Tajmahal Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), grandson of Akbar the great, in the memory of his queen Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was a niece of empress Nur Jahan and granddaughter of Mirza Ghias Beg Itimad-ud-Daula, wazir of emperor Jehangir. She was born in 1593 and died in 1631, during the birth of her fourteenth child at Burhanpur. Her mortal remains were temporarily buried in the Zainabad garden. Six months later, her body was transferred to Agra to be finally enshrined in the crypt of the main tomb of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Sun Temple, Konarak, Orissa

Built in the thirteenth century, it was conceived as a gigantic solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitelyornamented wheels dragged by seven rearing horses. The temple comprised a sanctum with a lofty (presumably over 68 m. high) sikhara, a jagamohana (30. m. square and 30. m. high) and a detached natamandira (hall of dance) in the same axis, besides numerous subsidiary shrines. The sanctum and the natamandira have lost their roof. The nata-mandira exhibits a more balanced architectural design than that of other Orissan temples. The sanctum displays superb images of the Sun-god in the three projections which are treated as miniature shrines. The sanctum and the jagamohana together stand on a common platform studded with an intricate wealth of decorative ornaments and sculptures, often of a highly erotic type.

Group of monuments at Hampi, Karnataka Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra. Once it was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara empire. The monuments of Vijayanagara city, also known as Vidyanagara in honour of the sage Vidyaranya were built between AD 1336-1570, from the times of Harihara-I to Sadasiva Raya. A large number of royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (AD 1509-30), the greatest ruler of the dynasty. The period witnessed resurgence of Hindu religion, art, architecture in an unprecedented scale. The contemporary chroniclers who came from far off countries-such as Arabia, Italy, Portugal and Russia visited the empire, have left graphic and glowing accounts of the city. It covers an area of nearly 26 sq km and is stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.

Sanchi, variously known as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times, has a singular distinction of having remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture right from the early Mauryan period (c. third century BC to twelfth century AD). Sanchi is famous in the world for stupas, monolithic Asokan pillar, temples, monasteries and sculptural wealth. It was Emperor Asoka who laid the foundations of a religious centre at Sanchi fascinated probably by the location of the hill or because of his Queen Devi, who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. He erected the Great Stupa (Stupa 1) here after redistribution of mortal remains of Lord Buddha for erecting several stupas all over the country in order to spread Buddhism. This stupa was originally a low structure of brick, half the diameter of the present edifice hemispherical in shape with raised terraces at the base. It was enclosed by a wooden railing and a stone umbrella at the top. This Great Stupa served as a nucleus to the large Buddhist establishment during the later period.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Madhya Pradesh

Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m. Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey. Numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters in different places of the minar reveal the history of Qutb. According to the inscriptions on its surface it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq (AD 1351-88) and Sikandar Lodi (AD 1489-1517). Major R.Smith also repaired and restored the minar in 1829. The Churches and Convents at Velha (Old) Goa owe their existence to the Portuguese rule in this part of the western coast of India. The most comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century AD at Old Goa comprise of the following: Se' Cathedral, Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine.

Qutub Minar - Delhi

Churches of Goa

Discover Living History at Germany's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO defines heritage as "...our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations."

A cultural landscape buttressed in neighboring cities is the most extensive of Germany's world heritage sites. Those of religious heritage include Romanesque churches, gothic cathedrals, abbeys and monasteries. An ancient fortified border, entire medieval towns, palaces, castles and civic institutions are windows on history and testimony to the creativity of mankind. A Garden Kingdom manifests harmony between man and nature in the same manner that the Elbe Valley so successfully combines nature and urban architecture. And, there are three islands. One populated by man's cultural achievements, another is a religious retreat while the third offered safety to the medieval inhabitants of Old Town Lbeck. You may discover the earliest traces of history, let yourself be won over by the clarity of Bauhaus architecture or stroll through the Middle Ages. One thing is certain, each of Germany's world heritage sites has something unique to offer and remembered for a lifetime.

