Israel has accomplished much in the world, but one that makes history buffs glow with particular pride is the inscription of sixteen Israeli sites on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Israel protects and cherishes them carefully to ensure they are preserved for future generations. Below are the 6 special ones.
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1. Massada
UNESCO has Masada (location here) honored as a symbol of Jewish cultural identity and of the human struggle for freedom from oppression. The construction of Masada by Herod the Great is also considered an extraordinary example of an early Roman villa and the Roman siege works around the plateau are the most complete in the world.
2. The White City Tel Aviv
UNESCO also considers the White City of Tel Aviv to be excellent – at synthesizing architectural trends of the Modern Movement and integrating them into local conditions. The Bauhaus (location here) White City buildings in Dizengoff, Rothschild and other streets, among others, are one of Tel Aviv's newest attractions, as evidenced by the crowds of visitors and locals alike.
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UNESCO World Heritage List | The White City of Tel Aviv
3. The old town of Acre/Akko
Acre (Akko) (location here) has secured its place on the list thanks to its well-preserved medieval city and its status as a prime example of an Ottoman walled city whose city walls with stunning views of the Mediterranean can still be walked on.
4. Baha'i – sacred sites of Haifa and Akko
UNESCO also has the Baha'i shrines and gardens in Haifa and Akko (location here) added to the World Heritage in Israel. As resting places of the founders of the faith, Bahá'u'lláh and Bab, they are the first World Heritage Site associated with a religious tradition that emerged in modern times. The beautifully landscaped gardens and shrines are an annual pilgrimage site not only for the 5 million believers of the Bahá'í Faith, but also for hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world.
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5. The Incense Route – Desert Cities of Negev
The Frankincense Route – The Desert Cities of the Negev is the portion of the 2414 km frankincense trade route (location here) from Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea that crosses Israel's Negev desert. The route belongs to the Nabataeans who built along it about two millennia ago. Mamshit, Avdat, Haluza and Shivta, all fascinating places to visit, conveyed not only precious spices but also ideas and cultural exchange. The agriculture that developed along the way shows how a people could flourish a hostile desert environment.
6. Biblical Tels – Megiddo, Hazor and Beersheba
UNESCO has determined that the Biblical Tels, Megiddo, Hazor and Beersheba, also witness cultural exchanges along major ancient highways. Their intricate water systems, which are the highlights of a visit to these places, also testify to ingenuity and cooperation between the ancient communities. The places with their palaces, ramparts and warehouses are also great remnants of great ancient civilizations and show the power of the biblical story.
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