New 7 Wonders of the World
New 7 Wonders of the World
In 2001, an initiative was started by the Swiss corporation New7Wonders Foundation to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World from a selection of 200 existing monuments through online votes. The Great Pyramid of Giza—part of the Giza Pyramids, the only remaining wonder of the traditional Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was not one of the winners announced in 2007 but was added as an honorary candidate.
1. Great Wall of China (China)
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in human history, stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China. Originally built to protect Chinese states from invasions by nomadic tribes, construction of the wall began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through several dynasties, most notably the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Made from various materials, including stone, brick, and tamped earth, the wall winds through deserts, mountains, and grasslands, offering stunning vistas along its length.
The Great Wall symbolizes strength, perseverance, and the unity of China. It is not only a defensive structure but also a historical monument that reflects the rich cultural heritage of ancient China. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing millions of visitors from around the world to experience its grandeur and historical significance.
2. Petra (Jordan)
Petra, often referred to as the “Rose City” due to the color of its stone, is an ancient city in southern Jordan renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture. Once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, Petra thrived as a trading hub in the 4th century BC, connecting routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Its most famous structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), is a towering temple carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Petra’s intricate tombs, temples, and amphitheaters were also hewn directly from the rock.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Petra showcases advanced engineering with its complex water channels and reservoirs, essential for survival in the arid desert. Abandoned and lost to history for centuries, Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, celebrated for its historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic statue towering over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the summit of Mount Corcovado. Standing 98 feet tall, with its arms stretching 92 feet wide, the statue was completed in 1931 and has since become a symbol of Christianity worldwide. The figure of Jesus Christ, constructed from reinforced concrete and soapstone, is designed to appear as if it is embracing the entire city below.
This monumental sculpture represents peace, faith, and redemption, and is a globally recognized symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. Beyond its religious significance, Christ the Redeemer offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the mountains, and the coastline. The statue’s location, nestled within the Tijuca National Park, adds to its dramatic presence. As one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it attracts millions of tourists every year and remains a symbol of hope and unity.
4. Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” is a 15th-century Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti, this ancient city was a royal estate and religious site, featuring impressive terraces, temples, and palaces made from precisely cut stone. Its remote location, 7,970 feet above sea level, allowed it to remain hidden from the Spanish during their conquest, preserving its remarkable condition until its rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Surrounded by lush, tropical forests and mist-covered mountains, Machu Picchu offers breathtaking vistas and an aura of mystery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, showcasing the ingenuity of Incan engineering and architecture. Machu Picchu continues to attract millions of visitors annually, who are drawn to its history, beauty, and spiritual significance.
5. Chichen Itza (Mexico)
Chichen Itza is a world-famous archaeological site located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, and one of the most important remnants of the ancient Maya civilization. Built between the 8th and 12th centuries, it was a major city and ceremonial center. The site is most famous for El Castillo, a 98-foot-high pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, shadows cast on the pyramid create the illusion of a serpent slithering down its steps, a testament to the Maya’s astronomical knowledge and architectural skill.
Other notable structures at Chichen Itza include the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote, used for sacrificial offerings. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its historical and architectural significance.
6. Colosseum (Italy)
The Colosseum, located in the heart of Rome, Italy, is one of the most famous and well-preserved symbols of the Roman Empire. Completed in AD 80, this massive amphitheater was capable of seating up to 80,000 spectators and hosted gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and mock sea battles. Its elliptical design, measuring 620 feet in length and 157 feet in height, was an architectural marvel of its time, featuring advanced engineering with a complex system of vaults and arches.
The Colosseum remains an enduring symbol of Roman culture, reflecting the empire’s grandeur and the brutality of its entertainment. Despite damage from earthquakes and stone plundering, the Colosseum still stands as a powerful reminder of ancient Rome’s architectural and cultural achievements. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
7. Taj Mahal (India)
The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most beautiful and renowned monuments in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love. Constructed from gleaming white marble, the monument is an architectural masterpiece blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. The central dome rises 240 feet, surrounded by minarets, while intricate marble inlays and carvings adorn the walls.
The Taj Mahal is set within a formal garden with reflecting pools, enhancing its ethereal beauty. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Millions of visitors from around the world come to admire its exquisite design, symmetry, and the story of love that inspired its creation. It stands as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
