World Heritage Sites in Hungary [antikvár]

'.I', ¦¦ " n I, ¦ '!I'.::' . I I' I, !i ! PV'' Q ur natural and cultural heritage is more and more fragile due to technical developm ent, mass tourism and global warming. What can mankind do'to protect the miracles which we created or inherited throughout our history? To save Earth's architectural and natural gems we must protect and conserve these unique, important wonders. The World Heritage sites programme was founded by UNESCO in 1972 in Paris, and today 191 countries take part in it. Many internationally well-know, world famous places of interests have gained protection by it ever since. They were carefully chosen by the World Heritage Committee and we have more than a thousand protected sites by now. It is very difficult to be included on the list, and the sites have to meet several strict criteria. However gaining the title also means opportunities and responsibilities. It gives prestige, funding, equipment and professional help with the conservation, but the sites must be maintained, restored and made to be accessible by the public. Hungary joined the programme in 1985. Since then the World Heritage Committee has given the title to nine Hungarian places and traditions. First were the Budapest sites in the capital city in 1987, namely the Castle district on the Buda side, the view of the buildings on the banks of River Danube between Margit and Petőfi Bridges with the Houses of Parliament, Gellért Spa, Citadel and the Technical University, then in 2002 Andrássy Avenue, its palaces, the first underground on the continent. Heroes Square with the Millennium Memorial, the Fine Arts Museum and the Műcsarnok Art Gallery. Hollókő, the picturesque little village in Nógrád County, also gained the title in 1987 with its charming houses and landscape. About 400 people live here today and the buildings, church and customs are a rare, living example of the local traditions. The first natural beauty spot which became part of the World Heritage sites were the caves of the Aggtelek Karst in 1995. The beautiful caves are decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, and the Baradia Cave is one of the largest in Europe. The Hortobágy National Park, or more well-known the Hungarian puszta gained UNESCO protection in 1999. This is the largest grass plain on the continent, which with its architectural and natural beauty, rare flora and fauna is a truly unique place in the world. 6 • WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN HUNGARY