world heritage site

Pyu Ancient Cities

Julio Moreno Myanmar, UNESCO World Heritage Site , , , , 0 Comment
Pyu Ancient Cities

Pottery in Sri KsetraLocation: Pyay (Sri Ksetra), Taungdwingyi (Beikthano), and Shwebo (Hanin), Burma / Myanmar

Visited: August 30, 2014

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 2014

Background and Opinion:

The Pyu city-states was a group of six independent cities, noted for being the first in recorded history to occupy what is now northern Burma from the 2nd century BC – 11th century CE. Pyu had its own language and written script which was derived from Brahmi of ancient India and is also thought to be what led to Mon Script,  the modern Burmese writing system. All of that knowledge hurt my head. They are the first civilization in the area…there! Read more →

Historic City of Ayutthaya

Julio Moreno Thailand, UNESCO World Heritage Site , , , 0 Comment
Historic City of Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwattanaram - AyutthayaLocation: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand (north of Bangkok)

Visited: July 20, 2014

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1991

Opinion and Background:

The Historic City of Ayutthaya has to be one of the most impressive in the world. First built in 1350, it served as the capital of the Siamese Kingdom in modern day Thailand. After the fall of the equally impressive Angkor Empire, Ayutthaya was well positioned to fill in the power vacuum. Over the next four hundred years, it flourished as possibly THE most important economic capital of the world as it was strategically positioned between India and China. Read more →

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Julio Moreno Japan, UNESCO World Heritage Site , , , 0 Comment
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Koyasan TombsVisited: June 15, 2014

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 2004

Background and Opinion:

About two hours south of Osaka lies Mt. Koya, one of the end points in the Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range. For 1200 years, Koyasan has served as a sacred place to Japanese Buddhists.

Japanese paying their respects.
Japanese paying their respects.

One of the most interesting sites is the Okunion, which is the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. The entire hike that leads to his shrine is a graveyard holding some of the most important figures in Japanese history.

Koyasan - Sacred Routes Kii Range

I never thought I would say this, but that is one beautiful cemetery. The whole place definitely sets the mood with its overgrowth, deep moss, and dense forest growing all around. It is something you have to see with your own eyes.

Read more →

Hwaseong Fortress

Julio Moreno South Korea, UNESCO World Heritage Site , , , 1 Comment
Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon HwaseongVisited: Sept. 2010, Jun 2012, Apr. 2013

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1997

Background and Opinion:

Located less than thirty minutes south of the Korean capital is the best preserved city wall in the whole country. Hwaseong is a relatively new fortress (end of the 18th century) built by the Joseon dynasty to defend the city of Suwon and honor the late Prince Sado.

Map of Hwaseong

Contrary to most things in Korea, this structure is completely original suffering only minor damage during the Korean War. It has a wonderful river that flows through it and a very impressive flood gate. Walking along the wall is the best way to experience it as you can see some steep drops along the 5.5 km circumference.

Hwaseong Fortress Flood Gate

Read more →

Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Julio Moreno South Korea, UNESCO World Heritage Site , , , 0 Comment
Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Changgyeong PalaceVisited: Mar 2011, Sept 2012, Apr 2013, Oct 2013

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1997

Background and Opinion:

Changdeokgung was built in the early 1400s (like 1411 or 12, I forget) as a secondary palace to my absolute favorite place in all of Korea, Gyeongbok Palace. It was totally a back-up place to stuff the in-laws when the king was just not having it or was in a generally bad mood.  Read more →