List of First 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has designated 1,161 World Heritage Sites, or significant sites of cultural, historic, environmental, and scientific significance, that belong to the entire world. The sites, originally created under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, assist in preserving exceptional world monuments and landscapes for future generations. 

The first WHS were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978; this event represented a collective goal to secure the preservation of exceptional examples of human accomplishment and natural beauty. Today’s World Heritage List was built off these early sites and consists of more than 1,000 WHS found in more than 160 nations around the world that have been given special recognition for their outstanding universal value according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

First 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

These sites were among the first 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 1978, marking the beginning of global heritage conservation. 

First 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The first World Heritage Sites were designated by UNESCO in 1978 to acknowledge and safeguard places that have great cultural, historical or natural significance. Below is a list of the ten original sites designated by UNESCO for inclusion in their World Heritage Sites program:

1. Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) 

Located off of the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago filled with animals that are not found elsewhere in the world. Two of the better-known animals include giant tortoises and marine iguanas. The islands formed an important part of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection. 

In 1978, because of the incredible parts of their ecosystem, these islands were deemed a Natural Laboratory of Biodiversity Under the Protection of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

2. Yellowstone National Park (USA) 

Established as the first national park in the United States in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is best known for its geothermal and natural features, such as Old Faithful (a geyser), hot springs, and vast wilderness. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including bears, wolves, and bison. Additionally, Yellowstone's geothermal features are located above a supervolcano, making them some of the most extreme geological characteristics on Earth.

3. L’Anse aux Meadows (Canada) 

The archaeological site called L'Anse aux Meadows is the only well-documented Viking site in North America, with a history of evidence that is over 1,000 years old. Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered structures and artifacts related to Nordic architecture and craftsmanship, providing a glimpse into how Vikings explored North America centuries before the arrival of Columbus.

4. Nahanni National Park Reserve (Canada) 

Nahanni National Park Reserve is home to stunning canyons, hot springs, and Virginia Falls within an untouched, pristine wilderness in the Northwest Territories. One of the most remote locations in the world to experience unspoiled ecosystems and to learn about and experience Indigenous culture.

5. Mesa Verde National Park (USA) 

Mesa Verde National Park is a national park that contains numerous sites where cliff dwellings from more than 700 years ago can still be seen. These stone structures were built by the Ancestral Puebloans, whose inhabitants were skilled builders, and prove that they had a high level of engineering ability long before the development of our modern towns.

6. Aachen Cathedral (Germany)

Aachen Cathedral, built by Charlemagne in the 8th century, is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. For many years, this cathedral has been the site of the coronation of German kings. Aachen Cathedral combines elements of Carolingian, Gothic, and Baroque architecture and is an important part of the European history of both architecture and religion.

7. Historic Centre of Kraków (Poland) 

The Historic Centre of Kraków, Poland, is a magnificent medieval city that features both the Royal Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica as well as the largest market square in Europe where people gathered for trade and commerce.

The Historic Centre of Kraków is influenced by both European cultural influences and historical events. Today, Kraków is one of Poland's major heritage sites and is considered a major attraction for visitors to Poland.

8. Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela (Ethiopia) 

Eleven churches carved from solid rock are all located in the town of Lalibela. They date to the 12th and 13th centuries and are still active religious sites for Christians. Lalibela is a holy pilgrimage destination and provides some of the finest examples of Ethiopian Christian architecture.

9. Simien National Park (Ethiopia) 

Simien National Park is located in a mountainous region that is characterized by steep cliffs and deep valleys. The park has an abundance of wildlife that is not found anywhere else, including the Gelada baboon and Walia ibex.

Due to its high elevation, Simien National Park is commonly referred to as the "Roof of Africa", with the protection of its unique biodiversity being the reason for its establishment as a national park.

10. Historic Centre of Quito (Ecuador) 

Located in the Andes mountains, Quito's historic center is one of the best preserved colonial capitals in South America. This historically significant area is filled with churches, plazas and many examples of the Spanish colonial architecture that was built during the period of colonial rule in South America. The historic center of Quito is an excellent example of the blending of Indigenous and European cultures.