What are the wonders of the world?
Initially, it is to the Greek poet Antipatros of Sidon that we owe our list of the 7 wonders of the ancient world: Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt), Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq), Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt), Colossus of Rhodes (Greece), Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (Turkey) , Temple of Artemis in Ephesus (Turkey) and Statue of Easter Island (Chile).
But most of these extraordinary monuments have been destroyed or badly damaged over time.
In 2007, the Swiss organization New7Wonders Foundation launched the current 7 new wonders of the world which were selected by voting around the world. These monuments have an outstanding character because of their technical ingenuity, historical importance, architectural beauty, or cultural symbolism.
What are the 7 wonders of the world today?
Great Wall of China (China)
A true architectural feat, the Great Wall of China stretches more than 21,000 km across China. It is a symbol of the history, majesty and ingenuity of the ancient Chinese civilization. The Great Wall of China is one of the country’s main tourist attractions, but also one of the most important and famous architectural achievements of mankind.
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Located atop Mount Corcovado, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer is a monumental statue over 38 meters high. Construction of Christ the Redeemer began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. Being a true icon, it is one of the largest statues of Christ in the world.
Petra (Jordan)
A true hidden treasure, Petra is an extraordinary archaeological site located in southern Jordan. It is an ancient Nabataean city, famous for its magnificent stone-carved structures and rich culture and history. Petra is also known for its stunning landscapes, with narrow gorges and dramatic rock formations, as well as the famous Al-Khazneh “Treasure” pictured above.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, in Peru, is an ancient Incan city, perched in the Andes mountains more than 2,400 meters above sea level. This mysterious archaeological site is known for its impressive architecture, well-preserved ruins including temples, terraces, palaces and an ingenious system of aqueducts, and spectacular mountain views.
Taj Mahal (India)
The Taj Mahal is an architectural gem located in India, in Agra. A magnificent white marble mausoleum, built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. An aesthetic masterpiece, the Taj Mahal embodies the timeless symbol of eternal love.
Chichen Itza (Mexico)
Chichen Itza, located in Mexico, is one of the most symbolic and important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization. This includes impressive remains such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, which is an impressive example of Mayan architecture. Chichen Itza is a testament to the ingenuity, majesty and intricacy of the ancient Mayans.
Colosseum (Italy)
The Colosseum is a Roman amphitheater located in Rome, Italy. An emblematic monument of Ancient Rome, built in the 1st century AD The Colosseum was an entertainment venue where gladiatorial fights and other public events took place during the Roman Empire. It could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. Its elliptical structure, its arches and its superimposed levels make its architecture an extraordinary place that attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to admire this extraordinary monument.