In 1959 under Gamal Abdel Nasser, the government of Egypt built a dam in the town of Aswan. An innocent enterprise at the time and one that had the vast support of the people. With the economy of Egypt in the toilet, the hydroelectric dam was going to provide a shot in the arm. The dam was a big success on that measure but there was a high cost to pay. The priceless temples of Abu Simbel, with their countless treasures and historical place in the evolution of human culture, were swept under water.

The outcry from the international community was loud and swift. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sprang into action to rebuild Abu Simbel on new ground, piece by piece, and under the leadership of the United States, the idea to preserve cultural and natural heritage sites around the world became a matter of doctrine in 1972.

We can debate the influential worth of the United Nations for eternity but on this front, the world body has been effective. With the World Heritage Site program, UNESCO provides a wonderful service to nations around the world and sounds a preservation clarion call that is no more apropos than the present.

With that in mind, here are 10 Cool World Heritage Cultural Sites that compel travelers to get off the beaten path.

Museum-City of Gjirokastra, Albania

Tourist development in Albania is somewhat of an oxymoron but because of it, or perhaps in spite of it, the country boasts pristine Ottoman Empire relics. The town of Gjirokastra is emblematic of a history rich in cross-cultural influence, typical of the Balkan region. A citadel from the 13th-century frames the old city, which features ornate architectural examples of Turkish tower houses, Ottoman mosques and a bazaar. As a reflection of a way of life extinct from the map of human history, Gjirokastra is exceptional.

Ancient City of Nessebar, Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers a curious alternative to veteran travelers weary of continental Europe. The Black Sea region in particular, is rife with natural and archaeological wonders. Take the Ancient City of Nessebar for example. The site dates over 3,000 years, to the Thracian Age. The structural vestiges that remain are for the most part, from subsequent Greek colonial dominance. These include a temple to Apollo and an acropolis. A Medieval basilica and fortress dot the site as well and reveal the importance of Nessebar within the then Byzantine Empire. Overall, this area of Bulgaria offers many World Heritage Site examples for visitors to enjoy, with Nessebar the most notable.

SGaang Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada

Canada has a rich aboriginal history, which unfortunately has a sad record of preservation. The SGang Gwaay site in the province of British Columbia, off the coast of the Queen Charlotte islands, reverses that lamentable trend. The Haida tribal village of Ninstints on Anthony Island, demonstrates the relationship aboriginal cultures had with the geography in the area. Thorough protection of the site ensures that visitors can today witness a way of life that is thousands of years old. The most famous feature of SGaang Gwaii are the Haida totem and mortuary poles, perhaps the most brilliant example of primitive art in North America, if not the world. Each pole represents the oral tradition of the Haida people and reveals unique glimpses into their ancient world.

Historic Quarter of Valparaiso, Chile

As South America emerges as a world class travel destination, Chile in particular, stands out as a superb country for tourism. From cosmopolitan Santiago to lush wine regions, Chile is formidable. Primary among attractions is the city of Valparaiso. The old section of the city is a World Heritage Site that provides unique insight into the industrial evolution of Latin America under colonial rule. Built into a lovely hillside, the historic quarter of the city features typical neo-colonial Spanish structures, replete with cathedral spires that jut into the sky. Valparaiso has all of the hospitable charm one would expect from a historic Latin city, with scenery and architecture that has undergone careful restoration.

Ancient City of Pingyao, Shan Xi Province, China

As a cradle of human civilization and with a deep reverence for the past, China is a leader in World Heritage Sites. From The Great Wall to the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven to the Ming Dynasty Tombs, the historical legacy of China is complex and rich. For sheer cool factor however, the Ancient City of Pingyao is up there. Clearly, a visit here is the best way to approximate how it felt to be a Han Dynasty warrior. The city is a remarkable example of Imperial architecture, from the 14th-century no less, all the way to the early 20th-century when Pingyao was the commercial heart of China.

Hotels in ancient Pingyao are here for your perusal.

Continue reading 10 Cool World Heritage Cultural Sites Part 2