Vredefort Dome, situated approximately 120km southwest of Johannesburg, dates back 2,023 million years and is the oldest, largest and most deeply eroded complex meteorite impact structure in the world. It is the site of the world's greatest single known energy release event. It contains high quality and accessible geological (outcrop) sites which demonstrates a range of geological evidences of a complex meteorite impact structure. The Vredefort Dome was declared a World Heritage Site in 2005 by UNESCO. A World Heritage Site is a recognised and protected area of outstanding natural, historical and cultural value.