World Heritage Sites in the North A Tip: Each December sees the city centre around the Rathaus and Roland statue transformed into a Christmas Market with over 170 brightly laid out stalls and booths. Splendid performances are the trademark of the Bremen Music Festival. With the Market Square changed into a vibrant piazza under a canopy of brilliant lights and culinary highlights, a grand nocturnal cycle opens with concerts at various venues in the historic city centre. Follow this link for further information on Bremen
Photo: Bremen Tourism

Eisenach
Wartburg Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1999 Wartburg Castle is one of the best-preserved

castles of the German Middle Ages. Founded in 1067, it was extended over several centuries to form a sprawling fortified complex. Examples of Romanesque, Gothic, and 19th century architecture are all well apparent here. As the visitor enters the Romanesque main castle buildings, 900 years of history is revealed before them: the courtly art of the Middle Ages, the life and works of St. Elisabeth, Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament and the castle's importance as a symbol of German integration and unity. Today, Wartburg Castle draws visitors from far and wide with its art treasures, medieval tapestries, the "Durerschrank" (a cabinet with intricate relief carvings designed by Albert Durer), paintings by Lucas Cranach the elder, a unique collection of cutlery and European arts and crafts from the11th to the 19th century. The castle and the delightful countryside in which it is set are charming places to visit at any time of the year. A Tip: "Summer night" music events and plays at the royal theatre between May and October, provide the perfect opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere of the castle. On Advent Weekends, a traditional Christmas Market charms visitors in their thousands. Follow this link for further information on Wartburg-Eisenach
Photo: Wartburg-Stiftung Eisenach

Goslar
Mines of Rammelsberg & Historic Town of Goslar a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1992 Deep in the Rammelsberg, once laid the world's largest deposit of copper, lead and zinc. Ore was being mined here as long as 3000 years ago. Today, an exceptional collection of industrial monuments and a unique cultural landscape have been preserved. Since the mine was closed in 1988, the site has been home to one of Germany's largest and most original museums. Far below ground, visitors are offered fascinating insights into 850 years of industrial mining history.

Goslar Old Town, strongly influenced by mining, also belongs to the world heritage site. The imperial palace built under the Ottonians was extended by the Salian emperors to form their biggest palace complex. The mine and town reached the peak of their prosperity around 1200, then rose again to enjoy a second heyday around 1500. The latter period saw the building of important cultural monuments such as the town hall, its Hall of Homage, municipal churches, hospitals and stately merchants houses, which lent the Old Town the magnificent appearance it still enjoys to this day. A Tip: Adventure tour in the breathtaking underground world of the Rathstiefste Gallery of 1150: darkness, rich colors, traces of human work, including underground dinner. Advance reservations are required. Follow this link for further information on Goslar
Photo: Reinhard Roseneck

Hildesheim
St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Michaels Church a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1985 St. Michaels, one of the most beautiful Early Romanesque churches in Germany, and the cathedral are outstanding monuments to Romanesque architecture. They stand as testimony to the creative energy of Bishop Bernward. The monumental bronze casts in the cathedral, the column of Christ and the Bernward door depict scenes from the New and Old Testament and from the life of Jesus. The doors, almost five metres tall and one metre wide, have been cast in a single piece - a marvel of foundry technology at the time. The jewel in the crown inside St. Michaels church is the painted wooden ceiling depicting Christ's family tree. This flat ceiling - the only one of its kind in Germany - give fascinating insight into Romanesque monumental painting A Tip: Guided tours on themes such as "in the footsteps of Bishop Bernward" give life to the architectural monuments. Organ concerts in the churches, with their incomparable acoustics, are a special experience.

Follow this link for further information in Hildesheim

Photo: Stadt Hildesheim

Follow this link for further information on Limes the ancient fortified border
Photo: Unesco-Welterbesttten Deutschland e.V.

Follow this link for further information on Lbeck

Photo: Sven-Erik Arndt

Follow this link for further information on Stralsund Follow this link for further information on Wismar
TourismusZentrale Wismar

World Heritage Sites in the East Prussian Palaces and Parks a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1990 The cultural landscape of Potsdam and Berlin is the most extensive of all Germany's world heritage sites. The parks, created over centuries in Potsdam and Berlin under Prussia's Electors, Kaisers and Kings, form an ensemble which is unique. Great architects, famous artists and landscape designers have all left their mark on this work of art, whose elaborate gardens and numerous buildings are linked together in myriad ways both geographically and aesthetically. The Berlin and Potsdam world heritage site consists of Sanssouci Park, the New Garden, Babelsberg Park and Glienicke Park which, together with their respective palaces, form harmonious ensembles. Also included are the village of Klein-Glienicke, Glienicke Hunting Lodge, Peacock Island and Sacrow Palace and Park with the Church of the Redeemer, as well as other areas of Potsdam, for instance the Pfingstberg, Lindstedt Palace, the Russian colony of Alexandrowka and the Estate of Bornstedt. A Tip: Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci: a festival season in June with special concerts, theatre performances and lectures in palaces, parks and churches. Summer art exhibitions at the fine arts galley at Sanssouci Palace. Follow this link for further information on Potsdam
Photo: Potsdam Tourismus GmbH

