UNESCO Considering more Portuguese locations as World Heritage Sites
To date (as of 2009) the number of sites worldwide was recorded at 890, so given Portugal"s diminutive size in relation to other larger nations, this is quite a significant achievement.The first sites to be listed by UNESCO were the Convento de Cristoч in Tomar, central Portugal, Monastery of Batalha, Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belз©m all which received UNESCO listing status in 1983.
The Convento do Cristo, which was the southern European headquarters of the Knights Templar, attracts thousands of visitors each year in search of clues to the lifes of the warrior knights. The Convento dominates the skyline in Tomar celebrates it"s 850th year anniversary in 2010. By way of celebration planning consent has been passed along with grant money to construct a new visitor centre within the seven hectacre gardens to accommodate the thousands who visit each year.
The last site to be granted UNESCO status was the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture. in 2004. However the UNESCO Committee will convene again for it"s 34th session on 25th July 2010 in Brasilia, Brazil to discuss the latest list of nominations to be considered for this high profile status.
Among the 35 sites listed for consideration, two are situated in Portugal - Dinosaur Ichnites of the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal and Spain; Palaeolithic Rock Art Ensemble in Siega Verde (extension of Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Cзґa Valley).
ч For more information on Portugal visit www.gekkoportugal.com