UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 3rd Session [2] Quiz

Answer: Versailles

France had five landmarks placed on the UNESCO lists in 1979 and one of these was the famous Palace and Park of Versailles, a resplendent royal residence constructed by King Louis XIV in the seventeen century. Today one of the most famous French tourist sites outside the Paris city limits, Versailles was added to the Heritage Site list for its artistic and architectural merits and for being a critical landmark of French culture.

It stands as one of the most important locations in 17th- and 18th-century French history.

Answer: The Sphinx

This specific World Heritage Site, one of five decided for Egypt in 1979, is one that takes in much of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, spanning the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur. As such, all structures on the Giza Plateau are included amongst these sites including the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the Necropolis, southward from Giza in what is now Badrashin.

This expanse perhaps epitomizes Egyptian landmarks most of all and includes one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World-- the only one left.

Answer: Plitvice Lakes

While much of Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coastline, Plitvice Lakes is in its more central mountainous karst region. Established as one of the nation's oldest national parks, it's a destination of pristine and picturesque natural beauty. The region contains a series of upper and lower lakes fed by underwater rivers, most of which form terraced bodies of water perched along the plateaus.

The abundance of water here also makes it an ideal ecosystem for diverse wildlife, giving this UNESCO World Heritage Site great significance as a natural protected spot.

Answer: Bulgaria

Although perhaps not the most likely country of those regarded in the 3rd Session of UNESCO inscriptions, Bulgaria had four of its destinations tracked as World Heritage Sites in 1979, each in different parts of the nation. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo and Boyana Church, both religious sites, were selected due to their historical importance in two different centuries.

The ones in Ivanovo in the north of the country are built into a series of cliffs while Boyana, just outside of Sofia, is home to significant and well-preserved medieval art. Madara Rider, featured in the provided image, was believed to have been carved onto a relief in the late 7th century AD.

Answer: Arizona

One of the United States' many varied natural wonders, Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona and is one of the most-visited parks in the United States, taking in millions of visitors driving through to marvel at the gorge created by the Colorado River.

A kilometre and a half deep, it's considered one of the most famous canyons in the world and one of the most interesting from a geological point of view, allowing scientists to track billions of years of history through its many visible layers.

Answer: Cairo

The 2nd Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites committee set the precedent for inclusion of significant cities, so it's likely unsurprising that the Historic City of Cairo joins the list with four other Egyptian sites. One of the oldest Islamic capitals, Cairo's history tracks back further than most.

The portion of the city covered by UNESCO is the Islamic or Medieval Cairo consisting of buildings that started construction in the 7th century AD, shortly after the Muslim Conquest. Today it includes numerous mosques, the Cairo Citadel, the city walls, and a series of long-frequented marketplaces.

Answer: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Home to the Maasai Mara reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Tanzania's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, having been selected as both an ecological and cultural site in need of protection. Situated between Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, it's one of many destinations in the country's Arusha Region, its northern reach, and a common stop-off for visitors heading out on safari.

The region was formed millions of years ago by a massive volcanic eruption; the caldera is all that remains, leaving it a massive expanse for local wildlife and the indigenous Maasai people.

Answer: Washington, U.S.

Containing one of the largest ice fields outside the polar regions, this vast expanse of protected land straddling the borders of Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon includes four different designated parks, each home to mountains, rocky coastlines, fjords, hundreds of glaciers, and animals unique to the northern reaches of North America. All of these parks also have their own individual claims to fame with Kluane containing Canada's highest peak (Mount Logan) and Wrangell-St. Elias comprising an area the size of nine smaller U.S. states.

Answer: Carthage

One of three sites added to the UNESCO list from Tunisia in this year, the Archaeological Site of Carthage is the oldest and the most in disrepair. At one time one of the richest trading posts on the Mediterranean, Carthage was sacked and its business moved further along to Tunis, the city that would become the nation's capital (its Medina becoming another UNESCO World Heritage Site). Nevertheless, the ruins of Carthage give a clear look into the lives and culture of society from this region more than three thousand years ago.

Answer: Kotor

Although at one time known by the name Cattaro, the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor is one of the key cities on the edge of what is now Montenegro on the Adriatic Coast. Settled during the time of the Roman Empire, it's been significantly influenced by Italy to the west-- especially the Venetian Republic-- as well as the Habsburg Empire, spcifically as a part of Dalmatia.

The year of its induction into the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city was struck by a significant earthquake. Fortunately, with the support of UNESCO, Kotor retained its Romanesque structures and unique fortifications.