Champurrado is a thick Mexican beverage that is a chocolate atole, a drink made with corn flour. Champurrado is a winter beverage—traditionally drunk during Day of the Dead in November and the Christmas Posadas. Served alongside other winter foods, like tamales, champurrado is a symbol of Mexicanidad, or Mexican Identity. Champurrado and Tamales are even served during week-long funeral events at night, as it is a comfort food during time of grief. Atole has been popular in Mexico, long before the Spanish conquistadors—in fact, archaeologists have proven it continues to be made the exact same way, especially when using clay pots and the traditional molinillo (a wooden tool for mixing). Though today, most of the corn flour is ground using electric grinders, or manual steel grinders if still done by hand, some rural communities continue to grind the corn kernels on a block of cured volcanic rock, just like in pre-colonised Mexico. The drink does not use normal sugar, but with unrefined sugar cane called piloncillo [8]. It was thought by the Mayans that champurrado would bring strength to its drinker, perhaps the true endurance of the drink is the comfort and its community-building capabilities. Many things were lost to the Spanish Conquistadores, entire generations of family, language, song, laughter, inventions, science, but not Champurrado. Aside from the human threat, cacao trees are threatened by deforestation, mineral depletion in soil, and fungal disease. Preserving champurrado is synonymous with preserving native indigenous culture, and even the Nahuatl language.
The Uros people live on floating islands in Lake Titicaca, Peru. They have been building these islands from reeds and straw since pre-Incan times. Originally, they were used as a means of defence, moving from land onto them and floating towards the middle of the lake at the sign of an attack. Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, located in Peru and Bolivia, and the highest navigable lake in the world. Although most of the population now live in the town of Puno, on the mainland, some still live on the islands as their families before them. They live a traditional modest life: fishing, building boats, and creating souvenir crafts. Their aim is to preserve the culture of the Uros people and showcase it to the many tourists who visit their islands. The islands are also an opportunity for scientists and students to work on sustainability projects, such as developing filters which help remove pollutants from the water. These islands serve as an example of developing new technologies to preserve cultural heritage.
The Valley of Geysers is one of the largest geyser fields in the world. It is situated on kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East of Russia. The valley belongs to Kronotsky Nature Reserve, which is part of UNESCO world heritage sight “Volcanoes of Kamchatka”. The valley itself is the deep canyon of Geyzernaya river. There are dozens of geysers on the banks of the river. Besides geysers, the valley hosts lots of other miraculous objects: hot springs, mud volcanoes, waterfalls and hot lakes. The valley is home to an outstanding number of species of living creatures. This ecosystem is unique to Russia. The first geyser in the valley was found in 1941 by Tatiana Ustinova, who was a geologist. The goal of her expedition was the caldera of Uzon volcano, so the discovery of the geysers was not intended. Due to WW2, the exploration of the valley was postponed for many years. Nowadays the Valley of Geysers is considered one of the 7 wonders of Russia and is a popular site for tourists visiting the unique Kamchatka region, despite the remoteness of the area.
The Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock-cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). It buried the most well-known Egyptian pharaohs including Ramesses II, Hatshepsu. The famous tomb of the golden king Tutankhamun is also located in the valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, is an important archaeological site. It served as the burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the Egyptian New Kingdom from the 16th to the 11th century BCE. The site is world-renowned for its architectural and artistic achievements, showcasing the height of ancientEgyptian funerary culture.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
Valparaíso is a port city on the coast of Chile. It is known for its towering funiculars and its colorful houses on cliffs. La Sebastiana, which used to be the flamboyant home of Chilean Nobel Prize poet Pablo Neruda, now functions as a museum and offers expansive views of the Pacific. During the 19th century, a large influx of European immigrants left their mark on the city's architecture and cultural institutions. Most of these buildings are around Plaza Sotomayor, located in the center of the city. Due to its architectural wealth developed mainly at the end of the 19th century, 6 in 2003 its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Many of the neighboring sectors of the port are inaccessible by means of collective transport and the funicular lifts fulfill the task of connecting the upper part of the city with the plan, in addition to being tourist references. The first, which was powered by steam, was built on Cerro Concepción in 1883 and on Cerro Cordillera, in 1887.