Dessau and Weimar

Bauhaus sites in Dessau and Weimar UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996 The "Staatliches Bauhaus Weimar" was founded by Walter Gropius as a school of Art and Architecture in 1919. Teaching took place in the buildings of the former School of Fine Arts or School of Applied Arts, which were designed by Henry van de Velde. Both buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage and today house the Bauhaus University of Weimar. The Haus Am Horn", built in 1923 to the plans of Georg Muche, is open to the public. In 1925, the Bauhaus School moved to Dessau. Only one year later, the Bauhaus Building, designed by Walter Gropius, was officially opened. To this day it is regarded as a pioneering example of modern architecture in the early 20th century. At the same time, the Master's Houses were built for the family of Gropius himself and those of the artists Moholy-Nagy, Feininger, Muches Schlemmer, Kandinsky and Klee. Both the Bauhaus building and the Master's Houses are open to the public. Follow this link for further information on Dessau A Tip: Kurt Weill festival in the city of Dessau
Photo: Stadtarchiv Dessau

Dessau-Worlitz
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2000 The Garden Kingdom was the brainchild of Prince Leopold lll Freidrich Franz von Anhalt-Dessau (17401817), who sought, with many of his reforms, to create a harmonious union between man and nature. He set the Garden Kingdom in a landscape defined by rivers and meadows. Palaces, gardens and tree lined streets, park buildings, follies and other small architectural gems blend so naturally into the environment that they give the whole "kingdom" the appearance of one endless park.

The classical Luisium Palace with its English Garden, the rococo Mosigkau palace and park, the Grokuhnau country park and the Georgium, whose palace houses the Anhalt Art Gallery, surround the town of Dessau. They form a seamless whole with the baroque town, palace and park of Oranienbaum and the most important part of the Garden Kingdom, the Wrlitz Park. A Tip: From May to August there are lakeside concerts on Saturdays in Worlitz. Follow this link for further information on the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz
Photo: Stadtarchiv Dessau

Elbtal in Dresden
Dresden Elbe Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2004 The Dresden Elbe Valley with its harmonious combination of nature and urban architecture was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004 under the category of developing cultural landscapes. Dresden is characterized by the unity of its historical city centre, garden suburbs and unique natural landscape. Augustus the Strong pursued the idea of turning the Elbe into a "Canale Grande" at the heart of the city and the countryside. This tradition of baroque court culture has been maintained, elaborated upon and handed down through the generations in the area stretching from Pillnitz Palace in the east to bigau Palace in the west. The Church of Our lady, Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House are the most striking landmarks of this city on the Elbe which holds so much more in store for visitors. A Tip: Jazz and Dixieland cruises on the Elbe upriver towards Pillnitz Palace aboard a historical paddle steamer. First class Dixieland bands provide a fitting atmosphere, aided by their singing and swinging fans and plenty of Saxon beer in the Gallery. Follow this link for further information on the Dresden Elbe Valley
Photo: Sylvio Dittrich 2004

Muskauer Park
Muskauer Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2004 Muskauer Park is an exceptional example of landscape park design. The park was laid out between 1815 and 1845 to plans drawn up by Hermann Frst von Pckler-Muskau, a landscape gardener, prince and travel writer. Subsequent owners continued to develop and substantially extend the park in accordance with von Pckler's original plans. The grounds of the park are either side of the River Neisse, straddling the German-Polish border. The park covers an area of approximately 830 hectares. Its defining features include its spacious layout, broad vistas, varying intensities of landscape design and artificial watercourses. On a stroll through the park, visitors experience a constantly alternating, three-dimensional scene that has been hewn out of the natural landscape. Intensive, combined efforts by conservationists in Germany and Poland in recent years, have resulted in a more holistic, cross-border approach to the continuing restoration of the park. A Tip: Walks through Muskauer Park, open all year round. Use the Double Bridge to cross the border between the German and Polish areas of the park. Follow this link for further information on Muskauer Park
Photo: Muskauer Park

