Arab States
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Libya
Libyan World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Libya map · historical landmarks in Libya
Libya has 5 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 5 cultural inscriptions, inscribed between 1982 and 1986. This map of UNESCO sites in Libya covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Libyan World Heritage Sites range from Archaeological Site of Cyrene onwards; Archaeological Site of Cyrene was the country's first inscription, added in 1982; Old Town of Ghadamès is the most recent, listed in 1986.
Start with Archaeological Site of Cyrene, Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna and Archaeological Site of Sabratha, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 5
- Cultural
- 5
- First inscribed
- 1982
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- MJITripoli2 sites
- LAQAl Albraq1 site
- LTDGhadames1 site
- DJGDjanet1 site
Keep exploring
All 5 sites in Libya
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Libya
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeological Site of CyreneA colony of the Greeks of Thera, Cyrene was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world. | 1982 | Cultural | A colony of the Greeks of Thera, Cyrene was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world. It was Romanized and remained a great capital. |
| Archaeological Site of Leptis MagnaLeptis Magna was enlarged and embellished by Septimius Severus, who was born there and later became emperor. | 1982 | Cultural | Leptis Magna was enlarged and embellished by Septimius Severus, who was born there and later became emperor. |
| Archaeological Site of SabrathaA Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, Sabratha was part of the. | 1982 | Cultural | A Phoenician trading-post that served as an outlet for the products of the African hinterland, Sabratha was part of the. |
| Old Town of GhadamèsGhadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands in an oasis. | 1986 | Cultural | Ghadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands in an oasis. |
| Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart AcacusRock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — UNESCO World Heritage Site. | 1985 | Cultural | Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Libya
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Libya?
- Libya has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 5 cultural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Libya?
- Archaeological Site of Cyrene was inscribed in 1982. A colony of the Greeks of Thera, Cyrene was one of the principal cities in the Hellenic world. It was Romanized and remained a great capital.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Libya?
- Old Town of Ghadamès, inscribed in 1986. Ghadamès, known as 'the pearl of the desert', stands in an oasis.
- Which UNESCO sites in Libya are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Libya.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Libya?
- The 5 UNESCO-listed sites above are Libya's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Archaeological Site of Cyrene (1982). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Libyan World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 5 Libyan UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.