Three More Outstanding World Heritage Sites

World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Each site has a story to tell and is of exceptional cultural or historical significance. I have recommended many times to senior travelers to go use a search engine and input the name of the state or country you wish to visit followed by “World Heritage Sites.” These are the major places of interest or attraction that senior citizens do not want to miss. When you are done reading this travel blog, try it. Once you have experienced any one of these sites, it will remain in your memory.

Sacred City Of Kandy

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha in the religious capital of Kandy is in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This sacred Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura, was the last capital of the Sinhala kings whose patronage enabled the Dinahala culture to flourish for more than 2,500 years until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815.

The monumental ensemble of Kandy is an outstanding example of a traditional type of construction in which the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth of Buddha are juxtaposed. The Temple of the Tooth, the palatial complex, and the sacred city of Kandy are directly and tangibly associated with the history of the spread of Buddhism.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

The famous shrine built on stilts with its torii gate set in the sea, on the island of Itsukushima, in the Seto inland sea, has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. The present shrine dates from the 12th century and the harmoniously arranged buildings reveal great artistic and technical skill.

The shrine plays on the contrasts in color and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity. Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Bay, Japan, is an exceptional example of the distinctive architectural style of Japanese aesthetics. Take a 360 view with Google Street View for an excellent view of what senior travelers will experience.

Alto Douro Wine Region Draws Seniors

It may be a little difficult to imagine a wine region in Portugal qualifing as a World Heritage Site, but along the Douro River is Alto Douro Wine Region. Wine has been produced by traditional landholders in the Alto Douro region for some 2,000 years. Since the 18th century, its main product, port wine, has been world famous for its quality.

This long tradition of viticulture has produced a cultural landscape of outstanding beauty that reflects its technological, social and economic evolution.

Senior Fathers, Happy Father’s Day to you.  jeb