The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was formed in 1945 as a way to ensure the preservation of the most significant aspects of our shared history. By designating and protecting places in the world that highlight humanity's momentous accomplishments and the planet's natural beauty, UNESCO aims to bridge the gaps between us in hopes of promoting world peace.

Since it was founded, UNESCO has specified over a thousand spots in 167 countries as world heritage sites. Trips to these places provide visitors the opportunity to learn about not only their differences but about the collective experiences that make us all human. With so many significant places to choose from, these are a few noteworthy sites to start with.

8 Mesa Verde National Park - United States

Mesa Verde National Park is a testament to Colorado's rich history. Archaeologists have discovered over 4,000 sites that illuminate how Ancestral Pueblo Indians lived between the 6th and 12th centuries. Extraordinarily well-preserved dwellings made of sandstone and mud sit atop cliffs over 8,000-feet above sea level.

Many buildings have multiple floors, some with up to 200 rooms. The complex structures and the fact so many of them are still standing highlight the impressive skills of early humanity to build communities they could thrive in. Puebloan rock art and ceremonial shrines color this already remarkable site of human heritage, an easily accessible place to get inspired by the ingenuity of our ancestors.

7 Château de Versailles - France

The Palace of Versailles is a majestic expression of several generations of French monarchs during the 17th and 18th centuries. After the reign and subsequent beheadings of Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, the royal display of opulence became a museum at the beginning of the 19th century.

During its highs, the Palace of Versailles served as an example to other monarchies, its dedication to arts and lavishness an inspiration around the world. The beautiful gardens, extravagant Hall of Mirrors, and countless artistic masterpieces found within this world heritage site highlight both the importance of human expression and the dangers of overindulgence.

6 Stonehenge - United Kingdom

Despite the best guesses by some of the world's greatest minds, Stonehenge is still shrouded in mystery. No one knows for certain when exactly the monument was erected, for what purpose it was built, or even who it was constructed by. Its puzzling existence has even born conspiracy theories wondering if humans were responsible for the monument at all.

Whether the work of humans or ancient aliens, what is known is that the monument was built in stages over 1,500 years beginning around 3000 BC. The giant stones aren't the only unique thing about Stonehenge. The area is also the site of large burial mounds that were used for the cremated remains of Neolithic humans for at least 500 years. This prehistoric marvel is a reminder that there is beauty in not having all the answers.

Related: The U.S. Has Its Very Own 'Stonehenge,' And This Is What We Know About It

5 Dinosaur Provincial Park - Canada

Prior to the existence of humans, Earth was teeming with life. Before the nefarious comet struck the planet 65 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the land. Dinosaur Provincial Park is home to the most important fossils ever found. The high concentration of preserved specimens, as well as their variety, make the park an extremely special place.

The fossils represent what life entailed tens of millions of years ago, but the landscape of Dinosaur Provincial Park also shows the impact time has on geological landscapes. This world heritage site reminds humans of just how little time they've existed in the grand scheme of things, and how quickly life as we know it can change.

4 Vatican City

Although Vatican City is technically located in Italy, it is actually the smallest independent nation-state in the world. Two millennia of history fill the streets of this Christian world heritage site. All efforts to modernize have kept in mind the unique artistic quality of Vatican City. It's the location of the revered Sistine Chapel, a marvel of Renaissance art encapsulated in a sacred space. The magnificent Vatican Palace has been modified and added to since the Middle Ages, standing today as a testament to the influence religion has had on human culture since the dawn of its existence.

Related: A Travel Guide To Rome: 10 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

3 Prague - Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic is a bustling city with 1.3 million residents, but Prague has been an urban center since the medieval era. Many of the buildings found in the historic city were built between the 11th and 18th centuries, including beautiful Renaissance theaters, Gothic churches, and castles.

The unique architecture is said to have influenced Europe during the Middle Ages. Walking down the streets will take visitors back in time, though the city is filled with all the modern comforts not available back in the day. Prague is a truly remarkable representation of how modern life can coexist with preserved history.

Related: A Travel Guide To Prague: Tourists Should Plan Their Trip Around These 10 Things

2 Great Wall of China

Although many people are familiar with the Great Wall of China, plenty are unaware of just how great it is. The wall was a group effort that spanned over 2,000 years as a means to protect Chinese territory along its northern border. The final structure is 13,000 miles long, or almost 4 times longer than the United States from coast to coast.

Nearly 5,000 miles of the wall are still well-preserved, and its designation as a world heritage site means that everything possible will be done to ensure it stays that way. The Great Wall of China shows what's possible when human beings work together to achieve a common goal.

1 Campos De Agave Jose Cuervo - Mexico

Cultures around the world have consumed alcohol as a means of healing, celebration, and ritual for thousands of years. The Jose Cuervo agave fields show the unique evolution of Mexico's most famous beverage. The farm is still in use today, a vast expanse of healthy agave plants complemented by the aptly named Tequila Mountain in the background. Visitors can witness the history of agave cultivation in the Teuchitlan agricultural terraces, temples, and ball courts. The current distillery is also on-site, a reflection of how humanity needs to evolve in order to survive.

Next: 20 Sites Just Added To UNESCO’s World Heritage List