National Geographic Traveler recently conducted a survey of 419 experts to rank the 830 sites placed on the United Nations' list of natural and cultural treasures known as the World Heritage Sites List.
"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.
FULL STORY: World Heritage Destinations Rated
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