Our UNESCO Heritage Trail Adventure.
Spoilt for Choice in Europe.
Before we departed for our big adventure to Europe early in 2019, we set ourselves a task to see how many UNESCO World Heritage sites we might visit. In three months we came across 24 we could count, without trying too hard! With additional classified "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" that we passed through.
The sites we visited are designated by UNESCO as landmarks or areas chosen for having cultural, historical, scientific or some other form of significance. These zones are legally protected by encouraging countries to sign the World Heritage Convention to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage.
These wonderful places included:
- old historic buildings and town sites
- important archaeological sites
- works of monumental sculpture or painting
It was absolute gold for a maker of travel-inspired jewellery! The islands of the Mediterranean - Capri, Sardinia, Corsica and other beautiful island - Martinique, Skye, Iona and Elba, inspired the Island-kind Collection, the first Bird of Prey Jewellery range launched on the website.
UNESCO Sites we visited in Italy
- Cinque Terre
- The historic centre of Florence
- Venice and its Lagoon
- The historic centre of Rome
- Amalfi Coast
- The baroque town of Noto, South-east Sicily
- Su Nuraxi di Barumini, Sardinia
We had a fabulous time in Sardinia, an island similar in many ways to New Zealand. The best time to visit, in my opinion, is mid-June before the hoards arrive, and the temperature is just right. I also wouldn't mind seeing more of Sardinia in the Autumn after most of the crowds leave, but when things are still buzzing.
When you see those instagram photos of beautiful beach babes, lithe limbs dusted in sand, lying on a secluded beach...
...know its really actually like this!
On the back of our visit to the Nuraghe of Barumini in Sardinia, my big tip would be to take LOADS of water because the site was BAKING in the mid-day sun, and a good sun hat, not too big mind - the tunnels are tiny. Take a journey back in time and discover how people lived in the Bronze Age.
Approaching the Bronze Age Nuraghe at Barumini.
Remains of what was once a village around the tower, home to approximately 200 people at the time.
The Nuraghe walls converged at the apex, finished with a massive cover stone, since fallen.
I was surprised to hear that wars didn't happen in the area in the Stone Age, as there were simply not the numbers of people, but pillaging skirmishes for basic supplies were the order of the day. Consequently, Sardegnans of the time built incredible stone towers, knows as Nuraghi, for protection, food and water storage.
Today's remains are undergoing resurrection, and curious travellers can visit with a knowledgeable guide. All sorts of stories abound about giant skeletons and secret bone caches, so there's plenty more to discover yet.
My moment of greatest inspiration came in Italy, walking the rocky Cinque Terre trail between the towns of Monterosso al Mare, (where we stayed for three days), and Vernazza, where we would have stayed had I booked early enough. The path winds by sweeping sea views, around tiny vineyards and vegetable plots stacked in seemingly impossible layers up hillsides striped in greens, cactus and rocks.
Officials estimated the walk time to be about 1.5 hours, but it took us more like 2.5 with some insta-worthy snapshot moments and well deserved short breaks. (In New Zealand, you can usually walk a track in half the suggested time - not so in Italy).
I hear the rest of the paths between villages are due to re-open in 2020, which is excellent news as only the one was open during our visit.
Don't leave home without your camera and light walking boots or sturdy runners as the trails can be steep and crumbly.
Further UNESCO sites we visited in 2019
The United Kingdom
- We visited Avebury Henge as opposed to Stonehenge (been there done that). The place was chilly and shrouded in mist, adding to its magical allure.
- The Tower of London was a highlight for my boys. I loved the ravens.
- The city of Bath - a stunning town full of history and style from a bygone era, but this time it was only to get pizza as we were on a whistle-stop tour of the Cotswolds.
- Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew - we took enough photos to fill an SD card and will delve into some other time.
France
- Paris – Banks of the Seine
- The Palace and Park of Versailles
- Mont-St-Sichel and it's bay
- Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
- The historic centre of Avignon – Papal Palace and Avignon Bridge
Spain
- The historic centre of Cordoba, including La Mezquita – my favourite cathedral in all the world.
Morocco
- Medina of Marrakech
- Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)
- Medina of Fez
- The historic city of Meknes
- The archaeological site of Volubilis
The world is a hugely exciting place with layers of culture we can only pick the surface of, but the fun is in the trying!
Which UNESCO sites you have visited?
