The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The complex, comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, is built on Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700m. Also founded in the 7th century, the Jokhang Temple Monastery is an exceptional Buddhist religious complex. Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer palace, constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art. The beauty and originality of the architecture of these three sites, their rich ornamentation and harmonious integration in a striking landscape, add to their historic and religious interest.
Criteria for inclusion as a World Heritage Site
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i | To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius. | All |
iv | To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. | All |
vi | To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). | All |
Nearby
Name | Since | Distance | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drukgyel Dzong | 2019 | 296.8km | site_ao | ||
Chendebji Chorten | 2019 | 254.1km | site_ao | ||
Punakha Suspension Bridge | 2019 | 260.3km | site_ao | ||
Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum | 2019 | 228.5km | site_ao | ||
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple | 2019 | 299.5km | site_ao | ||
Jambay Lhakhang | 2018 | 234.6km | site_ao | ||
The Burning Lake | 2018 | 237.4km | site_ao | ||
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten | 2018 | 258km | site_ao | ||
Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan | 2018 | 282.2km | site_ao | ||
Gangteng Gompa | 2018 | 258.9km | site_ao | ||
Dochula Pass Meditation Caves | 2017 | 275.5km | site_ao | ||
This Tibetan Monastery Is Home to One of the Last Sky Burial Sites | 2017 | 116.1km | site_ao | ||
This Giant Buddha Is Filled With 125,000 Smaller Buddhas | 2017 | 285.1km | site_ao | ||
Motithang Takin Preserve | 2018 | 283.1km | site_ao | ||
Garden of Phallus | 2017 | 283.1km | site_ao | ||
Trongsa Dzong | 2018 | 247.3km | site_ao | ||
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary | 1985 | 326.2km | site_whs |
About the source: UNESCO
Within UNESCO's broad remit, this specialised agency of the UN works towards international cooperation agreements to secure the world's cultural and natural heritage, designating venues of exceptional value as World Heritage Sites.