The ancient Seven Wonders of the World amazed travelers for thousands of years. You may recognize the original wonders as the Colossus of Rhodes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Those sites were located in the modern-day world of Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Iraq. Unfortunately, only the Pyramid of Giza remains, with the others being destroyed over time.
Are you familiar with the new Seven Wonders of the World? These unique sites showcase the brilliance of human creativity and the stunning beauty of nature. They are living legends where ancient stones seem to come to life and whispers from distant civilizations can be heard. Each one represents a chapter in the extraordinary story of human accomplishment and the captivating work of nature.
Read along as we reveal the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico is an archaeological site in Mexico built by the Mayans. The pyramid called El Castilo is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The Mayan people used it to worship their sun gods, with intricate serpent sculptures on all four sides. This pyramid was a significant force in Mayan culture and was constructed with advanced techniques for its time, which is evident when you visit this site. The temple casts triangular shadows during spring and autumn equinoxes, making it look like a feathered serpent slithering down the pyramid. Chichén Itzá is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is a 130-foot tall statue located on top of the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Built by a brilliant Brazilian engineer named Heitor da Silva Costa and designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski in 1926, it is the largest Jesus Christ statue in the world. The figure attracts millions of visitors each year. Visitors enjoy hiking to the top of the mountain, but a cog train is also available for a quicker journey.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy. Built between AD70 - AD80, the Roman Empire used the Colosseum for public displays and gladiator battles, attracting up to 80,000 spectators. The Colosseum suffered significant damage over the years and is no longer functional, although a restoration project was undertaken in the 1990s to restore the structure. Despite this, it remains an impressive sight and attracts millions of tourists annually. Visitors can learn about its history with a guided tour lasting about 3 hours. To avoid crowds, visit during Rome's shoulder season between March and May.
Great Wall of China in Beijing, China is the world's longest man-made structure, stretching over 4,000 miles in length. China's emperors built it to protect their lands and prevent invasions. The wall is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and millions of travelers flock to China to walk on the Great Wall. Thrill-seekers can paraglide in Simatai for a stunning view of the wall and landscape. If one decided to walk the length of the Great Wall, it would take a whopping 18 months to complete- with no breaks!
Machu Pichu, Cuzco, Peru. Nestled in Peru's Cusco Valley is the remarkable Inca fortress of Machu Picchu. This awe-inspiring display of human ingenuity dates back to the 15th century during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti. It was built as a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobles and consisted of over 150 buildings. The Incas abandoned it to avoid destruction by Spanish invaders, and it was rediscovered in 1911. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and historians have reconstructed certain sections of the city to offer tourists a glimpse of its past glory. Much remains untouched, with the original dry-stone constructions still standing strong. The city's complex design provides archaeologists invaluable insights into the Inca civilization.
Petra, Wadi Musa in Jordan was the capital of the Nabataean empire and is thought to have been in its prime between 9 B.C. and A.D. 40. Jordan's ancient city of Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. It was named one of the world's seven new wonders in 2007 and is the most popular tourist attraction in Jordan due to its massive and intricately designed site. The Nabataeans' carving skills are evident in the city's grand halls, passageways, tombs, statues, homes, and religious centers. Stay at one of the city's bubble hotels for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the stars. Explore The Siq and the Treasury, or take a camel ride to view the picturesque streets.
Taj Mahal, Agra in India is one of the world's most recognized palaces built of white-washed marble. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, fountains, and pools, Emperor Shah Jahan built this semi-precious stone structure between 1632 and 1648 in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. The tombs of both Mumtaz and Shah Jahan are located on the site. The Taj Mahal, built from stunning white marble, appears pink in the morning light and takes on a golden glow at night when illuminated by the moon. Unsurprisingly, this majestic monument is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations worldwide. Many couples visit this iconic site to express their love, as the Taj Mahal symbolizes Shah Jahan's unwavering love for his beloved wife.
As we end our introduction to each of the newest Seven Wonders of the World, we are reminded that history, nature, and human creativity all come together, creating a beautiful tapestry of wonder that spans time and place. Are one of the seven wonders mentioned above calling your name for a visit? Imagine experiencing these wonders firsthand - maybe standing near the Great Wall of China, exploring the ancient civilizations at Machu Picchu, and feeling the romantic ambiance of the Taj Mahal. Why not turn your dreams into reality? Contact me today to begin planning your next journey.