The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state located in Rome, Italy, and even more so, the sovereign city-state and spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church, known for its important collection of art, manuscripts and historical artefacts (Melloni, 2022, p. 432). As the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City boasts centuries of history and is home to the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope resides, important works of Renaissance art (including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling), and St Peter's Basilica, which is built over the tomb of St Peter. Its cultural heritage is of worldwide significance.
1929 (as an independent city-state recognized by the Lateran Treaty)
Nearly 14% of Iceland's land area, or over 1,400,000 ha, is occupied by this iconic volcanic region. The property is made up of a whole system where the cryosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere are constantly interacting with the magma and lithosphere to produce incredibly dynamic and varied geological processes and landforms. Single-celled creatures thrive in the hostile environment of subglacial lakes, which may mimic circumstances on early Earth and the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, and indigenous groundwater fauna that has survived the ice age can be found in the volcanic zones of the property. By the end of the 18th century, the Vatnajökull ice cap was at its maximum size, and ever since, it has generally been retreating. Due to the recent acceleration of its retreat as a consequence of global warming, the property is an ideal location to study how glaciers and the landforms they leave behind are affected by climate change.
Vatnajökull national park aerial pano
This is the aerial pano of Vatnajökull national park
Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008. It includes the national parks in Skaftafell (est. 1967) and Jökulsárgljúfur (est. 1973) along with the Vatnajökull ice cap itself and extensive areas around it. Vatnajökull National Park is characterised by diversity on all fronts, be it landscape, biosphere, cultural remains or service levels. For simplification, however, it may be placed into two categories: uninhabited highland areas with limited services and lowland areas with higher service levels. The park‘s visitor centres are all located in lowland areas. Each of them has an exhibition about the park‘s nature and cultural heritage. Each also has a souvenir shop with special emphasis on local handicraft and products.
Venetian production dates back to the fourteenth century. It is a representation of mastery of a material, glass, and element the fire. It endures specific knowledge and shared skills, indicates the use of specific traditional tools and procedures. Skilled artisans melt, blow, shape the coloured glass to obtained the shapes. Venice, the true European capital of glass, glass beads were produced in Murano and in all the Venetian territory. Since it was such a valuable product for trading, the center of production moved from Venice to island Murano to avoid the great risk of fire in keeping the kilns. The production represents a traditional knowledge handed down from generation to generation for more than 700 years. After the first World War of dissolution of colonialism, the beads lost their original function of as trading commodity. It become more of art, jewels and personal ornaments The process generally involves three preparatory positions, the ‘perlai’ (craftsmen of glass beads), ‘molatore’ and ‘impiraressa’, a women who inserts the beads through precise movements and creates various artefacts, and the glassmaker. The art of glass beads became part of the List of Intangible Cultural Heritaage since 2020.
Venetian beads production dates back to the fourteenth century. It is a representation of mastery of a material, glass, and element the fire. It endures specific knowledge and shared skills, indicates the use of specific traditional tools and procedures. Skilled artisans melt, blow, shape the coloured glass to obtained the shapes. Venice, the true European capital of glass, glass beads were produced in Murano and in all the Venetian territory. Since it was such a valuable product for trading, the center of production moved from Venice to island Murano to avoid the great risk of fire in keeping the kilns. The production represents a traditional knowledge handed down from generation to generation for more than 700 years. After the first World War of dissolution of colonialism, the beads lost their original function of as trading commodity. It become more of art, jewels and personal ornaments The process generally involves three preparatory positions, the ‘perlai’ (craftsmen of glass beads), ‘molatore’ and ‘impiraressa’, a women who inserts the beads through precise movements and creates various artefacts, and the glassmaker. The art of glass beads became part of the List of Intangible Cultural Heritaage since 2020.
Venetian production dates back to the fourteenth century. It is a representation of mastery of a material, glass, and element the fire. It endures specific knowledge and shared skills, indicates the use of specific traditional tools and procedures. Skilled artisans melt, blow, shape the coloured glass to obtained the shapes. Venice, the true European capital of glass, glass beads were produced in Murano and in all the Venetian territory. Since it was such a valuable product for trading, the center of production moved from Venice to island Murano to avoid the great risk of fire in keeping the kilns. The production represents a traditional knowledge handed down from generation to generation for more than 700 years. After the first World War of dissolution of colonialism, the beads lost their original function of as trading commodity. It become more of art, jewels and personal ornaments The process generally involves three preparatory positions, the ‘perlai’ (craftsmen of glass beads), ‘molatore’ and ‘impiraressa’, a women who inserts the beads through precise movements and creates various artefacts, and the glassmaker. The art of glass beads became part of the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2020.
