Greece is among the top ten countries for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe in 2023. The new list, published by Statista, included particularly important cultural, natural, and mixed sites.
Greece boasts 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, encompassing a wealth of historical, natural, and cultural treasures. Among these, UNESCO has recognized 17 as cultural sites and two as mixed sites.
These include the Acropolis of Athens, archaeological sites of Vergina, Delphi, Mystras, Olympia, Philippi, Mycenae, and Tiryns. The list also features: the Medieval City of Rhodes; Old Town of Corfu; Delos; Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios; Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos; and Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
Other notable properties of the UNESCO list include the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, Messenia, the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse in Patmos.
Additionally, Greece is home to the Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki, while Meteora and Mount Athos are classified as mixed monuments by UNESCO.
Recent Greek Site Included in World’s Heritage List
Finally, the Zagori region of Greece, known for its picturesque stone villages called Zagorochoria, has recently been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Zagori offers a stunning natural landscape with 46 well-preserved villages, national parks, a monastery, rivers, and waterfalls.
🎉 We’re kicking off October with some great news to share!
Zagori in #Epirus has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list!
Pack your bags and join us as we switch to slow travel mode… this one was made to be savoured and shared with all of you fam! 💛 pic.twitter.com/ffS1HIjiDw— Work from Greece (@workfrom_Greece) October 3, 2023
These traditional stone-built villages are among Greece’s most well-preserved settlements and are located in an area of exceptional natural beauty, featuring landmarks such as the Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis River. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted that it is the first time a modern cultural heritage site in Greece has received this honor, as previous listings were related to Ancient Greece or Byzantium.
The nomination for Zagori was submitted by Greece’s Ministry of Culture in 2022, highlighting the region’s biodiversity, fauna, flora, and unique geological formations. Vikos Gorge, often called the “Greek Grand Canyon,” is a standout feature of Zagori, with its impressive cliffs and heights.
Other List Members
Italy stands at the forefront of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe, boasting 59 such sites. Close behind are France and Germany, each with an impressive total of 52 world attractions. The next spots include Spain, the UK, and Russia, where UNESCO has identified 50, 33, and 31 sites, respectively.
Turkey secures the seventh position with 21 significant monuments, closely followed by Greece. The top ten concludes with the Czech Republic and Poland, both preserving 17 world attractions within their borders.