What better way to learn about History than by experiencing and reliving it in the actual place? We made a list of five 2015 UNESCO sites that we can help bring you and your students to. Here's how to experience World History and where to relive it.
Along the northern coast of Sicily, you will find the Arab-Norman Palermo and Cathedral Churches of Cefalu and Monreale. The site is made up of 9 very different civil and religious structures: two palaces, three churches; a cathedral, a bridge along with the cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale. These structures date all the way back to 1130-1194 when Sicily was ruled by the Norman kingdom. Individuals can spot the differences in architectural design and use in space as the region was infused with influences from Western, Islamic and Byzantine societies. Why UNESCO considers the site to be of great importance to the world is simply because of how these structures exhibit a glance into the past on how no matter how different these cultures' ideologies were - they still lived amongst one another as one society.
In Germany's port city of Hamburg, you will find another 2015 UNESCO site that is symbolic to the boom in the trade industry. The Speicherstadt was built between 1855 until 1927 on a set of small islands in the Elbe river. The building still stands tall today and is the largest trade related structure in the world; holding fifteen warehouses and six ancillary buildings all connected with short canals. Right across from this building, you have the Kontorhaus district which holds six large office complexes which were built in the 1920s-40s.
Before flight was the most popular choice of travel; there was railway. Still frequented today for many commuters travelling shorter distances; the Forth Bridge found in Northern Ireland stands out for its design and history. A symbol and beloved monument for the Scottish, this iconic bridge is the second longest bridge in the world at 2,259m long. Built in the late-1800s and opened in 1890; the railway bridge was mostly used for far distance commute. Today the country enforces strict upkeep and maintenance of the bridge for its everyday commuters and tourists.
In south-west China amongst the mountainous terrain, you will find yourself in the Tusi sites of China. Recently added this year to UNESCO world sites; this area of China draws remains from tribal societies in the 13th and 20th century. The tribal leaders referred to as Tusi by governments at the time had a heavy hand in helping ethnic minorities in keeping their cultures and way of life; further contributing to the civilizations of the Yuan and Ming.
Commonly known for their vineyards and popular wines; the hill sides of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune are remarkable for their appearance, cultivation as well as certain rooted politics. The way the lands and vineyards have been shaped is due to both natural conditions and most importantly human cultivation since the Middle Ages which is simply breathtaking. This site is also the center point for the emergence of the climatssystem; climate system.