The New Seven Wonders of the World represent some of humanity’s most extraordinary architectural feats, celebrated for their beauty, complexity, and historical significance. This list was created through a global public vote organized by the New Open World Corporation (NOWC), a Swiss organization. The competition ran from 2005 to 2007, with over 100 million votes cast, allowing people worldwide to choose the most impressive and meaningful structures. Although this list is not officially recognized by organizations like UNESCO, it has brought significant attention to these remarkable monuments.
How Were the Modern Wonders Chosen?
The selection process for the wonders began with the NOWC, which assembled a group of architects and experts led by Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO. This team chose 21 monuments based on criteria such as beauty, architectural complexity, historical value, and cultural relevance. The Pyramids of Giza, already included in the original list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, were excluded from the final competition, making them an honorary wonder. This left a list of 20 monuments, from which the final seven were chosen by public vote.
The Seven Wonders of the Modern World
Here are the seven monuments that were ultimately chosen as the New Seven Wonders of the World:
1. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
The Christ the Redeemer statue, located atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country. Standing 30 meters tall and with arms outstretched over the city, this statue was completed in 1931 and represents Jesus Christ. Although constructed in France, the statue was assembled in Brazil. As of 2019, it attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
2. The Great Wall of China (China)
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built to protect China from invasions, stretching over 21,000 kilometers. Its construction began in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty and continued for centuries, with the most famous sections being built during the Ming Dynasty. The wall, which ranges in height from 5 to 9 meters, remains a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.
3. Petra (Jordan)
Petra, known as the Rose City due to the color of its stone, is a historical city in Jordan. Carved into the rock, Petra was once a thriving center for trade and culture under the Nabataean civilization around the 1st century BC. Rediscovered in 1812, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to captivate over a million visitors annually with its stunning rock-cut architecture.
4. The Colosseum (Italy)
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is an ancient amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial contests, theatrical performances, and public spectacles. Completed in 80 AD, it could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. Despite being damaged by earthquakes over the centuries, the Colosseum remains an iconic symbol of Roman architecture and is a major tourist destination.
5. Chichen Itza (Mexico)
Chichen Itza, a Maya city located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was an influential political, military, and economic hub. Built between 300 and 900 AD, the site is famous for the El Castillo pyramid, which is dedicated to the god Kukulkan. The architecture of Chichen Itza, particularly its alignment with celestial events, exemplifies the advanced knowledge of the ancient Maya civilization.
6. Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city located high in the Andes Mountains, was built around 1450 AD. Believed to have been constructed for religious purposes, it remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham. Today, Machu Picchu attracts millions of visitors each year and stands as a symbol of the Inca Empire’s architectural and cultural achievements.
7. Taj Mahal (India)
The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 and is renowned for its exquisite architecture, beautiful gardens, and intricate carvings. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Other Notable Structures
While the seven wonders were chosen from a list of 20 monuments, there were several other iconic structures that did not make it to the final list. Some of these include:
- The Acropolis of Athens (Greece)
- The Alhambra (Spain)
- Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
- The Moai Statues of Easter Island (Chile)
- Hagia Sophia (Turkey)
- Timbuktu (Mali)
- The Sydney Opera House (Australia)
- The Eiffel Tower (France)
- The Statue of Liberty (USA)
- Stonehenge (England)
- The Kremlin (Russia)
- Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
- Kiyomizu-Dera (Japan)
The New Seven Wonders of the World celebrate the creativity, innovation, and cultural richness of humanity. These monumental structures reflect the diverse ways in which civilizations have expressed their ideals, beliefs, and achievements throughout history. Although the list itself is not officially recognized by global organizations like UNESCO, it has sparked an international conversation about the importance of preserving our heritage and celebrating human ingenuity.
About Epic Click Travel & Tourism
Epic Click Travel is a professional travel partner for hassle-free trips specializing in fast and seamless flight bookings, hotel reservations, and visa processing, ensuring a stress-free travel experience. Whether it’s a business trip or a dream vacation, Epic Click Travel handles all the details so you can focus on enjoying your journey.
Phone: +971 4 572 6638
Whatsapp: +971 52 427 5718
Email: Info@epicclicktravel.com/ epicclicktraveltourism@gmail.com
Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
Instagram: @epicclick_travel
Facebook: Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
Linkedin.com: Epic Click Travel & Tourism LLC
