleepy complex; clearly Danxiashan was not a popular tourist destination (yet), to the office ticket. The entrance fee was 100 RMB for weekday and 120 RMB for …

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First published: 02/09/11.

Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Hacienda Chuao

Hacienda Chuao (On tentative list)

Hacienda Chuao by Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Beautifully situated and relatively easy to reach (provided you are in Puerto Colombia in Henri Pitier NP). The village itself is relatively modern with only a few old colonial buildings and old church but what really counts are cocoa plantations that are abundant there. Taste real cocoa chocolate (quite expensive in fact) is recommended. And allow at least half a day for taking a boat and wandering throughout a village.

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First published: 31/08/11.

Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Jerash Archaeological City

Jerash Archaeological City (On tentative list)

Jerash Archaeological City by Els Slots

This for sure will be once listed on the main WHS list. One of the most remarkable ancient places can be compared only with Palmyra or Baalbek. You can see complete layout of ancient big town with two thatres, palaces, temples, agoras, stadium, streets, arches, houses and town walls. It is advised to spare full day to see all sights there, in sunny days take plenty of water with you but there is a small restaurant on the spot as well as other amenities.

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First published: 31/08/11.

Klaus Freisinger

Pilgrimage Church of Wies

Pilgrimage Church of Wies (Inscribed)

Pilgrimage Church of Wies by Els Slots

This is one of the sites that can be quickly visited and ticked off, but are not so easy to reach, because they are somewhat off the beaten track. Wies is just a collection of houses about 3 km from the nearest town of Steingaden. Several other attractions such as the Bavarian Royal Castles are close by, though. Having seen countless Baroque churches already, I can't say I was overly impressed by the Wies Church. It is certainly all very beautiful (at least on the inside, because on the outside it is just a normal church), but I'm not sure why this church would stand out from the many, many other Baroque churches in Central Europe alone. I suppose it was inscribed as a representative example.

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First published: 30/08/11.

Els Slots

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (Inscribed)

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal by Els Slots

This essentially is one single structure, although the UK has included the whole canal and some features around it in the core zone of the nomination. But it's the formidable aqueduct why we all go here, and why it has earned worldwide recognition. I had spotted it from a distance the day before when crossing the very narrow old stone bridge in the valley on my way to Ironbridge.

I arrived at the aqueduct from the side of Trevor. After parking my car, I actually had to look around for a bit to search for the aqueduct: you're so high up here that you do not see the arches, but only the canal. I was early, at about 8.30 am, and had the sight completely to myself except for some joggers and curious squirrels. It is good to arrive early, as it gets very busy later in the day when coach loads are offloaded.

I walked to the other end via the foot path next to the canal. Fortunately, it has a sturdy railing so you do not really feel the height. Just over half of it the wind comes in, shaking you just a little (but enough to realize how tiny you are out in the open on this enormous structure). It is the first aqueduct that I have visited that you can actually walk on, and the narrow canal flowing next to you with no boundaries makes it an extra special experience.

After having walked …

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First published: 30/08/11.

Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Inscribed)

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo by Els Slots

Well known but currently a bit difficult to visit. All monuments are protected either by KFOR soldiers (Gracanica, Pec, Vysoki Decani) or Albanian-Kosovian policeman (Prizren). The road are completely unmarked (Serbian signs were removed) but you can ask people how to get there. First three sights are living monasteries under KFOR protection but they can be visited (secirity check necessary) while Prizren is currently unable to see from inside.

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First published: 30/08/11.

Els Slots

Gwynedd Castles

Gwynedd Castles (Inscribed)

Gwynedd Castles by Els Slots

Probably the most exciting thing is getting there, especially to Beaumaris Castle which is located on the island of Anglesey at the northwestern tip of Wales. The motorway follows the coast and takes you through a series of tunnels. After each tunnel the clouds became darker, the wind stronger and the rain more persistent. It feels as if you're approaching the end of the world.

I finally arrived at Beaumaris via the modern bridge and some narrow, winding roads. It is a small town, with the castle prominently located in the center. My visit was a bit hurried because of the rain pouring down, and because I had not paid for the parking as I had no coins left. Actually, all parking spots I have had over this weekend had to be paid in small change, strangely there was no other way to pay.

Beaumaris Castle has all the usual features of a medieval castle. What is left is the complete outer ring, surrounded by water. Inside there's not a lot to see - about as much as you can expect during a half an hour visit and for a 3.80-pound entry fee.

I then drove on eastwards again, to Conwy, via the Menai-bridge (another Industrial Revolution design by Thomas Telford). Conwy has a very different set of fortifications from Beaumaris. They are located higher up on a rock, and the castle is adorned with lean turrets. It's an impressive piece of work from a distance, more …

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First published: 30/08/11.

Els Slots

Ironbridge Gorge

Ironbridge Gorge (Inscribed)

Ironbridge Gorge by Els Slots

I visited the Ironbridge Gorge on a day trip from Llangollen, just over the border in Wales. My rental Ford Focus got me there via narrow, winding roads just before 10 a.m. I was early enough to get a parking spot in the center of Ironbridge town. I had printed out a hiking map beforehand (the South Telford Heritage Trail) and set out on foot to at least walk part of it.

The main focus at first is the Iron Bridge itself. It’s an imposing structure for its age, and pretty photogenic too. I crossed it and walked on the other side of the river Severn to Jackfield and Coalport. The walking trail here lies between the river and the main road, but the shrubs are too thick to see anything worthwhile. It is actually just the sort of path you see at BBC Crimewatch when someone is suddenly attacked by a stranger. Fortunately, nothing happened to me, I only encountered some fellow hikers.

The path ends near the former tile factories of Jackfield, and then I crossed the river again via the footbridge. This is where the Tar Tunnel lies, and also the Hay Inclined Plane (a lift or funicular for ships). Only the tracks remain. I walked back along the main road to Ironbridge.

After my walk, I tried two of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. You can visit all 10 of them for a rather steep 22.5 pounds (they’re not exactly the Uffizi or the …

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First published: 29/08/11.

Anonymous

Manu National Park

Manu National Park (Inscribed)

Manu National Park by Els Slots

I have been in the Manu National Park and must say is for sure one of the best places in the world to be visited. Due to the non easy access way, nature there remainded more untouched than in others Amazon reservations, that is mainly the reason why is easier to spot mammals and birds. Insekts species we saw there are unbeliveble, those that somebody could not imagine that exist.

Our guide was so knowledge and patience showing us useful plants, vines and teaching us how to live in the Amazon, we made fire and we bath us in beutiful rivers every day.

I stay volunteering on a campsite, helping to develope a project that protect the Cultural Zone of the Manu National Park, during this month I learnt a lot and I would never forget this experience.

For those interested you can visit the web page:

www.manuperuamazon.com

They offer affordable options to visit the Park

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Page 382 of 539