Examples of World Heritage and other national or local cultural or heritage sites visited by the World Harmony run.

This page includes examples and links from Australia, Austria,  Canada, Croatia,   Czech Republic, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxemborg, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand,  Russia, USA, Zimbabwe.

Also includes other additional interesting National or local cultural or historic locations  in:   Czech Republic, Germany and Italy. 

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 Excerpt from 2 Messages of Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of UNESCO.

Refering  to Harmony Run visits to World Heritage Sites:

• "I was delighted to see the Run visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in recent years, creatively drawing attention to the efforts of the international community to protect the unique offerings of so many cultures around the world." - from message to "all participants of the World Harmony Run, 2011 and beyond"

• "Runners and other participants, you perform a great service by encouraging people to experience and value the heritage of others."- message for "World Harmony Run 25th Anniversary:Toward 2022 and a Oneness-World"

Complete list of all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world  see: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list

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Photo highlights - countries and dates below

      

   

   

    

    

     

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Australia

22 Jul 2008

Kakadu National Park

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05 Nov 2010

 Tasmanian Wilderness

In a region that has been subjected to severe glaciation, these parks and reserves, with their steep gorges, covering an area of over 1 million ha, constitute one of the last expanses of temperate rainforest in the world. Remains found in limestone caves attest to the human occupation of the area for more than 20,000 years.

more at Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/181

 

 

 

  Leaving the wilderness...

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Austria

01 Aug 2010   Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn

Unesco list description: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/786

a group picture on the spectacular Emperors' Balcony! 

See also:   Historic Centre of Vienna

UNESCO List Description: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1033

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An inspiring Peace Bridge in Austria

3 June 2010: Puchenstuben - Ternberg

Shortly before we reached Reichraming, a little girl from the community, very eager to hold the torch, accompanied us to town. 


...to an especially significant location - a Peace-bridge, built by young people from Austria, Israel and Palestine, symbolising hope of Israel and Palestine living together harmoniously in the future.  

See also Austria sub page:

For more example photos:  /theme_photos/heritage/austria

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Canada

25 May 2010

Otttawa

The Rideau Canal, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec was our next stop; it is a beautiful building overlooking the Ottawa River and Parliament Buildings.

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 Kingston

16 May 2010

choice of the Murney Tower as the final location for this fun-filled day, was to celebrate and recognize the importance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.  

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09 Sep 2008

 Historic District of Old Québec

Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its ancient districts, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city.

See more at UNESCO World Heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/300

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Croatia

19 May 2010

Historic City of Trogir

Unesco world heritage list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/810

 

 

 

 

 

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 Czech Republic

22 May 2011

23 May 2011

 Český Krumlov

World heitage site list:whc.unesco.org/en/list/617

 

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24 May 2010: Vimperk - Klatovy

750 year old town of Klatovy, an historical and architectural jewel.

Outside the stunning city hall building with the members of the Council who welcomed us.

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Great Britain and Northern Island

 Ireland 24 March 2009: Ballycastle - Letterkenny

 The world famous Giant's Causeway.

It was quite a way down from the parking lot to the actual causeway. Although not that far if you're a giant!

UNESCO Heritage site Listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369

Giant's Causeway is a remarkable geological phenomenon resulting in hexagonal basalt columns rising out of the sea.

The team catches some air at the Giant's Causeway.

.... back up the hill.

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Great Britain 21 Jun 2911: Keswick - Windermere

Castlerigg Stone Circle

We auspicously and conincidentally visited Castlerigg Stone Circle on the summer solstice.

 

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Hungary

14 may 2010     Budapest

 "We can have harmony if we have a deep reverence for Mother Nature."

7,000 children join in Harmony and art event. Next to the plaza is Heroes Square, at the end of Andrássy Avenue which is part of World Heritage related to Budapest

Children joined for pictures holding the torch and banner with the very impressive warriors on horses watching in the background.

Another group of children had other significant Historical figures in the square watching them.

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Local participants and international runners took the banner to two other sites in Budapest mentioned on World Heritage Preservation list

•  Including the Banks of the Danube, and

• The Buda Castle Quarter

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Iceland

05 Sep 2006

Þingvellir National Park.

UNESCO World Heritage Site listing description:

whc.unesco.org/en/list/1152

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04 Sep 2005

Þingvellir national park. Þingvellir, which literally means "parliament plains", was the site for the parliament of the Icelandic chieftains founded as early as 930.

 

Not only is Þingvellir a place of historical depth, it is also a place where one can see the awesome forces of nature at work, as the runners found out as they ran from scenic Öxarárfoss waterfall through Almannagjá canyon, a canyon which was formed when the two tectonic plates of North-America and Europe pulled away from each other. Almannagjá is thus a reminder of the unlimited power of nature and the terrible beauty that sometimes ensues, and Þingvellir is a testimony of the young and wild, yet pure and beautiful nature of Iceland. Due to its connections to the nature and the history, Þingvellir is, therefore, in many ways a sacred place, a spiritual heart of Iceland of sorts.

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18 Jul 2011

Beautiful village of Þingeyri (Thingeyri) - Now is a Peace Blossom.

The Mayor made a very nice speech about the importance of the World Harmony Run and its great contribution to peace all over the world. 

 

Ceremony plaque was inaugurated on a huge rock that is known as Gunnars Rock, and has now become known as the Gunnar´s Peace-Rock.

Þingeyri(Thingeyri) is now a Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossom Village. 

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Ireland

Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne

The three main prehistoric sites of the Brú na Bóinne Complex, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, are situated on the north bank of the River Boyne 50 km north of Dublin. This is Europe's largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art. 