Venice and its Lagoon is a cultural site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. The property consists of a group of 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, located in northeastern Italy. The city of Venice, with its iconic canals, historic architecture, and cultural traditions, has been an important center of trade and culture since the Middle Ages. The lagoon itself, which stretches over 50,000 hectares, includes a range of natural habitats, including salt marshes, shallow waters, and sandbanks, which provide important ecological functions and support a rich biodiversity. Venice and its Lagoon is recognized as an outstanding example of the complex interaction between human societies and their natural environment. The city's architecture, art, and cultural heritage reflect the influence of a range of cultures, including Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance, and demonstrate the importance of Venice as a center of trade and cultural exchange. At the same time, the lagoon's natural ecosystems provide important resources for local communities and support a range of species, many of which are endangered or rare. Together, the city and its lagoon represent a unique cultural and natural heritage that continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.
Venice and its Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, epitomizes cultural and architectural grandeur on the northeastern coast of Italy. This iconic city, built on an archipelago of 118 islands, is interlaced with a network of canals and historic bridges, creating a unique urban landscape. Venice is renowned for its artistic masterpieces and architectural feats, including the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the ornate Doge’s Palace. The city’s intricate waterways and ethereal quality have enchanted poets, artists, and travelers for centuries. Surrounded by the shifting tides of its lagoon, Venice faces significant challenges, particularly due to rising sea levels and increasing tourism, which strain its delicate ecological and architectural balance. Efforts to preserve Venice and its lagoon highlight its critical role in promoting sustainable urban planning (SDG 11) and protecting underwater life (SDG 14). These initiatives also support goals in education (SDG 4) by fostering a deeper understanding of its historical and environmental importance, thereby ensuring that Venice continues to inspire and captivate the imagination of people worldwide.
Founded in the 5th century and spread over 118 small islands, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th century. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.
Venice and its Lagoon form an extraordinary architectural masterpiece, with the city's unique setting, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and its network of canals and islands. Founded in the 5th century and flourishing as a major maritime power from the 10th to the 16th centuries, Venice has had a profound influence on the development of architecture and monumental arts across Europe. The Lagoon's delicate ecosystem is threatened by climate change, rising sea levels, and human activities. Digital interpretation can raise awareness about these issues and support SDG 13.1, which focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
Venice and its Lagoon(National Geographic)
Venetian life exists among the city's hundreds of canals and diverse architecture. This short film from directors Olvier Astrologo and Nils Astrologo immerses us in the history and hidden places of Venice, Italy, revealing ancient folk traditions.
VZW Festival Dranouter has a 44 year tradition of using culture and local heritage as a lever for economic activities in its own (rural) areas. As such we can contribute with experience related to the subject of research within the CUPIDO project. We have developed a broad range of activities over the years and can share experience (success and losses) that we gathered over the years. We have always worked on the borderline between business, culture and tourism.
Via Francigena is a historic pilgrim’s route from Canterbury to Rome. First travelled by Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 990, this historic pilgrimage route is now travelled by around 50,000 hikers yearly. The route begins at Canterbury cathedral, traveling to Dover and across the English Channel. The route continues through France into Switzerland, crossing the alps at the Great St Bernard Pass. After crossing the Italian border, the route continues down the eastern side of Italy and finishes at Rome. The route is mostly footpaths and rough trails, with substantial elevation change in some stages. This difficult terrain promotes SDG 3: good health and wellbeing. Walking is a far more environmentally responsible mode of transport than air travel, car or train, so as well as benefiting pilgrims traveling on the route, promoting walking tourism (which the Via Francigena is an example of) can help contribute to SDG 13: climate action.
Via Francigena is a historic pilgrim’s route from Canterbury to Rome. First travelled by Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 990, this historic pilgrimage route is now travelled by around 50,000 hikers yearly. The route begins at Canterbury cathedral, traveling to Dover and across the English Channel. The route continues through France into Switzerland, crossing the alps at the Great St Bernard Pass. After crossing the Italian border, the route continues down the eastern side of Italy and finishes at Rome. The route is mostly footpaths and rough trails, with substantial elevation change in some stages. This difficult terrain promotes SDG 3: good health and wellbeing. Walking is a far more environmentally responsible mode of transport than air travel, car or train, so promoting walking tourism (which the Via Francigena is an example of) can help contribute to SDG 13: climate action.
The Victoria Memorial is a building that was constructed in 1921. The building is made of white marble and measures 109m. It has been often described as a veritable icon of the city of Kolkata. The Victoria Memorial was constructed to serve and be dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria and stands as an architectural gem but also reminiscence to the rule of the British Crown. In terms of the design, the design was conducted by William Emerson who was the chief architect behind Victoria Memorial and the design showcases the Indo-Saracenic Revivalist template. It fuses several Mughal and British architectural elements with touches of Egyptian and Venetian styles, along with architectural influences
This reconstruction was a collaboration with Kirkcaldy Old Kirk Trust, with architectural guidence from Prof Richard Fawcett.
Situated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the 492 cells and cave sanctuaries in Mogao are famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art. Source: UNESCO TV / © NHK Nippon Hoso Kyokai
In the 1850s, French missionaries imported coffee plants into Indochina. The early coffee industry in Vietnam was disrupted by series of wars until 1975, after the Vietnam War. Now, Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world. Vietnamese coffee exemplifies how a culture’s cuisine, language and economy can be affected by colonization and immigration. Beyond the intangible effects, coffee plantations (tangible, immovable) and their harvests (tangible, movable) have altered the country’s natural heritage. The risk of unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War (armed conflict heritage) further affects farmer’s search for more land to grow coffee. After the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese Communist Party’s failed agriculture collectivization efforts prompted them to turn towards coffee production. This specific location is the Central Highlands, where Vietnamese coffee plantations grow most of their Robusta coffee beans. Vietnam is “one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change” because of its low altitude, proximity to the Mekong Delta, and South China Sea coastline. Unpredictable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and temperatures greatly affect Vietnamese coffee bean production. Digitally, Vietnamese coffee culture has been preserved primarily through social media platforms who have made the iced Vietnamese coffee drink an international phenomenon.
These terraces were planted with coffee in Vietnam, several hours outside of mountainous Da Lat. Uploaded from: http://flickr.com/photo/14279744@N03/2212677624
Famous Vietnamese Iced Coffee, with condensed milk.
Vietnamese coffee brewing in preparation of iced coffee.
Vietnamese Robusta Coffee - Central Highlands
Source of information: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/12/a-breakdown-of-vietnamese-coffee-producing-regions/ SVG Photo of Central Highlands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Central_Highlands_in_Vietnam.svg
Source of information: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/12/a-breakdown-of-vietnamese-coffee-producing-regions/ SVG Photo of Central Highlands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Central_Highlands_in_Vietnam.svg More information of the Central Highlands: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Highlands_%28Vietnam%29
View from Gorham's Cave Complex in Gibraltar
Immovable Culture Heritage,Underwater Cultural Heritage,Tourism
Views of the an oceanic island in the Southern Ocean, Macquarie Island, recognised as World Heritage by UNESCO
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2014, this cultural landscape encompasses three distinct wine-growing areas: the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato regions. The site is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, terraced vineyards, and historic towns and villages nestled among the vineyards. The landscape reflects centuries of human interaction with the land, as well as the traditional agricultural practices and techniques employed in viticulture. The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions are known for producing high-quality wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera, among others. The vineyards are meticulously maintained and managed, with traditional grape cultivation methods passed down through generations.
The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in northern Italy's Piedmont region, showcases three distinct wine-growing areas: the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato regions. Characterized by picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and terraced vineyards interspersed with historic towns, this region embodies centuries of human interaction with the land and traditional agricultural practices. Amidst its beauty, digital interpretation offers a pathway towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns worldwide. Through interactive websites and virtual tours these tools can enlighten visitors about sustainable agriculture, organic farming practices, and biodiversity conservation within the vineyard landscape. They promote responsible consumption by advocating for support of local, sustainable food systems and reducing food waste. However, the region faces notable climate threats such as extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns, which can impact grape cultivation, vineyard management, and ecosystem health. These climate challenges highlight the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. Digital interpretation holds the potential to address these challenges by disseminating information on climate-resilient farming practices, water management strategies, and sustainable land-use techniques. By raising awareness about climate change impacts and inspiring collective action, virtual platforms can contribute to the sustainable management and preservation of this cultural and natural heritage site.
Virtual reconstruction of Abernethey Tower site, as it may have looked in 1072.
A virtual dive experience based on the area around Bass Rock. There are a number of scenes with different wildlife. Starting with the island with the Gannets, then underwater with fish and further out with Kelp. There are also Whales and Dolphins.
The Virtual Harlem Project is a virtual representation of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age. Created by Dr Bryan Carter @bcmini In 2012, the Virtual Harlem Project was ported to Open Sim. The project is currently housed by us, Open Virtual Worlds @standrewsovw School of Computer Science, University of St. Andrews.
Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was created in 1925. In elevation, it ranges from 680 m (2,230 ft) in the Semliki River valley to 5,109 m (16,762 ft) in the Rwenzori Mountains. From north to south it extends approximately 300 km (190 mi), largely along the international borders with Uganda and Rwanda in the east. It covers an area of 8,090 km2 (3,120 sq mi). Two active volcanoes are located in the park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. They have significantly shaped the national park's diverse habitats and wildlife. More than 3,000 faunal and floral species have been recorded, of which more than 300 are endemic to the Albertine Rift including eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti). In 1979, the National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich diversity of habitats, exceptional biodiversity and endemism, and its protection of rare mountain gorilla habitat. It has been listed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994 because of civil unrest and the increase of human presence in the region. There have been several deadly attacks in the park by rebel groups, and several park rangers have been killed.
Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was created in 1925. In elevation, it ranges from 680 m in the Semliki River valley to 5,109 m in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Virupaksha Temple: A 7th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, distinguished by its impressive 50-meter-high tower, which serves as a gateway to this sacred site.
The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi.
The Castillo de Ponferrada, also known as the Castillo de los Templarios, or Templar Castle, in Ponferrada, Spain is an impressive castle that dates back to 1178. Likely built on the ruins of a previous Celtic castle, this fortification housed the Knights Templar by order of King Fernando II of León. Ponferrada became an important point of transit when in the 11th Century a reinforced iron bridge was built (which became the namesake of the town, from the Latin Pons Ferrata, Iron Bridge). The Knights were granted a jurisdiction in Ponferrada to provide security to pilgrims travelling to and from Santiago de Compostela, especially from Muslim invasion; and to serve the interests of Fernando II and his successor Alfonso IX.
The Garuda shrine in the form of stone chariot at Vitthala temple
Volubilis is an ancient archaeological site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the largest and most important sites in Morocco as it’s ruins date back to 3BC and were inhabited for over ten centuries. According to World Monuments Fund, the city was extremely wealthy due to its production of agricultural products such as grain and olive oil. However, the Romans who occupied it abandoned a portion of Volubilis in 285. It was then inhabited by the founder of Fez, Idris I, who was the first Islamic ruler in Morocco. This helped Volubilis gain momentum and reach the potential it once had. Not long after, it was abandoned again and has been managed by various archaeologists since. About two decades ago, the World Monuments Fund offered financial assistance through the Robert W. Wilson Challenge Program to establish a database to consolidate all available research into a multilingual, multimedia archive. Conservation initiatives have been conducted with a view of focusing on main elements such as mosaics. A monitoring process to examine soil conditions, activity and relative humidity levels has been developed. An architectural survey was carried out and photographed by students at the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage of Morocco.
Vovnushki (from ingush “place of defense towers”) is one of the most famous and notable complexes of medieval Ingush defense towers. The complex consists of three defense towers standing on two rocks. It is supposed that there used to be a bridge between the towers different rocks. Each tower has four floors, two narrow loopholes and a flat roof. The towers are typical examples of the architecture of the region. The earliest information we have about Vovnushki dates back to the XVIII century. It is unknown when the complex was built. Judging by the architecture typical to late Middle Ages historians assume that is was built either in XVII or XVIII. In 2008, the complex was voted as one of the top 7 marvels of Russia. It is a popular site for local tourists.
Вовнушки. Горная Ингушетия. Vovnushki. Mountainous Ingushetia.
Virtual reconstruction of St Andrews Cathedral.