The Best And Worst World Heritage Sites

"The United Nations began naming World Heritage sites in 1973 to help preserve grand palaces like France's Versailles, remnants of ancient civilizations such as Peru's Machu Picchu, and natural wonders like Australia's Great Barrier Reef."

"But over the years some of the sites have struggled to maintain the unique character that landed them on the list, due to funding shortfalls, heavy tourist traffic, or political strife."

Among the lowest ranked UN World Heritage Sites are Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, and Venice, Italy and its lagoon.

The top three highest ranked sites are Norway's West Fjords, the town of Vézelay, France, and the Alhambra and Medieval Granada in Spain.