More at World heritage site listing : http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/659

 21 Mar 2009  - Newgrange,

some of the team paid a visit to Newgrange, a remarkable megalithic tomb that dates to 3200BC.It is part of the Heritage site "Ensemble of the Bend of Boyne" described above.

We were also joined later by the nearby Boyne running club

  They helped us with some fast and fun miles ...

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16 Sep 2007

 

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Other Cultural Site of Interst in Belfast:

Thanksgiving Square Belfast

22 Mar 2009

Running into Belfast we came across a remarkable "statue of harmony...that symbolizes the oneness of humanity."

The team gathered around the Thanksgiving Square plaque to give thanks for all the enriching experiences we were blessed with today and will be blessed with in the coming days of our incredible journey around Ireland.

 

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The Text on the Sign:

Thanksgiving Square Belfast

"This female figure represents various allegorical themes associated with hope and aspirations, peace and recondiliation and is derived from images from Classical and Celtic mythology. Her position on the globe signifies a unified approach to life on this earth. It encompasses oneness, while celebrating the diversity of culture that exists in our global village.

"The aim of the sculpture is to bring people togetherr and to change hearts and minds; to make bridges across the divides in our community. To work towrds a peaceful, happy existence for everyone on this planet by respect for each other, their cultural heritages and all our aspirations.

"This symbol creates a tangible first statement of our long term objetive in bringing peple together to foster a happy and fulfilling life for all and a sense of gratefulness for all that live has given us. "

 

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Japan

24 April 2010: 広島～周南市 Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/775

 

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 Luxembourg

04 Jul 2007

City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications

Because of its strategic position, Luxembourg was, from the 16th century until 1867, when its walls were dismantled, one of Europe's greatest fortified sites. It was repeatedly reinforced as it passed from one great European power to another: the Holy Roman Emperors, the House of Burgundy, the Habsburgs, the French and Spanish kings, and finally the Prussians. Until their partial demolition, the fortifications were a fine example of military architecture spanning several centuries.

seee more at UNESCO wrld heritage site listing:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/699

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 09 Sep 2006

 

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06 May 2005

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Montenegro

14 May 2010

Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor

Note: The limits of the World Heritage site coincide approximately with the crests of the natural sinkhole formation. At both ends, the site is bordered by the national parks of Orten and Lovcen, making a vast protected natural area.

UNESCO World Heritage Site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/125

...with an incredible view....

 

 

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Nepal

17 Jan 2011: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur

Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121

Kathmandu Valley 

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 New Zealand

New Zealand 17 September: Taupo – National Park

Tongariro National Park

unesco heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/421

We ascended into the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

The mountains now seemed to be staying put for the time being, but were certainly growing before our eyes.

By now the beautiful glowing white of the snow was starting to respond to the late afternoon light and this brilliant, clear, sunny day was shining and fading towards evening.

Mt Ruapehu – a truly magnificent and awe-inspiring presence.

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Russia

27 Sept 2010 - Moscow

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow

Unesco listing World Heritage Site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/545 

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 22 sep 2919 - World Heritage sites

Владимир, Дмитриевский собор (1193-1197). Входит в Список Всемирного культурного наследия ЮНЕСКО.

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г. Владимир, Золотые ворота (1158-1164). Входит в Список Всемирного культурного наследия ЮНЕСКО. 

 

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24 Sep 2010 -Орехово-Зуево - Ногинск

Marking sacrifice of war for participants and their families

and walking distance away in a childrens park

a monument to a future of peace

22 Sept 2010 - Лысково - Нижний Новгород

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 19 sept 2010 -Йошкар-Ола - Чебоксары

Памятники Чебоксар. 

Материнский наказ: "Благословенны дети мои, живущие в мире и любви".

 

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  USA

Some High Lights 

More details and photos  of USA at:/theme_photos/heritage/usa

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Mesa Verde 

UNESCO listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/27

USA 27 May 2006: Mancos, CO to Bluff, UT

 

Mesa Verde, a large flat topped mountain. Mesa literally means ‘table’ and verde is ‘green’. 

31 May 2010 - Mesa Verde - up close with cattle

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 Yellowstone

unesco list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/28

USA 4 July 2010: Yellowstone, MT

USA 5 July 2008 : Yellowstone National Park

USA 6 July 2010:  Yellowstone, views

Yellowstone Park:  moose, buffalo, and geysers were represented. 

...a spectacular display of geyser gusto from Old Faithful and...

USA 7 July 2010 : Yellowstone continued...

 

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10 April 2008

USA Statue of Liberty

unesco world heritage site list:  http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/307

 

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Monticello and the U.of V. in Charlottesville

world heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/442/

14 August 2011

 

19 April 2008

 20 Apr 2006

 

See also USA sub page:

For more heritage example photos: theme_photos/heritage/usa

 

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Zimbabwe

31 October: Victoria Falls

we carried the torch around the falls, we found that everybody loved the idea of the World Harmony Run.

The Acting High Commissioner of India for Namibia, Mr RK Nagpal, his wife Mrs Premlata Nagpal and his friend Dr BM Harbola and Mrs Pramila Harbola happened to be visiting Victoria Falls. He said that as soon as he saw the words "World Harmony Run" he got a thrill in his heart. We met them all at various stages of our journey around the falls and it felt like we were old friends at the end of our journey around the falls. 
Unesco listing at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/509

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Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site

05 Nov 2010

Great Zimbabwe is the remains of a medieval city of some 10,000 to 20,000 souls which was built in the 1200s and flourished until the late 1400s. Its spectacular stone remains are evidence of a sophisticated and highly developed society. The ruins of this city are now recognized as a world heritage site.

 

The call of this attraction proved too attractive and, in search of harmony and the ‘rapprochement of cultures’ in this UN and UNESCO 2010 special year, the team headed for this notable site.

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Other Additional local cultural or historic locations

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