The 26 New UNESCO World Heritage Sites of 2025

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting concluded on July 16, granting World Heritage status to new sites around the world. The latest update added 26 new sites to the list, bringing the total to 1,248 sites across 170 countries. Let’s discover the latest additions and what makes them stand out.  

World Heritage Site Status 

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area considered to be outstanding for its cultural, historical, or natural significance. The status is granted by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee to the sites nominated by a host country. The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been continually updated since 1978.

The status itself means that a site is recognised as a remarkable place that must be preserved for future generations. The purpose is to protect the marvelous accomplishments of humanity on Earth and pristine natural wonders. The status gives legal protection, public recognition, and access to potential funds. Such sites often attract tourists and become popular travel destinations. 

26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of 2025: A Brief Overview

The recent Committee meeting granted World Heritage Site status to 26 unique places. The new additions are popular sites around the world — from Brazil to France. 

Among them is Domus de Janas in Sardinia, Italy. The site dates back to the pre-Nuragic period (5th–3rd millennium BC) and features a system of chamber tombs. “Domus de Janas” means "House of the Fairies," as legends say the area was inhabited by magical creatures. The site was called “Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The Domus de Janas” by the Committee. 

Another site of ancient times is the Minoan Palatial Centres. The complex on Crete, Greece, dates back to the Bronze Age and belongs to the Minoan civilization. This site includes six palaces, located at six Minoan centers. 

Germany has been recognized for authenticity and cultural heritage as well. The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria were listed as a single site, comprising four royal complexes in Bavaria’s alpine region. The palaces were built between 1864–1886 under King Ludwig II. The palaces are preserved as museums and showcase outstanding architecture, elaborate decorations, ornate interiors, and sumptuous objects that reflect royal life and heritage. 

The full list contains various remarkable places: 

1. Møns Klint, Denmark
2. Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal, Tajikistan
3. The Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee, Germany
4. Mount Kumgang – Diamond Mountain from the Sea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
5. Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas, Italy
6. Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé), Mexico
7. Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe, Türkiye
8. Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave, Russian Federation
9. The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá, Panama
10. Murujuga Cultural Landscape, Australia
11. Xixia Imperial Tombs, China
12. Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park, Selangor, Malaysia
13. Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, Brazil
14. Maratha Military Landscapes of India, India
15. Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream, Republic of Korea
16. Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape, Malawi
17. Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô, Guinea-Bissau
18. The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal, Jamaica
19. The Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley, Iran (Islamic Republic of)
20. Faya Palaeolandscape, United Arab Emirates
21. Gola-Tiwai Complex, Sierra Leone
22. Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains, Cameroon
23. Megaliths of Carnac and of the Shores of Morbihan, France
24. Minoan Palatial Centres, Greece
25. Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes, Vietnam
26. Cambodian Memorial Sites: From Centres of Repression to Places of Peace and Reflection, Cambodia

Search for more about these places and other sites on the official website. 

Travel with INFOBUS to Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

If you want to visit some of these iconic landmarks, don’t hesitate to plan your trip. INFOBUS is here to provide you with a wide selection of routes and carriers. Browse available options, compare terms and ratings, and book tickets that fit your plans. 

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