Europe is home to over 500 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which is more than any other continent. Numerous other sites are on the organization's Tentative List.
The continent's long, continuous history and vast architectural legacy spans thousands of years, covering civilizations from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. This lengthy history is reflected in dozens of properties, from temples and palaces to castles and churches.
Europe's World Heritage Sites also number an outstanding mosaic of natural wonders, from the precipitous snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the ethereal, turquoise cascade lakes in the south.
In this gallery, we feature 30 UNESCO-listed destinations in Europe. Some will be familiar, others perhaps more obscure. All, though, are worth exploring at leisure. Click to continue reading.