Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: New UNESCO World Heritage sites

This church is built on the traditionally recognized birthplace of Jesus, about six miles south of Bethlehem. The existing structure dates back to the 6th century, when a new church was built to replace the 4th century complex that burned down.

This church is built on the traditionally recognized birthplace of Jesus, about six miles south of Bethlehem. The existing structure dates back to the 6th century, when a new church was built to replace the 4th century complex that burned down.   (Musa al Shaer / AFP/Getty Images)

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The World Heritage Committee inscribed 26 new places to its well-regarded list of cultural and natural sites during its 36th session in late June and early July. Sites were drawn from five continents. Chad, Congo, Palau and Palestine are represented for the first time. Here’s a look at notable additions, including the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in Palau, Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, Germany and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, revered by Christians as the site of Jesus’ birth.

Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

Grand-Bassam, located in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire, served as the country’s capital during the late 19th century. It blends European and Africa influences and several buildings from the town’s colonial period remain today.  (Issouf Sanogo / AFP/Getty Images )

Western Ghats, India

Stretching along India’s western coast, the Western Ghats mountain range encompasses some of the world’s greatest levels of biodiversity. The range’s forests are home to over 325 species of endangered plants and animals.   (Sam Panthaky / AFP/Getty Images )

Carioca Landscapes, Rio de Janeiro

This listing encompasses sites that have helped shaped the city, including Tijuca National Park (location of the towering Christ the Redeemer statue), Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and the hills surrounding Guanabara Bay.  (Felipe Dana / Associated Press)

Margravial Opera House, Bayreuth, Germany

Built between 1745 and 1750, the Baroque-style Margravial is one of Europe’s best preserved opera houses from this period. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and seats about 500. Tourists can enter the opera house for about $7, but it’s scheduled to close later this year for further restoration. More info: http://www.bayreuth.de/tourism/tourist_information/attractions_364.html  (David Ebener / EPA )

The capital city of Rabat, founded in the 12th century, is located in northern coastal Morocco about 50 miles northeast of Casablanca. Historic structures include 12th century Hassan Tower (top center), the minaret of an unfinished mosque. Nearby is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (top right), who was king of Morocco from 1957 to 1961.

The capital city of Rabat, founded in the 12th century, is located in northern coastal Morocco about 50 miles northeast of Casablanca. Historic structures include 12th century Hassan Tower (top center), the minaret of an unfinished mosque. Nearby is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (top right), who was king of Morocco from 1957 to 1961.   (Bdelhak Senna / AFP/Getty Images)

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