Tourism - the World Heritage List

The World Heritage List includes 936 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Org considers as having outstanding universal value. This site has a wide array of materials from News and Events to Activities and Publications

These include 725 cultural, 183 natural and 28 mixed properties in 153 States Parties.

The 65m-tall Minaret of Jam is a graceful, soaring structure, dating back to the 12th century. Covered in elaborate brickwork with a blue tile inscription at the top, it is noteworthy for the quality of its architecture and decoration, which represent the culmination of an architectural and artistic tradition in this region. Its impact is heightened by its dramatic setting, a deep river valley between towering mountains in the heart of the Ghur province.

The historic town of Gjirokastra, in the Drinos river valley in southern Albania, is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large estate. The 13th-century citadel provides the focal point of the town with its typical tower houses (Turkish kule).

The Rock off the western Irish Coast known as "Skellig Michael" was inhabited by Irish Monks for over 600 years; from 588-1222 A.D. "Skellig" (or skeilic) is an Irish word used to describe a rock island out in the ocean. In the Middle Ages many high places were named "Michael" after the Archangel Michael. It is home to some ancient stone bee-hive huts. The monastery was founded by Fionán, believed to be one of the original monks who was a member of the community of St. Brendan the Navigator.

This monastic complex, perched since about the 7th century on the steep sides of the rocky island of Skellig Michael, some 12 km off the coast of south-west Ireland, illustrates the very spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.