Quedlinburg
Old Town with the Castle Hill, the Munzenberg and St. Wigberts Church UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1994 This former capital on the Romanesque Route is one of the most important historical sites in Germany. The main attraction is the town itself: with its original ground plan and more than 1300 half-timbered buildings - no less than eight centuries worth - it is an excellent example of a well-preserved medieval town. The Museum of Half-Timbering (Fachwerkmuseum) is

housed in what is one of Germany's oldest half-timbered buildings which date from 1340. The collegiate church of St. Servatius - with the tombs of the first German King, Heinrich l and Mathilde, his queen, and also a famous church treasury - is a Romanesque masterpiece. In a 10th century imperial charter, Quedlinburg is referred to as the "metropolis of the Empire" and, under Heinrich I and his Ottonian successors, the town developed into a major center for European politics, education and culture. The Lyonel Feininger Gallery, which has Europe's largest collection by the artist, is well worth a visit. A Tip: The traditional "Quedlinburger Musiksommer", held for more than 25 years, continues between June and September: a feast of classical music performed by top-class music artists in the collegiate church. Follow this link for further information on Quedlinburg
Photo: Quedlinburg-Tourismus-Marketing GmbH

Weimar
Classical Weimar UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1996 The unparalleled role of the city as a centre of intellectual life in the 18th, 19th and 20th century shapes the city's facade with buildings and park grounds of great cultural importance. The conferral of world heritage status upon three sites in Weimar brings to the UNESCO list a cultural treasure which is a highly authentic representation of the "Classical Weimar", the creation of "Bauhaus" and the handwritten works of Goethe (UNESCO "Memory of the World" list), preserved by the Goethe-Schiller-Archive. This includes magnificent examples of interior design in the European Classicist style dating from around 1800. The places where poets and their patrons lived and worked remain as witnesses to Classical Weimar: Goethe's home, Schiller's home and the three palaces - Belvedere, Ettersburg and Tiefurt with their unique grounds. Other examples are the sites where Herder lived and worked, the Wittumpalais where the illustrious intellectuals met, the

State Baden-Wrttemberg Bavaria Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein Thuringia

Capital Stuttgart Munich Berlin Potsdam Bremen Hamburg Wiesbaden Schwerin Hanover Dsseldorf Mainz Saarbrcken Dresden Magdeburg Kiel Erfurt

Area (km) Population 35,752 10,753,880 70,549 12,538,696 892 3,460,725 29,477 2,503,273 404 660,999 755 1,786,448 21,115 6,067,021 23,174 1,642,327 47,618 7,918,293 34,043 17,845,154 19,847 4,003,745 2,569 1,017,567 18,416 4,149,477 20,445 2,335,006 15,763 2,834,259 16,172 2,235,025

Bremen
Town Hall and Roland The inhabitants of the Hanseatic City of Bremen always knew: the city's town hall and the Roland "statue of liberty" in front of the building are absolutely unique. Recently, this was also confirmed by UNESCO. The coveted title for the Rathaus and the statue of Knight Roland has been granted on the basis of an ICOMOS report which highlighted their "exceptional testimony to the civic autonomy and sovereignty, as these developed in the Holy Roman Empire." The inscription document also notes the "outstanding example of the so-called Weser Renaissance in Northern Germany," which typifies the town hall, while the city's foremost sculpture is mentioned as being "the most representative and one of the oldest of Roland statues erected as a symbol of market rights and freedom." The home of the celebrated Bremen Town Musicians has put itself on the map as the pulsating, multi-faceted heart of North West Germany. With history, traditions, science, technology and the aerospace industry, this innovative and multi-faceted city has something for everyone: from the regenerated Schlachte Promenade on the River Weser to the city's oldest living quarter around Schnoor, the graceful structure in Bttcherstrae to world class attractions like the 21st century Universum Science Center Bremen.

