10 stunning archaeological World Heritage Sites in danger

We share our favourite man-made marvels currently on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in danger list

If we asked you to name a famous World Heritage Site, there’s a good chance you would say the Great Pyramids of Giza. Other likely contenders are the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and Petra. These archaeological sites are some of man’s greatest marvels and are accordingly celebrated and protected. 

Not all World Heritage Sites, however, enjoy the same security. Our own Stonehenge nearly landed on the World Heritage in Danger list last year due to plans to build a two-mile tunnel nearby.

Thankfully, the UK has managed to stay off the list unlike 33 other countries including the US, Austria and Egypt. Some of the endangered sites – like Jerusalem or Everglades National Park – are well known, but most suffer in obscurity despite their objective beauty and cultural value. Below, we share 10 stunning archaeological World Heritage Sites in danger. 

World Heritage Sites in danger

These man-made marvels were designated as World Heritage Sites in danger by UNESCO. Each is listed along with the year it was added to the danger list. In total, there are currently 56 properties on the full list. 

1. Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam

Country: Afghanistan
Year: 2002

Jonathan Wilson/Dreamstime

The Minaret of Jam

The Minaret of Jam stands 1,900m above sea level in a rugged, remote valley where the Hari-rud River meets the river Jam, 215km east of the city of Herat. The 65m-tall structure dates back to the 12th century and is thought to mark the site of the ancient city of Firuzkuh.

The minaret has a 9m diameter octagonal base with four cylindrical shafts constructed from fired bricks. The elaborate brickwork and blue tile inscription are a noteworthy representation of architectural and artistic tradition in this region. 

Since the building of the minaret around eight hundred years ago, no reconstruction or extensive restoration work has ever taken place in the area. UNESCO recommends a long-term conservation policy that monitors the erosion of the riverbanks adjacent to the minaret. 

2. Samarra Archaeological City

Country: Iraq
Year: 2007

Samarra Archaeological City provides extraordinary evidence of the Abbasid Caliphate, a major Islamic empire that extended from Tunisia to Central Asia.

Dating from 836-892,…