UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Caribbean
The Sites in Belize, Bermuda and Curacao are of Various Types
Sep 6, 2009
Long known for its pristine beaches, cuisine and laid-back ways, the Caribbean is attracting its share of history and nature lovers. With the abundance of natural and cultural sites now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the region beckons. Even though sites on the tentative list such as the Underwater City of Port Royal in Jamaica has seen increased visitors since they were listed.
The Caribbean islands may not have the most sites on the list individually, but combined they have an impressive collection. Many of the islands have sites that have already been named or are on the list of tentative sites to be added. Cuba, with its tally of nine sites will be handled separately in Part 2, while the other islands will be covered in Part 3.
Belize's World Heritage Sites
Barrier Reef Reserve System (added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996)
This is the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and it is an amazing display of underwater beauty. Only the Great Australian Barrier Reef is larger. The system provides a historical lesson in the development of coral reefs. It consists of hundreds of sand cays, lagoons and offshore atolls. The Barrier Reef Reserve System is also home to endangered sea life including manatees and marine turtles. The Reef remains a popular snorkeling and diving site.
Bermuda's World Heritage Sites
The Town of St. Georges (added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000)
The historic town and its fortifications are listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage Site. The town is virtually untouched by development retaining the look and architecture of the 17th to 19th century. In fact modern utilities such as electricity and telephone companies run their cables underground to maintain the look. Some of the structures included are the Castle Islands Fortifications.
Curacao's World Heritage Sites
Willemstad, Curacoa, the capital of the Netherlands Antilles (added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997)
The quaint capital town has retained much of its Dutch architecture and look dating back to the 18th century. The area boasts authentic colonial architecture with distinctly Dutch influences. The history of Willemstad includes the town having the Western Hemisphere’s oldest surviving synagogue, the Mikve-Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.
Known simply as the Snoa, the first synagogue according to some reports was built in 1692, the beautiful yellow and white structure underwent some restorative work in 1732. Visitors will be surprised by the simple sand floor once they enter. Its beautiful harbor also adds to the allure.
Other UNESCO Heritage Sites in the Caribbean can be found in Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, St. Lucia and St. Kitts.
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