The New 7 Wonders: Machu Picchu, the Fifth Wonder, & More
The allure of world wonders has captivated humanity for millennia, representing the pinnacle of architectural ingenuity and cultural achievement. While the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, chronicled over two thousand years ago by Hellenic travelers, have mostly succumbed to time—save for the enduring Great Pyramid of Giza—the desire to celebrate modern marvels remained. In 2001, the New7Wonders Foundation, initiated by Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker Bernard Weber, launched a global poll to designate a new list for our era. After extensive public voting and deliberation, seven sites were chosen, including the remarkable Inca citadel often noted in sequence as the Fifth Wonder Of The World, Machu Picchu. This new list reflects breathtaking constructions spanning continents and centuries.
Collage showcasing three of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer, the Roman Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China.
1. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The iconic Roman Colosseum amphitheater in Rome, Italy, bathed in sunlight.
In the heart of Rome stands the Colosseum, the grand oval amphitheater famed for hosting gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Constructed between 72 and 80 CE from sand and stone, it remains the largest amphitheater ever built. Its colossal scale could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, encircling a central arena where not only combat but also classical dramas, animal hunts, executions, and possibly even mock naval battles (naumachia) unfolded. Despite centuries of damage from earthquakes and stone plundering, the Colosseum endures as a powerful symbol of Roman history and imperial grandeur, drawing vast numbers of visitors and securing its place among the new seven wonders.
2. The Great Wall of China
A section of the Great Wall of China snaking across green hills under a clear sky.
Stretching across thousands of miles, the Great Wall of China marks the historic northern frontier of the country. Its origins trace back to the 7th century BCE as a series of smaller defensive walls built against nomadic incursions. China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, initiated the monumental task of connecting and extending these fortifications around 220 BCE, creating a formidable barrier.
View along the Great Wall of China showing its immense scale and mountainous terrain.
Recognized as one of the new seven wonders, the Great Wall’s total length, encompassing all its branches, reaches an astonishing 13,171 miles. Contrary to popular myth, it is not visible to the naked eye from the moon, though its scale remains a testament to ancient engineering and perseverance.
3. The Taj Mahal, India
The majestic white marble Taj Mahal mausoleum reflecting in the pool before it, Agra, India.
India’s celebrated Taj Mahal, meaning “Crown of Palaces” in Persian, is a breathtaking white marble mausoleum situated on the Yamuna River’s bank in Agra. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his cherished wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, it stands as an enduring symbol of love and architectural perfection. The central tomb is the jewel of a 42-acre complex featuring gardens, a mosque, a guesthouse, and reflecting pools. Its construction spanned 22 years, involved 20,000 artisans, and cost an estimated equivalent of US$827 million today. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is a priceless part of India’s Mughal legacy and a deserving member of the world wonders list.
4. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The towering Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro from Mount Corcovado.
Perched atop Mount Corcovado, the Christ the Redeemer statue gazes over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Standing 30 meters tall, this iconic monument is synonymous with the city and the nation. Designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and realized by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French engineer Albert Caquot, it was completed in 1931. Constructed from reinforced concrete and adorned with over six million soapstone tiles, it ranks as the world’s largest Art Deco sculpture. Erected shortly after World War I, the statue became a potent symbol of Christian faith and resilience during a time of global recovery. It is the most contemporary structure on the New7Wonders list.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Panoramic view of the ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu, often listed as the fifth wonder of the world, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Peru.
High in the Andes Mountains, overlooking the Sacred Valley of Peru, lies Machu Picchu, a remarkably preserved 15th-century Inca citadel. As one of the few pre-Columbian ruins discovered largely intact, it offers invaluable insights into Inca civilization, showcasing former plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and residential structures. Archaeologists posit that the Inca emperor Pachacuti commissioned this estate around 1450, built with masterful polished dry-stone techniques. Its position as the Fifth Wonder Of The World on the New7Wonders list highlights its significance.
The Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu, demonstrating Inca stonework integrating natural rock formations.
