New 7 Wonders of the World: The New 7 Wonders of the World is a list celebrating the seven most extraordinary human-made structures on the planet. Compiled by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, a non-profit focused on preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the winners were selected through a global vote involving over 100 million people.
According to the New 7 Wonders of the World, there were 21 finalists for these positions. According to Bernard Weber, Founder and President of New7Wonders mentioned: "Over the years the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World campaign continued to grow, from a grassroots idea into a movement that was attracting millions of voters. The New7Wonders World Tour in 2006-2007, during which I visited the 21 Finalists together with my team, led to increased voting and participation. Votes, emails, photos and videos came from literally every corner of the world. The New7Wonders global movement celebrated the results of the world’s first global voting campaign on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year 2007, when the results of more than 100 million votes were announced in Lisbon and The Official New 7 Wonders of the World were declared."
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What are the New 7 Wonders of the World?
The New 7 Wonders of the World are as follows:
Wonder | Place |
Chichen Itza | Mexico |
Colosseum | Italy |
Christ the Redeemer | Brazil |
Great Wall of China | China |
Machu Pichu | Peru |
Petra | Jordan |
Taj Mahal | India |
1. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Source: Travel Off Path
Chichen Itza is a remarkable ancient Mayan city situated on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It was one of the most influential and prosperous centres of the Mayan civilization during the Classic period (250-900 AD), playing a key role in politics, culture, and religion. The city boasts several awe-inspiring structures, each offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural sophistication of the Mayan people.
Among the most iconic landmarks are the El Castillo Pyramid, a massive step pyramid that served as a testament to the Mayans' advanced understanding of astronomy, and the Temple of the Warriors, a grand structure adorned with columns and carvings that depict Mayan deities and warriors, and the Great Ball Court, the largest and most impressive of its kind in the Mayan world, where ritualistic ball games were played.
Chichen Itza’s well-preserved ruins continue to captivate visitors and scholars alike, providing valuable insights into Mayan civilisation.
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2. Colosseum, Italy
Source: National Geographic Education
The Colosseum, a colossal amphitheatre nestled in the heart of Rome, stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of the Roman Empire. This iconic landmark, built in the 1st century AD under the Flavian emperors, is the largest amphitheatre ever constructed and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Rome.
Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum was a marvel of engineering and architecture. Its elliptical structure, measuring 620 feet by 513 feet, could accommodate a staggering 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.
The amphitheatre's design was ingeniously crafted to facilitate the swift entry and exit of such a vast crowd, ensuring a seamless experience for all.
The Colosseum was not merely a venue for entertainment; it was a stage upon which the power and might of Rome were showcased. Gladiatorial contests, where skilled fighters engaged in mortal combat, were the centrepiece of the spectacles. The arena, a carefully designed wooden floor covered with sand, was the scene of thrilling battles between gladiators, wild animals, and even mock naval battles.
3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer, a towering monument to faith and hope, stands majestically atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This iconic statue, one of the largest Art Deco sculptures in the world, has become a beloved symbol of both Christianity and Brazil's rich cultural heritage.
Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue's imposing figure, with outstretched arms embracing the city below, has captivated the hearts of millions. Its striking design, conceived by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, is a testament to the collaboration of artistic vision and engineering prowess.
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4. Great Wall of China
Source: Travel And Leisure Asia
The Great Wall of China, a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, is a monumental series of fortifications that snake across the rugged terrain of northern China.
Constructed over centuries by countless labourers, this architectural marvel stands as a symbol of the Chinese Empire's determination to protect its borders and preserve its cultural heritage. Stretching for thousands of miles, the Great Wall is not a single, continuous structure, but rather a complex network of walls, watchtowers, and fortresses.
Its construction began during the 7th century BC and continued through the 17th century AD, with different dynasties adding to and modifying the wall over time. The wall's path winds through mountains, deserts, and grasslands, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization, is an ancient city nestled amidst the breathtaking Andes Mountains of Peru.
Constructed in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire, this remarkable site remained concealed from the outside world for centuries. Its strategic location atop a mountain ridge, overlooking the Urubamba River valley, offers panoramic views that are simply awe-inspiring.
The precise purpose of Machu Picchu remains shrouded in mystery, though theories abound. Some scholars believe it served as a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders, while others propose it was a retreat for Inca nobility or a centre for astronomical observations.
Regardless of its exact function, Machu Picchu's intricate network of stone structures, including temples, palaces, and agricultural terraces, showcases the advanced engineering and sophisticated understanding of the natural world possessed by the Inca people.
6. Petra, Jordan
Carved into the heart of Jordan's sandstone cliffs, Petra stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nabataean civilization. This ancient city, often referred to as the "Rose-Red City," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most iconic archaeological treasures.
The Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people, settled in the region around the 4th century BC. They were skilled traders and engineers, and Petra became their capital city, flourishing from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD. Its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road made it a vital hub for trade between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal, a breathtaking testament to love and architectural brilliance, stands as an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. Commissioned in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it serves as the final resting place of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This iconic monument, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, seamlessly blends Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.
Construction of the Taj Mahal commenced in 1632 and was completed in 1648, employing an estimated 20,000 workers and artisans. The complex encompasses a vast 17-hectare (42-acre) area, including the main mausoleum, a mosque, a guest house, formal gardens, and a towering gateway.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year, captivated by its timeless beauty and historical significance. It stands as a reminder of India's rich cultural heritage and continues to inspire awe and wonder in people from all over the world.
These structures are all marvels of engineering and architecture, and they represent the best of human creativity and ingenuity. They have also stood the test of time, and they continue to inspire and amaze people from all over the world.
The 7 Wonders of the World are a must-see for any traveller. They are all incredible structures that represent the best of human creativity and ingenuity.