Every year, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) announces a selection of global sites deemed to have “outstanding universal value.” The locations are added to their World Heritage Site list.

A World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by UNESCO as being of special cultural or physical significance. The first destinations named in 1978 included only 12 locations. Today, there are more than 1,000 sites on the list to visit all over the world. Some are cities, or mountains or even vineyards. Most are stunning locations worthy of any travel lover’s bucket list. Here are 10 of the most beautiful world heritage sites worth visiting:

1. The Taj Mahal

Located in Agra, India, The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Built in the early to mid 17th Century, it was commissioned in 1632 by the emperor to house the tomb of his favorite wife. The stunning marble mausoleum attracts visitors from around the world for its photogenic white marble architecture.

2. Pyramids of Giza

Just outside of Cairo’s city center, this complex of ancient monuments includes three pyramids known as the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, several cemeteries, and a workers’ village. They are also the oldest of the seven wonders of the world.

3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. Best known for its waterfalls and its massive, ancient Sequoia trees, but within the park’s nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, tranquil meadows, a giant granite face, and much more.

4. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in Peru is a mysterious, Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains. Archeologists believe it was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. The city’s layout includes buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views over the valley.

5. Historic Center of Florence

Italy is full of incredible cities with a fascinating history. The city of Florence is built on the site of an ancient Etruscan settlement. It’s the symbol of the Renaissance and rose to economic and cultural power under the Medici family in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen in its buildings and the works of great masters like Botticelli and Michelangelo.

6. The Great Wall

The Great Wall of China runs 5,500 miles across China’s east-to-west line across the historical northern borders to protect the empire against the raids and invasions of nomadic groups. It’s the only man-made structure that can be seen from outer space. Especially famous is the section of wall built from 220–206 BC.

7. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It’s known as a Buddhist temple but was once a Hindu place of worship.

8. Medina of Marrakesh

The Medina is the center of Marrakesh, Morocco and home to busy, colorful and vibrant outdoor market that sells everything from leather, rugs, and jewelry to spices.

9. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is world famous for its stunning lakes arranged in cascades. The location’s 16 lakes and the green surroundings make for some beautiful photographs.

10. Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls

The ancient city of Jerusalem, Israel is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Towering walls, colorful markets, and historic, narrow alleyways make this a destination worth a visit.

 

Sure, the Declaration of Independence was signed in the year 1776, and George Washington was the first United States president. Such well-known facts are widely acknowledged by Americans as events which collectively built this liberty-loving nation. However, they are just a drop in the ocean of actual series of events throughout America’s history. There are many other interesting, least-known facts on events which occurred through the centuries America was shaped into the country it is today. Here are 5 of the most captivating ones:

1. Robert G. Heft, a 17 year old kid, came up with a 50 star flag design that his teacher termed as “mediocre”, for his school project. He was consequently awarded a B-, a grade that his tutor promised to change if the Congress accepted it. Interestingly, against all odds, Congress was moved by the design which was subsequently adopted as the official American flag in 1959. As for young Robert, he was ultimately awarded a grade A by his previously pessimistic teacher.

 

1. In a strange court case that was held on the 25th of September 1820, the public, represented by Salem NJ, largely believed that tomatoes were poisonous. In bid to clear all doubts, Robert Johnson did exactly what other people were afraid of doing- he ate an entire basket of tomatoes in front of crowd that had gathered to witness the proceedings. Seeing he remained alive after his heavy fruit meal, the case was immediately dismissed.

 

1. In addition to serving as the country’s first president, George Washington was also an alcohol manufacturer and distributor, owning and running one of the biggest distilleries at that time. He erected it after James Anderson, a scot who managed his farm, convinced him that his corn and rye farm product would generate additional income if he made whiskey from it. The 2250 square foot distillery was supplying more than 11,000 whisky gallons to American citizens by the year 1799.

 

1. Both Democratic and Republican party symbols were not influenced by any political inspirations. The Republican elephant gradually became the official party symbol after a Thomas Nast, a satirical cartoonist, depicted a republican vote through the drawing of an elephant. The Democratic Party’s symbol on the other hand, came into being after Andrew Jackson was referred to as a “jackass” by his opponents in the 1828 elections.

 

1. During the peak of World War Two, right before the Hiroshima bombing, the Japanese came up with a thoughtful way of hitting the United States with Intercontinental bombs. Taking advantage of the strong American on-shore winds, they tied the bombs to hydrogen balloons and let them float all the way to American Coast. Dubbed the “Fu-Go” campaign, the Japanese released over 9000 bombs which were expected to take 30 to 60 hours to land and decimate Americans. Although many of them landed and exploded, only 342 of them made it to the US mainland.

 

It’s believed that there were many other interesting events, which will unfortunately never be fully recognized due to limited documentation methods in the past. Some however, are allegedly state’s secrets, only open to a select few who make it to the white house.