Get a Bird’s-Eye View of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Across the Globe

Aerial View of Arles Amphitheater

Arles Amphitheater (Photo: Lucas Miguel)

Since 1972, UNESCO has been working to preserve monuments around the world by assigning destinations the status of World Heritage Site. As of today, there are 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include both natural and cultural areas. In some cases, entire cities are named to the list for their cultural significance. With so many places in the program, it can be difficult to keep track, but luckily Overview is taking us on a unique tour.

Overview seeks to share the world as seen from above by generating incredible aerial photos. The community primarily uses high-resolution satellite imagery to composite overhead images. They’ve put together a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as seen from above, and the results are astounding. From well-known places like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Canyon to lesser-known areas like the Sundarbans in Bangladesh, the photos are an excellent opportunity to discover new places and revisit old favorites.

“This project was inspired by an idea known as ‘The Overview Effect,’” shares Overview founder Benjamin Grant. “This term refers to the sensation that astronauts experience when given the opportunity to look down and view the Earth as a whole, from a great distance. They have the chance to appreciate our home in its entirety, to reflect on its beauty and its fragility all at once. Recent studies have shown that this vantage point inspires a greater appreciation for Earth’s beauty, and an increased sense of connection to all other living beings, and an unexpected level of emotion. That’s the shift that I hope to inspire with my work.”

Take a tour around the world with Overview and check out even more pictures on their website; there, you’ll find a map outlining the locales and imagery. If you like what you see, prints of the stunning aerial photography are available for purchase.

Check out these incredible overhead views of UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe.

Aerial Photo of the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House (Photo: Nearmap)

Birds Eye View of Venice

Venice (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Overhead View of the Great Pyramids of Giza

Great Pyramids of Giza (Photo: Digital Globe)

Aerial View of Sundarbans

The Sundarbans – Bangladesh (Photo: NASA)

Aerial View of Marrakesh

Marrakesh (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Aerial View of Mount Etna

Mount Etna (Photo: Planet Labs)

Overhead view of Brasilia

Brasilia (Photo: Digital Globe)

Aerial View of Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Overhead View of Naples

Naples (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Aerial View of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park (Photo: planetlabs)

Aerial View of Palmanova

Palmanova (Photo: Daily Overview)

Overhead View of the Grand Prismatic Spring

Grand Prismatic Spring – Yellowstone National Park (Photo: Chris Leipelt)

Aerial View of Damascus

Damascus (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Overhead Photo of Bern

Bern (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Aerial View of Vatnajokull

Vatnajökull National Park (Photo: Maxar technologies)

Overview: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Overview.

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