PONTCYSLLTE Aqueduct named the most captivating UNESCO sites in the world, according to eye-tracking technology. 

A new study has revealed the most captivating United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sites in the world according to eye-tracking technology, with Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal in Wales topping the list.

Denbighshire Free Press: Science Declares Pontcysyllte Aqueduct As World's Most Captivating UNESCO SitesScience Declares Pontcysyllte Aqueduct As World's Most Captivating UNESCO Sites (Image: Raquel Pinto)

The travel experts at Explore Worldwide used eye-tracking technology to reveal which of the world's UNESCO sites draw the human eye most.

Welsh Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal took the top spot as the world's most eye-catching UNESCO location, followed by the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and the Carioca landscapes between the mountain and the sea in Rio de Janeiro.

The new research uses a unique technology to objectively analyse the visually captivating qualities of UNESCO sites; participants were asked to look at a series of images of 52 the global landmarks, and the eye-tracking software was then used to reveal which images drew the human eye the quickest, and held their gaze the longest.  

The average gaze duration of participants viewing images of these locations enabled Explore Worldwide to find the most captivating UNESCO sites, revealing that the Welsh Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is the most eye-catching site in the world.

The incredible aqueduct stretches over the River Dee and is a masterpiece of engineering.

Famous for being the world's highest and longest aqueduct that ships can travel on, Pontcysyllte’s history and amazing views make it a must-see sight and rightfully gain it the number one place on the list.