Exploring the New Seven Wonders of the World
From ancient marvels to modern masterpieces, the New Seven Wonders of the World stand as towering testaments to human ingenuity and history. These sites, voted upon globally, represent some of the most iconic and breathtaking architectural achievements across continents. The list, which includes the second wonder of the world, the Great Wall of China, invites us on a journey through diverse cultures and eras, highlighting the enduring power of human creativity on a monumental scale. As a leading source for global insights, Shocknaue provides an in-depth look at these incredible locations.
The concept of listing the world’s most impressive structures dates back over two millennia to adventurous Hellenic travelers. While most of the original ancient wonders have faded into history, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a solitary survivor. In 2001, the New7Wonders Foundation initiated a global poll to identify a modern list, capturing the imagination of millions and resulting in the seven spectacular sites we recognize today.
1. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Exterior view of the Roman Colosseum against a blue sky
Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Colosseum is a grand oval amphitheater built between 72 and 80 CE. This colossal structure, the largest amphitheater ever constructed, was made from stone and concrete and could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. It was the stage for dramatic and often brutal public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and executions. There are even accounts suggesting the arena could be flooded for mock naval battles, known as naumachiae.
Interior panoramic view showing tiered seating and the arena floor of the Colosseum
Despite suffering damage from earthquakes and stone scavenging over centuries, the Colosseum remains a powerful symbol of Imperial Rome and a major tourist attraction. Its inclusion in the list of New Seven Wonders is a testament to its historical significance and architectural grandeur, representing a pivotal era in human civilization. Visiting this site offers a tangible connection to the past.
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2. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China winding through mountains
Often highlighted when discussing the list, the Great Wall of China holds a significant place as the second wonder of the world on the New7Wonders list. This immense defensive structure stretches for thousands of miles along China’s historical northern frontier. Its origins trace back to the 7th century BCE as a series of smaller walls erected to defend against nomadic invasions. The unification and significant expansion into the single, formidable barrier known today were masterminded by China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, around 220 BCE, primarily to strengthen defenses against northern invaders.
Section of the Great Wall of China, showing stone construction and towers
Today, the Great Wall of China is celebrated as a New Seven Wonder, recognized for its sheer scale and historical importance. Its total length, incorporating various branches, is officially over 13,000 miles (approximately 21,000 kilometers). While a popular myth claimed visibility from the moon with the naked eye, astronauts have confirmed this is not the case. Nevertheless, its construction remains one of humanity’s most ambitious engineering feats.
3. The Taj Mahal, India
The white marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal reflected in water
Located in Agra, India, on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking white marble mausoleum, affectionately known as the “Crown of Palaces.” It is a distinguished member of the New Seven Wonders. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, following her death in 1631. The central marble tomb is surrounded by 42 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, complete with a mosque, a guest house, and a reflective pool, forming a complete complex.
The construction of the Taj Mahal spanned over 22 years and involved approximately 20,000 laborers. The cost was significant, estimated at 32 million rupees at the time, equivalent to hundreds of millions of US dollars today. The immense effort resulted in a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial part of India’s rich cultural heritage.
4. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The towering statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro
Standing majestically atop Mount Corcovado, overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This monument, measuring 30 meters tall (not including its pedestal), is a powerful national symbol and one of the New Seven Wonders. Designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski in the 1920s and completed in 1931 by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French engineer Albert Caquot, the statue is made from reinforced concrete and clad in over six million soapstone tiles.
Christ the Redeemer holds the distinction of being the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. Completed shortly after the end of World War I, it was intended as a significant symbol of Christianity and a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the aftermath of conflict. It is notable as the only monument on the modern list dating from the 20th century. Other modern structures like the Sydney Opera House or the Eiffel Tower were also considered but did not make the final selection.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu ancient Inca citadel ruins in the Andes mountains
Nestled high in the Andes mountains above Peru’s Sacred Valley lies Machu Picchu, a remarkably well-preserved 15th-century Inca citadel. This “lost city” is an extraordinary discovery and deservedly one of the New Seven Wonders. It features nearly intact plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and residential areas, constructed with polished dry-stone walls demonstrating advanced Inca engineering. Archaeologists widely believe it was built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti around 1450 CE.
