Advertisement

Neolithic ruins receive UNESCO World Heritage status

Author thumbnail
Neolithic ruins receive UNESCO World Heritage status
www.palafittes.org

Several lakeside prehistoric settlements in the Alps have been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural arm.

Advertisement

The 111 sites scattered across Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia are the remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements built from around 5000 to 500 BC on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands.

Fifty-six sites, offering exceptional conservation conditions for organic remains such as wood, textiles and plant remains, are located in Switzerland. The settlements are well-preserved, UNESCO said in a statement and represent “one of the most important sources for the study of early agrarian societies in the region.” 

The so-called “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” are the latest addition to seven other Swiss sites already on the UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. Switzerland also has three sites listed on the World Natural Heritage List.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also