The thesis is divided into three major chapters. The first chapter theorizes heritage, defines the main concepts related to heritage, and discusses how heritage is understood from different points of view. There is also stated the division of heritage into natural and cultural, tangible and intangible, movable and immovable heritage that was needed for further discussion and analysis. This chapter concludes with the introduction of the term „the heritage process“ and the Authorizing heritage discourse that puts heritage into a completely different concept of discussion and understanding. The chapter "Institutionalization of heritage" emphasizes the importance, advantages and consequences of the protection of cultural and natural heritage. The most important and well-known organizations for heritage protection (UNESCO, ICOMOS) are listed and described, as well as their work, charters, and the main subject of research, protection criteria according to which heritage is included in the UNESCO list. The third chapter describes the research methodology and the results obtained by analyzing 30 nominations for inclusion on the UNESCO list, after which a discussion was conducted. In the conclusion, based on the facts arising from the conducted analysis, a conclusion was given on the mentioned subject of research.