Rideau Canal

where. Canada

what. postcard (Canada, 2019)

Borobudur Temple Compounds

country. Indonesia

year of inscription. 1991

criteria. Cultural

This Buddhist temple, located in the province of Central Java, dates back to the 8th and 9th century CE. Constructed during the Syailendra Dynasty, its architecture reflects Buddhist concepts of cosmology. It is composed of three tiers: a base of five concentric square terraces, a middle trunk of a cone with three circular platforms, and topped by a stupa. Its walls and balustrades are decorated with carved reliefs, and on the circular platforms are 72 stupas, each containing a statue of Buddha. The temple was abandoned sometime during the 15th century CE, rediscovered in the 19th century CE, and restored in the 20th century CE.

Prambanan Temple Compounds

country. Indonesia

year of inscription. 1991

criteria. Cultural

The Prambanan Temple compounds, located on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces, is composed of Prambanan Temple and other nearby temples, creating a complex of 240 temples. These Hindu and Buddhist temples were built during the Sailendra Dynasty in the 8th century CE. Prambanan Temple itself is a Hindu temple. Sited atop its three concentric squares are three temples dedicated to the Hindu triumvirate of Hindu deities - Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma - and three temples dedicated to their vahana (animal-vehicles).

Acropolis, Athens

country. Greece

year of inscription. 1987

criteria. Cultural

The area of the Acropolis, Athens was settled as far back as the 4th millennium BCE. However, it was during the 5th century BCE, under the supervision of Pericles (c. 495 – 429 BCE), Greek statesman and general, that the most prominent sites were constructed. These include: the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Since then, the site and buildings have gone through various wars and different occupiers. Over time, these monuments have come to symbolise the architectural and artistic legacy of Ancient Greece and its place in Western civilisation.

Mogao Caves

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

country. China

year of inscription. 1987

criteria. Cultural

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

where. China

year of inscription. 1987

criteria. Cultural

Located in Shaanxi province, this mausoleum is the tomb of Qinshihuang (death in 210 BCE), the first monarch to unify China. Construction began in 246 BCE, with the layout of the grave complex, which lies below a gigantic mound, designed to mirror the urban plan of the then-capital, Xianyang. The burial pits are filled with terracotta warriors, every single one of whom look different, with their terracotta horses, bronze chariots, and bronze weapons. The re-discovery of the mausoleum only happened in 1974 CE. To date, not all the burial chambers have been examined, with less than one-third of the estimated 600 pits having been excavated.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex

country. South Korea

year of inscription. 1997

criteria. Cultural

The palace dates back to the early 15th century CE and was built on the orders of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty (1392CE – 1910CE) of Korea. It was designed to consist of a number of official and residential buildings set against the topographical features of the area, aligned to pungsu (traditional Korean geomancy) principles. Noteworthy too is the inclusion of an expansive garden – the Biwon, or Secret Garden – as part of the palace grounds. Originally a secondary palace, Changdeokgung became the seat of Joseon political power following its rebuilding after a Japanese invasion in the 16th century destroyed the Korean palaces and thence, became influential of Korean architecture, landscaping, and arts.