The Global Heritage Fund has created a list of cultural heritage sites that may be lost in the near future.
The Global Heritage Fund has created a list of cultural heritage sites that may be lost in the near future. One of these sites is the Mayan settlement of El Mirador in Guatemala. Historians believe that construction on the city began in 850 BC. The city flourished from about the 6th century BC, but in 150 it was suddenly abandoned.
Sans-Souci Palace, built in Haiti at the beginning of the 19th century for King Henri Christophe, is also in danger. It was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1842, and local residents believe the ruins are cursed and avoid approaching them.
Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh, is one of the oldest cities in the world, famous for its numerous Hindu and Muslim holy sites.
Maluti in India is another ancient architectural site, famous for its 72 temples built in the 14th–15th century.
Taxila, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Gandhāra, is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It takes three days to reach from the Indus River. Taxila was the residence of King Taksa, who most likely gave his name to the city.
The city of Ani is the ancient capital of the Bagratuni Kingdom of Armenia. At its prime, Ani was recognized as the city of 1,001 churches. Pictured: The fortress of Tignis in the city of Ani.
The ruins of Ani are now a part of the Turkish province of Kars. Pictured: The Church of Abugamrents (the Church of Gregory the Enlightener), built in the 10th century in the city of Ani.
Chersonesos was an ancient Greek colony in the southwestern part of Crimea, now part of Sevastopol.
In 1996, UNESCO included Chersoneses on the list of the 100 most prominent world heritage sites protected by the Global Heritage Fund. Pictured: St. Vladimir’s Cathedral.
Famagusta is a port city on the southeastern coast of Cyprus. Famagusta Gate is one of Cyprus’ major attractions.
Hisham’s Palace, built in the middle of the 8th century, is located in the West Bank of Palestine. It is a unique example of the Umayyad architecture, which carefully replicated the Roman style.
Nineveh is another ancient city, which appeared as far back as 4,000 BC. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria beginning in the 8th century BC. It is located in Iraq, near the city of Mosul.
