A well-known Italian publicist, attracting materials from his many travels and special literature, talks about the famous ancient architectural complexes of Europe, Asia, America and Africa, about the negative impact of environmental and human pollution on them. Fascinating works are described to save such, for example, unique cultural monuments as Carthage, Mohenjodaro, statues of Easter Island, Acropolis, Venice. It is argued that the protection of monuments is closely related to the problem of environmental protection. A special role in the rescue of monuments of international cooperation is emphasized.