The list of the Seven Wonders of the World comprises the Great Wall of China, Chichén Itzá, Petra, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, and the Taj Mahal. Additionally, there is a compilation of both ancient and modern wonders of the world.
Introduction of Seven Wonders of the World 2023
Across the globe, there exist a plethora of magnificent structures, some so extraordinary that they have earned the prestigious title of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This list includes iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, the Great Wall of China in Beijing, the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Roman Colosseum in Rome, and Petra in Jordan.
In the year 2000, the Swiss foundation known as 7 Wonders initiated the selection of the new Seven Wonders of the World. In 2007, they officially declared these seven exceptional sites as the winners, unveiling the entire list to the world. The tradition of categorizing the “Seven Wonders of the World” dates back to the ancient scholar Philo of Byzantium in 250 B.C., but today, merely referring to the “Seven Wonders” doesn’t capture the full scope of these extraordinary architectural achievements.
List of Seven Wonders of the World
Here is the list of Seven Wonders of the World.
7 Wonders of the World | Place | Description |
The Colosseum | Rome, Italy | It is also the largest amphitheatre in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It was constructed about 80 CE. Commissioned during the first century of the Roman Empire by the Flavian emperors. |
Machu Picchu | Cuzco Region, Peru | It was built as an Incan estate for the emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, and it is approximately 8,000 feet (2,430 metres) above sea level. |
Petra | Ma’an, Jordan | A miracle city carved out of rock was built in 312 BCE. |
Taj Mahal | Agra, India | Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, built a stunning tomb to remember the death of his wife Mumtaj Mahal. Its construction began in 1632. |
Cristo Redentor (OR) Christ the Redeemer Statue | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Its arms are 92 feet (28 metres) wide and 98 feet (30 metres) long. The list’s newest monument is this one. |
Great Wall of China | China | It is 6,259 kilometres (3,889 miles) long. The oldest predecessors of the Great Wall of China were most likely built somewhere in the 7th century B.C.E., and it has since been gradually expanded. |
Chichén Itzá | Yucatán, Mexico | This Mayan pyramid was built before Christopher Columbus for many hundred years. |
New Seven Wonders of the World Details
The New 7 Wonders of the World constitutes a compilation of contemporary landmarks, meticulously chosen through a worldwide poll organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation. On July 7, 2007, the unveiling of this prestigious list selected landmarks based on their profound cultural and historical importance, alongside their architectural brilliance. The overarching mission of the New 7 Wonders Foundation was to assemble a fresh roster of wonders that aptly encapsulated the most extraordinary accomplishments of the modern world. Here is the esteemed roster of the New 7 Wonders of the World:
1. Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known as the Colosseum or Coliseum, stands as a magnificent amphitheatre built in the heart of Rome. Titus, the son of Vespasian, officially opened it in AD 80, marking the commencement of a spectacular 100-day series of events encompassing gladiatorial combat and animal contests. This iconic structure holds the distinction of being one of the revered 7 Wonders of the World. Although the ravages of time have eroded two-thirds of its original form, it remains an enduring and globally renowned tourist destination.
The Colosseum | |
Situated in | Rome |
Country | Italy |
Built in | commissioned around A.D. 70-72 |
Built by | Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty |
2. Chichén Itzá
Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichen Itza is a Mayan metropolis in Mexico that flourished during the ninth and tenth centuries A.D. Subsequent Mesoamerican literature often associates this ancient city with the mythological great cities known as Tollans. Among its remarkable ruins are religious edifices hailing from the Maya Civilization, with the Temple of Kukulkán as a prominent example. This temple features 365 steps, symbolizing each day of the Haab solar calendar.
Chichén Itzá | |
Situated in | Yucatán |
Country | Mexico |
Built in | 5th-13th century |
Built by | Maya-Toltec civilization |
3. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, a marvel of engineering, is estimated to span around 5,500 miles (8,850 km), although Chinese sources assert its actual length to be 13,170 kilometers (21,200 km). This colossal undertaking, initiated in the 7th century BCE, unfolded over two millennia. Its multifaceted objectives included facilitating trade and migration management, enforcing border control, levying tariffs on Silk Road commerce, and fortifying the nation’s defenses.
Great Wall of China | |
Situated in | Stretches across North China from east to west |
Country | China |
Built in | Construction started in the 7th century BC |
Built by | Qin Dynasty, Ming dynasty |
4. Cristo Redentor
Perched atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer Statue, or Cristo Redentor, stands as an Art Deco-style masterpiece depicting Jesus. Heitor da Silva Costa envisioned the statue, measuring 130 feet in height, and crafted it from reinforced concrete and soapstone. Predominantly sourced from donations, approximately $250,000 funded its construction. Weighing a substantial 635 tonnes, the statue graces the summit of Corcovado Mountain within Tijuca Forest National Park, affording breathtaking vistas of Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer Statue | |
Situated in | Corcovado mountain, Rio de Janeiro |
Country | Brazil |
Built in | 1922 – 31 |
Built by | Designed by sculptor Paul Landowski and built by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa in collaboration with Albert Caquot. Sculptor Gheorghe Leonida created the face. |
5. Taj Mahal
Situated in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is an exquisite complex of marble mausoleums, representing a prime exemplar of Mughal architecture. Constructed during the reign of Shah Jahan (1628–1658), this majestic edifice stands as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, known as the “Chosen One of the Palace,” who tragically passed away in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. This architectural marvel holds the distinction of being one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A staggering workforce of 20,000 skilled artisans, overseen by a panel of accomplished architects of the era, brought the Taj Mahal to life.
Taj Mahal | |
Situated in | Agra, Uttar Pradesh |
Country | India |
Built in | 1632–53 |
Built by | Emperor Shah Jahān |
6. Petra
Nestled in the southern region of Jordan, Petra is an extraordinary city of historical and archaeological significance.Petra, alternatively known as Raqmu or the Rose City, earns renown for its distinctive rose-hued stone. This remarkable site has earned its place as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Established by the Nabataean people, a native Bedouin Arab community of southwest Jordan, Petra served as a pivotal trade hub. Positioned approximately 150 miles south of Jerusalem and Amman, Jordan’s capital, and strategically located between Damascus, Syria, and the Red Sea, it held a central role in regional commerce during its prime.
Petra | |
Situated in | Ma’an Governorate |
Country | Jordan |
Built in | 5th century BC |
Built by | The Nabataean |
7. Machu Picchu
In 1911, Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, an Incan archaeological site located in Peru, which has since gained recognition as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Situated in proximity to the city of Cuzco, Bingham initially thought Machu Picchu to be Vilcabamba, a hidden Incan stronghold utilized during the 16th-century resistance against Spanish rule. It remains one of the rare, substantial pre-Columbian ruins that researchers have unearthed in remarkably well-preserved condition.
Machu Picchu | |
Situated in | Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District |
Country | Republic of Peru |
Built in | Construction is believed to be started in 1450–1460 |
Built by | Incan Empire |
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