Berlin
Museumsinsel (Museums Island) The world famous Museumsinsel (Museums Island) lies between the Rivers Spree and Kupfergraben and is a unique collection of buildings housing archeological treasures and 19th century art. Concentrated in an area of less than one square kilometer, in a period of 100 years - from 1830 to 1930 - the island in the middle of the River Spree evolved into a temple to the arts, presenting six thousand years of the history in five museums. It all started with the completion of the Old Museum designed by Schnikel in 1830. The first overarching building plan for Museumsinsel was drawn up in 1841 by Friedrich August Stler, a student of Schinkel and his plans were used to build the New Museums in 1859 and the Old National Gallery in 1876. In 1904, the Kaiser Friedrich Museum (now known as the Bodemuseum) was opened, and when the Pergamon Museum opened in 1930 the building work on Museumsinsel was complete. During the second World War, up to 70% of the museums were destroyed. The devastating effects of the war and the subsequent division of Berlin are currently being redressed with an extensive programme of rebuilding and restoration. A Tip: Berlin is a great cultural metropolis where 1500 events are staged each and every day, where over 170 world class museums exhibit great achievements of mankind and theatre arts range from the classics to cabaret. From May to September the Museums Island Festival offers an outstanding program of film, concerts and theatre on stage in front of the Old National Gallery.

Rhineland-Palatinate

Limes
The Roman Limes frontiers of the Roman Empire The Limes, an ancient fortified border line, is a reminder of the Roman era, a civilization that existed 2,000 years ago which had a lasting influence on the cultural development of Europe. It is Europe's largest archaeological monument. Along the 550 kilometre length of the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes, which extends from the Koblenz area in Rhineland-Palatinate through Hessen and Baden-Wrttemberg into the Regensburg region in Bavaria, there are Roman remains preserved in their original condition as well as restored buildings, excavations and reconstructions. The course of the border wall can still be made out in places as it stretches in long, straight lines across forests and pastureland. Today, all the major places of interest on the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes are linked by the German Limes Road, creating a varied and interesting touristic route.

Obres Mittelrheintal
Upper Middle Rhine Valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2002 In 2002, UNESCO included the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Germany which has been cultivated since ancient times, in its World Heritage List. A sequence of castles and palaces extends from the old Roman town of Koblenz, passing the legendary Loreley to Bingen and Rdesheim, along steep bluffs where grapes for the famous Rhine wines are grown. The Rhine, the German "river of destiny", has conveyed people from all parts of the world. It has delivered them and their belongings, along with their traditions, artistic and cultural influences to locations along this vital waterway. A Tip: "Middle-Rhine-Music-Moments" from mid-July until the end of August. Concerts at castles in the Central Rhine Valley from Koblenz to Bingen and Rudesheim. Follow this link for further information on the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Lbeck
Hanseatic City of Lbeck - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1987 Lbeck, Queen of the Hanseatic League, was founded in 1143 as the first "western city on the Baltic coast." The medieval atmosphere and historically important cultural sights shape the face of the city and testify to Lbeck's great past as a Free Imperial and Hanseatic City. The picturesque oval Old Town, surrounded by water, contains some of Germany's most important brick Gothic buildings. The spires of the seven churches have dominated the city skyline ever since the Middle Ages The Holsten Gate, the former western gate in the city walls, is known throughout the world and is now the symbol of the city. The Buddenbrookhaus, home of the grandparents of writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, is one of many stately merchant houses in the city. Lbeck was the first Old Town in the Federal Republic of Germany to be officially designated a cultural heritage site. The heritage status even extends to the ground beneath the Old Town, where archaeological excavations have unearthed almost three million finds. A Tip: Visit the newly opened Gnter Grass House in Lbeck, an exciting forum for literature and fine art with the work of the Nobel prize winner for literature Gnter Grass.

Stralsund and Wismar

Historic Towns - UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 2002 Stralsund and Wismar town centres are typical examples of the Hanseatic towns at the peak of their development during the prime of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. The ancient town centres have retained their medieval layout and bear witness to the establishment of towns thriving on maritime trading according to the "Law of Lbeck." The original buildings, amongst them a number of distinctive monuments, serve to illustrate the political impact and the extraordinary wealth of the medieval Baltic towns. Wismar is the most authentically preserved Hanseatic town on the southern Baltic. Stralsund is marked by its characteristic island location between the Strelasund and the 13th century lagoons. A cluster of six monumental redbrick churches affords a frame of reference concerning the renowned sacred architecture typical of the Hanseatic towns. A Tip: Each August, Wismar recalls its history under Swedish rule with the annual "Sweden Fest." The "Long Night of Open Monuments" is held on the first Saturday in September each year in Stralsund.