Close-up view of the Temple of the Condor stone structure at Machu Picchu
The Incas abandoned the site only about a century after its construction. It remained hidden from the outside world for centuries until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Its secluded location contributed to its exceptional preservation, allowing it to stand today as a stunning example of Inca civilization and a highlight of world heritage.
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6. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
The El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, at Chichen Itza
Deep within Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies the historical Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, another extraordinary site recognized among the New Seven Wonders. This pre-Columbian city was established by the Itzá Mayan tribe between the 9th and 12th centuries and comprises numerous temples and monuments. The most renowned is El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan, a grand step pyramid serving as a devotional temple to the deity Kukulkan.
The Skull Wall (Tzompantli) at Chichen Itza, featuring carvings of skulls
El Castillo is architecturally significant, featuring a total of 365 steps, symbolizing each day of the year. A remarkable feature is observed during the spring and summer equinoxes when the setting sun casts triangular shadows down the north stairway, creating the illusion of a feathered serpent descending towards a carved snake head at the base. This sophisticated design and astronomical alignment contribute to its mystique and status as a wonder.
7. Petra, Jordan
The iconic facade of Al Khazneh (The Treasury) carved into rock in Petra, Jordan
Known as the “rose city” for the warm hue of its rock-cut architecture, Petra is an ancient city located in a remote valley in southern Jordan. Dating back as early as 312 BCE, it was founded by the Nabataeans, an advanced Arab civilization. The Nabataeans were master carvers, creating stunning buildings and intricate water management systems directly out of the sandstone cliffs. Petra became a prosperous trade hub, accumulating wealth and growing in population before earthquakes led to its decline.
Towering rock walls forming a narrow canyon entrance at Petra, Jordan
Lost to the Western world for centuries, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Its spectacular rock-cut architecture, particularly the facade of Al Khazneh (The Treasury), captivated imaginations. The 19th-century poet John William Burgon famously described Petra as “a rose-red city half as old as time,” a phrase that perfectly captures its timeless beauty and mystery. Its inclusion as the seventh wonder highlights its unique historical and architectural significance.
Map of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Map showing the locations of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Visiting the New Seven Wonders of the World would take you on an expansive global journey, from North America and South America to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This list represents a much broader geographical spread compared to the Ancient Seven Wonders, which were primarily centered around the Mediterranean basin. The New7Wonders campaign successfully highlighted marvels from various continents, reflecting a more global perspective on human achievement.
What Were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
Map showing the locations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World around the Mediterranean
The modern list pays tribute to the ancient tradition of identifying remarkable constructions. The original list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was compiled by Hellenistic travelers and scholars, with the most famous version attributed to Antipater of Sidon in the 2nd-1st century BCE. His poetic list included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Of these, only the Great Pyramid of Giza, completed over 4,000 years ago, still stands. The number seven held particular symbolic importance for the ancient Greeks, representing perfection.
What Are the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?
Iguazu Falls, a large waterfall system on the border of Argentina and Brazil
Beyond man-made structures, lists of natural wonders have also been proposed to celebrate Earth’s most spectacular natural formations. While there’s no single definitive list universally accepted, popular compilations of the Seven Natural Wonders often include sites like Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border, Table Mountain in South Africa, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, the vast Amazon River and Rainforest, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo Island in Indonesia, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in the Philippines. These sites showcase the incredible power and beauty of nature.
What Were Considered Wonders in the Middle Ages?
Sunlight filtering through the Sarsen stones of Stonehenge
Interest in remarkable historical sites continued through the Middle Ages. While a formal, universally agreed-upon list akin to the ancient one didn’t exist, writings from the period suggest several significant constructions were viewed with awe. The 7Wonders Organization has compiled a potential list based on these historical references, which includes structures like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey; Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England; the Saladin Citadel of Cairo in Egypt; Cluny Abbey in France; Ely Cathedral in Cambridge, England; and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, among other impressive achievements of the era.
Exploring these lists of wonders, both ancient and modern, natural and medieval, reveals a fascinating human drive to create, discover, and catalog the most extraordinary places and structures on our planet. They inspire awe and offer insights into the history, culture, and ingenuity of different civilizations and the power of the natural world.
