The second part of my challenge to visit 10 UNESCO sites.
Pop here to see UNESCO sites 1-5, or read on to discover the final set.
6. Heart of Neolithic Orkney – August 2025
The UNESCO listing for Orkney includes the four main monuments of Maes Howe chambered tomb, Ring of Brogdar, Stones of Stenness and the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae. We spent an excellent day visiting all of these, along with multiple other burial sites and henges. All were built in the Neolithic period around 5000 years ago, and are found in a relatively small area on Mainland in Orkney. I highly recommend the evening tour of Skara Brae, which takes place on certain summer evenings after the site has closed to the general public. Just remember to book well in advance (similar to Maes Howe as numbers are restricted).
7. Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy – October 2025
I visited the Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola, one of the nine sacred mountains of northern Italy. Starting from Domodossola, pilgrims walk up the cobbled Via Crucis to the top of Mattarella Hill. Along the way are fifteen chapels, known as Stations of the Cross. Construction started in 1656; inside the chapels are statues to represent the life and death of Jesus. From the top of the hill there are great views over the town and surrounding countryside. After the chapels I continued walking a fabulous route around the local villages – look online for route suggestions.
8. Venetian works of defence between the 16th and 17th centuries – October 2025
This translates to (amongst others) the Venetian Walls in Bergamo. Bergamo is a fantastic city, with lots to see so it’s strange that it’s just the walls that are listed. The walls, built in 1561, represent an example of Renaissance military architecture. At around 6km long, they protect the upper town but were never actually involved in any sieges. Nowadays they’re a good sunset viewing spot.
9. Venice and its lagoon – October 2025
No idea why this place is included. Something about it being a unique architectural masterpiece. I had two hours between trains at Santa Lucia railway station so took vaporetto number one along the Grand Canal and then walked back. The vaporetto was a squash but I managed to find a spot at the front which provided me with a great view of the comings and goings on the canal. I’ve visited Venice a few times now and, I never thought I’d say this, but it’s slowly growing on me, despite the tourist masses.
10. City of Valletta, Malta – December 2025
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a fortified city between two natural harbours in the Mediterranean. This location has resulted in multiple occupations and rulers, leading to a city full of historic monuments. The setting is spectacular, particularly when viewed from the sea, and the sights, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, were impressive. However, similar to Venice, this was one of the busiest tourist spots I’ve visited in recent years (probably because it was the New Year). Fortunately, even in Valletta, it was relatively easy to escape the throngs of tourists by heading down the numerous side streets.
Challenge completed
Challenge completed. Pop over to read about UNESCO sites 1-5 or the full list of my 60 things to do before I’m 60.