UNESCO World Heritage Sites The United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is committed to
preserving the culture and heritage of major sites around the
world. The latest World Heritage list includes varied places
like the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia,
East Africa’s Serengeti—and Curaçao’s Willemstad. An Outstanding
Addition In 1997, the UNESCO World Heritage Site committee
selected the historic city center of Willemstad—one of just six
Caribbean sites chosen—because of its “outstanding value and
integrity, which illustrates the organic growth of a
multicultural community over three centuries, and preserves to a
high degree significant elements.” In addition to Willemstad’s
historic city center, other inductees include the beautiful
restored mansions of Scharloo and Pietermaai and Curaçaoan
neighborhoods dating back to the 1700s. For more information: