UNESCO

Greece reopens country’s only surviving Byzantine palace after over 40 years of restoration work

The palace dates back to they 14th century and served as the seat of the Despotate of Mystras, a province of the Byzantine Empire. It has been on UNESCO’s list since 1989. 

The Palace of the Despots, in the Castle City of Mystras.
An Israeli flag flies over the medieval Beaufort Castle, known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif or Shaqif Arnoun, as seen from the Marjayoun area of southern Lebanon on May 31, 2026.

What is Beaufort Castle, the historic Crusader fortress Israel now holds in Lebanon? - explainer

Golden Helmet of Cotofenesti and gold bracelets recovered after being stolen from a Dutch museum, April 3, 2026.

Priceless Romanian artifacts recovered a year after being stolen from Dutch museum

Pottery vessels, discovered alongside jewelry and other artifacts, inside Old Kingdom tombs at the Qubbet el-Hawa site in Aswan, Egypt, February 26, 2026.

‘Secrets of ancient Egypt’: Old Kingdom tombs, artifacts discovered on Nile's west bank


Authorities reveal discovery of fourth century Roman shipwreck off Italy’s southern coast

According to the ministry, the site has been under constant monitoring by Italy’s financial police to “protect the site from possible looting and to preserve its enormous scientific value.”

Divers carrying amphorae from the fourth century AD Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Gallipoli, southern Italy in June 2025.

Israel advances bill for authority over West Bank heritage, archaeology sites

Seven MKs voted in favor of the bill, and five MKs opposed it. It will need to pass three readings in the Knesset’s plenum to become a law.

The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee approved the advancement of a controversial bill to establish an authority to oversee antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank, February 5, 2026.

The digital front line: Safeguarding Holocaust memory in the age of AI - opinion

While AI offers tools for preservation, it has simultaneously become a sophisticated engine for insidious forms of digital denial that threatens to rewrite the past in real time.

Soon, memory of the Holocaust will rely not on firsthand accounts but on documentation, interpretation, and increasing technological forms of representation.

Germany establishes diplomatic ties with Niue, signaling the importance of the Pacific - opinion

Niue is not a member of the United Nations, yet it is increasingly active and visible in diplomacy, with growing confidence and widening networks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during the Italy–Germany Business Forum at the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi, in Rome, Italy, January 23, 2026.

Israel barred Islamic officials from entering Ibrahimi Mosque, Palestinians claim

Palestinian officials say two mosque figures were barred from the Ibrahimi Mosque for 15 days amid ongoing tensions in Hebron.

The Ibrahimi mosque or the Tomb of the Patriarchs, in the West Bank city of Hebron, July 3, 2024.

A slow journey through France’s Loire Valley: Chateaux, wine, and quiet beauty

Choosing which Loire Valley châteaux to visit is both a delightful and challenging dilemma, one that quickly becomes overwhelming. There are 300 châteaux in total, and about 100 open to the public.

Exterior architecture of the Renaissance castle in the village of Grignan in the Drome department of France on September 23, 2025.

PA condemns ‘Judaization project’ after Israel takes over planning for Tomb of the Patriarchs

The administration said the decision was taken from the municipality due to Hebron’s “ongoing refusal” to approve a roofing project, stressing that the existing status quo would not be affected.

AN AERIAL view shows the Cave of the Patriarchs, a site sacred to Jews and Muslims, in the city of Hebron, November 2, 2020.

Israel strips planning powers for Tomb of Patriarchs from Hebron

The powers were withdrawn and transferred to the Administration following the rejection of a planned roofing project by the municipality and the Muslim Waqf.

JEWS STAND at the Abraham’s tomb monument in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Libya's Red Castle museum opens for first time since fall of Gaddafi

The museum, Libya's largest, was closed in 2011 during a NATO-backed uprising against longtime ruler Gaddafi, who appeared on the castle's ramparts to deliver a fiery speech.

A newly discovered artifacts are seen at Libya's Red Castle Museum, Libya, February 28, 2019. Picture taken February 28, 2019.

Jordan’s ancient Mehras olive variety makes UNESCO heritage list

Jordan's Mehras olive tree, known for its drought resistance and high oil yield of up to 30%, is an ancient variety with centuries-old traits, making it one of the world’s most productive olives.

A general view shows the olive farms in Irbid city, north of Amman November 18, 2014.