Abandoned by the Incas just a century after its construction, the site remained concealed from the wider world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Its exceptional state of preservation and breathtaking location solidify its status as one of the world’s greatest wonders.
6. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
The iconic El Castillo pyramid temple dominating the Chichen Itza archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico.
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichen Itza is a significant pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization between the 9th and 12th centuries. Founded by the Itzá people, this vast archaeological site features impressive monuments and temples, with the most famous being El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan). This massive step pyramid served as a temple dedicated to the feathered serpent deity, Kukulcan.
The Wall of Skulls (Tzompantli) at Chichen Itza, displaying carved stone skulls.
Remarkably, El Castillo incorporates the Mayan calendar into its design: the total number of steps on its four stairways equals 365. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight casts shadows that create the illusion of a serpent descending the northern staircase, culminating at a stone serpent head at its base. This architectural and astronomical precision contributes to its fame as one of the new seven wonders.
7. Petra, Jordan
The intricate facade of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) carved into the sandstone cliffs of Petra, Jordan.
Petra, the ancient city nestled in a remote valley in southern Jordan, is often called the “Rose City” due to the pinkish hue of its sandstone cliffs. Dating back as early as 312 BCE, it was established by the Nabataeans, an Arab civilization renowned for carving magnificent structures and sophisticated water systems directly into the rock faces. Petra flourished as a vital trade hub, accumulating considerable wealth and supporting a large population until earthquakes led to its decline.
View showing the dramatic scale of the towering rock walls flanking the entrance passage (Siq) at Petra, Jordan.
Hidden from the Western world for centuries, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Its unique rock-cut architecture and historical significance earned it a place among the new seven wonders, echoing John William Burgon’s poetic description: “a rose-red city half as old as time.”
Map of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Map illustrating the global locations of the New Seven Wonders of the World across different continents.
A journey to visit all seven modern wonders would span the globe, from South America to Europe and Asia. This distribution contrasts significantly with the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which were largely concentrated around the Mediterranean basin.
What Were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
Map showing the locations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, primarily around the Mediterranean Sea.
The New7Wonders initiative pays homage to the original list compiled by ancient Hellenistic travelers. These early explorers documented what they considered the most extraordinary constructions of their time, marvels representing the height of human achievement. While several lists existed, the most widely recognized was by Antipater of Sidon (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. Only the Great Pyramid of Giza, completed over 4,000 years ago, remains standing today. The number seven held deep significance for the ancient Greeks, symbolizing perfection.
What Are the Seven Natural Wonders of the World?
View of the powerful Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder, on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
Beyond man-made structures, a separate list celebrates the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This includes geographically diverse sites such as Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil), Table Mountain (South Africa), Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), the Amazon River and Rainforest (South America), Jeju Island (South Korea), Komodo Island (Indonesia), and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines).
What Were Considered Wonders in the Middle Ages?
Sunlight filtering through the ancient sarsen stones of Stonehenge, a wonder of the Middle Ages, in England.
While no definitive list from the Middle Ages exists, historical writings suggest several sites were held in similar esteem. The 7Wonders Organization proposes potential “Wonders of the Middle Ages” based on these accounts, including Stonehenge (England), the Hagia Sophia (Turkey), the Saladin Citadel of Cairo (Egypt), Cluny Abbey (France), Ely Cathedral (England), and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy).
Conclusion
The New Seven Wonders of the World, chosen by global consensus, stand as powerful symbols of human creativity, engineering prowess, and cultural expression across diverse civilizations and epochs. From the gladiatorial arenas of Rome to the mountain citadel of the Incas, highlighted often as the fifth wonder of the world in sequence, these sites continue to inspire awe and attract millions. Unlike their ancient predecessors, these modern wonders offer tangible connections to the rich tapestry of human history, reminding us of our capacity to create enduring legacies that transcend time. Their preservation and recognition ensure that the spirit of wonder, first documented thousands of years ago, continues to thrive in the modern age.
