Top 10 Global Heritage Sites at Risk of Disappearing

For six decades, the World Monuments Fund has been dedicated to preserving vital international heritage sites. Over 700 locations across 112 countries have received support from the fund, which not only highlights the urgency of their protection but also collaborates with local communities to secure funding for restoration and conservation efforts.

Starting in the mid-1990s, the fund has released a biennial list of critically endangered cultural sites, sourced from global nominations. The 2025 edition includes 25 sites spanning five continents (and beyond). Below, we explore 10 of these remarkable locations.

The Sorbonne Chapel // France

The Sorbonne in Paris is renowned as one of the world’s most esteemed universities, with its 17th-century chapel, the Chapelle Sainte-Ursule de la Sorbonne, standing as one of its most architectural marvels. Throughout its history, the chapel has endured looting, vandalism, and significant damage during the French Revolution, later serving as a memorial for university members who sacrificed their lives in World War II. After centuries of wear, the chapel has been shut for approximately 25 years due to structural and preservation challenges. The WMF notes that its inclusion on the list signifies a fresh start for this historic structure.

The Great Trading Path // United States

The Great Trading Path, also known as the Occaneechi Path, served as a vital trade route linking Indigenous communities in the southeastern United States for centuries. By the late 1600s, it stretched from present-day Petersburg, Virginia, to Charlotte, North Carolina, branching into two routes in South Carolina. The path included sacred sites and gathering spots, some of which remain culturally significant to the Occaneechi people today. Over time, parts of the trail were converted into wagon roads and later paved highways. The WMF is now amplifying efforts to preserve the remaining sections and educate the public about its historical importance in uniting Indigenous tribes.

Maine's Historic Lighthouses // United States

Nearly 70 historic lighthouses dot Maine’s rugged Atlantic shoreline, with the Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth being the oldest, dating back to 1791. However, these iconic structures now face significant risks from climate change, as the Gulf of Maine is warming at three times the global average, leading to more turbulent coastal conditions. In collaboration with Maine Preservation, the WMF aims to bring together lighthouse stewards to share strategies for climate adaptation and foster public dialogue about the future of coastal heritage.

The Terracotta Sculptures of Alcobaça Monastery // Portugal

Established in 1153, the Monastery of Alcobaça, situated approximately 100 miles south of Lisbon, houses a remarkable collection of unique terracotta sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. These sculptures were crafted using an innovative method where local clay was molded into hollow blocks known as tacelos, which were then assembled and refined in situ to create large-scale, intricately detailed artworks. Unfortunately, the tacelos are highly vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, leading to their deterioration. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the WMF’s efforts focus on preserving the remaining sculptures and training local artisans in conservation and restoration techniques.

The Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery // Mongolia

Mongolia, a historically Buddhist nation, saw its religious freedoms curtailed after becoming a Soviet satellite state in 1924. Many Buddhist structures were destroyed, but the Erdene Zuu monastery, built in the late 16th century by Altan Khan, endured. As Mongolia’s oldest monastery, it now faces challenges from years of neglect and climate change, prompting urgent preservation efforts. The WMF aims to use its inclusion on the list to rally support for safeguarding this vital piece of Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and empower local experts to protect it for future generations.

Cinema Studio Namibe // Angola

The Cinema Studio Namibe, one of the most avant-garde and unconventional structures on this year’s list, is a modernist cinema located in Moçâmedes, a port city in southeastern Angola. Designed by Portuguese architect José Botelho Pereira, its construction began in 1973 but was halted two years later due to the outbreak of civil war in Angola. The cinema, with its striking partially open-air design, has remained unfinished since. The WMF seeks to revive efforts to complete the project, transforming it into the cultural and community center it was originally envisioned to be.

The Belfast Assembly Rooms // United Kingdom

In the UK, local assembly rooms have historically served as community hubs, and the Belfast Assembly Rooms, established in the 1760s, are a prime example. Over the past 250 years, these rooms have witnessed pivotal events, such as the 1789 vote that led to the rejection of a proposed slave-shipping venture, influenced by the Belfast Women’s Anti-Slavery League, founded by prominent abolitionist Mary Ann McCracken. Currently vacant, the rooms are at the center of a growing movement for restoration, supported by the WMF, which aims to convert the building into a museum focusing on the Northern Irish Troubles and the subsequent peace agreement.

The Swahili Coast Heritage Sites // East Africa

The eastern African coast and its islands reflect a rich fusion of African, European, Indian, and Arab cultures. However, climate change poses a serious threat to these regions, with rising sea levels, heavier rainfall, and stronger storm surges endangering sites in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the Comoros islands. The WMF seeks to “mobilize expertise and resources to tackle these interconnected challenges by enhancing both physical resilience and community cohesion through targeted regional efforts.”

Noto Peninsula // Japan

A devastating magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, followed by powerful aftershocks that caused wildfires, land liquefaction, and a tsunami. The disaster claimed over 450 lives and destroyed 136,000 buildings, including numerous historic landmarks. With a history spanning nearly 6000 years, this region is now the focus of the WMF’s efforts to initiate “community-driven preservation projects aimed at fostering recovery and resilience in the Noto Peninsula.”

The Moon

The most unconventional entry on this year’s list, the WMF has emphasized the importance of preserving the moon’s heritage sites, including Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprints, amid growing commercial interest in space exploration.