Heritage sites are official locations where pieces of political, military, cultural, or social history are preserved due to their cultural heritage value. They can include buildings, landscapes, sites, or structures that have local, regional, national, or global significance, and are usually at least 50 years old. These sites are often protected by law and may still be used by their owners under conditions set by conservation authorities. Examples range from historic buildings and archaeological sites to natural landscapes and monuments.
A very prominent category of heritage sites are World Heritage Sites, designated by UNESCO under an international treaty. These are landmarks or areas of outstanding cultural or natural value to humanity and carry legal protection. Such sites can be ancient ruins, cities, natural areas, monuments, forests, and more. They are selected based on their unique cultural or physical significance and their protection is ensured by robust legal frameworks. World Heritage Sites are intended to be conserved for future generations and represent an irreplaceable global legacy that transcends national boundaries.
In summary, heritage sites are significant cultural or natural places preserved for their historical, cultural, or environmental importance, often with legal protection to ensure their conservation and continuation for future generations.
