World Heritage competition top 10

It was a tight race, but with this picture Joel from Mexico just managed to beat the competition. The judges liked the composition, choice of motif as well as how it was set in motion: the couple in front of the famous Mayan pyramid cast little shadows reminiscent of those of birds. The Chichén Itzá ruin is located on the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán and has been a World Heritage Site since 1988.

Islam from Dubai was another strong contender in the competition. He sent in this picture of a nearly alien looking landscape taken in the Socotra archipelago on the Horn of Africa. Because it is so remote this area has developed its own unique plant and animal world over the past 22 million years. The islands are also known as the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean".

Astrid from Panama was also among the finalists in our competition. She impressed with this staged kiss of the Sphinx in front of the Giza Pyramids. The mysterious ancient tombs of the Pharaohs are part of the Necropolis - or city of the dead - in Memphis. In ancient times considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it has been a World Heritage Site since 1979.

On this photo by Elke from Germany Buddha can be seen benignly smiling. For 400 years Ayutthaya served as the Siamese capital. It became a commercial center on a global scale, trading with the world, from Japan to Europe, until the Burmese army destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767. Today only parts of the temple and palace buildings still remain. The ruins were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1991.

The happy smiles of the couple in the spray from the famous waterfalls impressed us. Simon from Botswana sent us this photo. The spectacular Zambezi River waterfalls, named by British rulers after Queen Victoria, are locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya - which means thundering smoke. Since 1989 it has been a cross border World Heritage Site.

Valeriya from Prague subtitled her photo of probably the best known balcony in the world of literature: "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" In William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", the star-crossed lovers vowed eternal love on this balcony. Verona's old town Center, with its Roman amphitheatre and Renaissance Palaces, has been a World Heritage Site since 2000.

Sebastian from Argentina really captured this rich display of colors on the famous glacier in the national park, the Perito Moreno. It actually is the only glacier in the world that is melting at the same rate as it is growing. The National Park with the biggest ice field outside of Antarctica has been a World Heritage Site since 1981.

Spectacular shapes and colors on the world's most extensive coral reef ecosystem. But the beauty of the reef, captured here on a photo by Christian from Germany, is threatened by the death of coral and plans to greatly expand a nearby port. The Great Barrier Reef has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Stie list since 1981 - but for how much longer?

Nikolas' photo shows two men fighting. According to legend, Kashyapa is credited with the construction of the Sigiriya citadel and the surrounding city, after he acquired the throne by overthrowing and killing his father, King Dhatusena. Apart from the archaeological foundations and ruins the site also boasts preserved frescoes from the 5th century. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1982.

What a marvelous setting! As deep down as 2,000 meters the Colorado River cuts its way through the canyon. Our judges agreed: this leap on the rim of the chasm makes the Grand Canyon more tangible. That is why this photo by Michael from Brazil was ranked among our top ten. We'd like to thank him and everyone else who contributed with their fabulous pictures.