Exploring the New 7 Wonders of the World: Your Ultimate Travel List

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If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably heard of the New Seven Wonders of the World. These are meant to be some of the most remarkable man-made structures that are still standing around the world, each with a fascinating history and unique design.

The 7 Modern Wonders of the World were chosen through a global poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation, founded by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber. Since there is only one remaining of the original 7 Wonders of the World, the foundation thought it might be time to form a new list.

Colosseum in Rome
New 7 wonders of the world
Colosseum in Rome (photo by Savored Journeys)

The poll was designed to showcase the most impressive structures built by humans in the last 2000 years.

The campaign began with an open nomination phase in 2000, where people could submit suggestions for the new wonders. Over 200 sites from around the world were nominated. An expert panel, including former UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor, reviewed the nominations and selected 21 finalists.

Voting was open to everyone and could be done online, via SMS, or by phone call. The voting period lasted several years, allowing for widespread participation. Over 100 million votes were cast from people all around the world, making it one of the largest global polls ever conducted. The final results were announced on July 7, 2007, at a grand ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal.

The New7Wonders Foundation emphasized that the selection process was not an official or scientific survey but rather a popular vote meant to reflect contemporary appreciation for these landmarks.

In early 2024, I was lucky enough to finally have seen all 7 of these wonders. All of them are fascinating and definitely worth a visit. Though I would definitely say some of them are more impressive than others. Check out the list and decide for yourself. Which ones do you want to visit?

Great Wall of China

Long stretches of the wall draped like streamers into the distance
Long stretches of the wall draped like streamers into the distance (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions. It is one of the most impressive feats of engineering in human history and is considered one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Visitors often start at Beijing, accessing sections like Mutianyu or Badaling. Both are restored and offer the best views and accessibility.

The Great Wall of China was built over a period of more than 2,000 years, starting in the 7th century BC and continuing until the Ming dynasty in the 17th century AD. The wall stretches for more than 13,000 miles and is made up of various sections built using different materials, including brick, tamped earth, and stone.

The construction of the wall involved the labor of millions of workers, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners. It is estimated that more than 1 million people died during the construction of the wall.

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: Jordan

Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. Visitors from all over the world come to marvel at the beauty and history of this ancient city, and to explore the many archaeological sites that can be found within its walls.

Petra, a historical and archaeological city, is famed for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It’s known as the “Rose City” for the color of the stone.

As you approach Petra, Jordan, you are immediately struck by the awe-inspiring beauty of the ancient city. The most famous and recognizable structure in Petra is the Treasury, which is carved into the rock face and adorned with intricate details. The Treasury is just one of many impressive architectural marvels that can be found in Petra.

The city was built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, who were known for their advanced engineering and architectural skills. The Nabataeans carved their buildings directly into the sandstone cliffs, creating a stunning landscape that is unlike anything else in the world.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer statue

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Overlooking Rio, Christ the Redeemer is a large statue of Jesus Christ. However, I wouldn’t call it “enormous” by any means. It stands at just 98 feet tall and sits atop the Corcovado Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding bays.

It represents the country’s strong Catholic faith and serves as a reminder of the importance of religion in Brazilian culture. The statue has also become an important tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. The construction of the statue began in 1922 and was completed in 1931, taking a total of 9 years to complete.

The design of the statue was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. The statue depicts Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched, symbolizing his embrace of the world. The statue’s location on top of Corcovado Mountain provides a stunning backdrop, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: Peru

This ancient Incan city, perched high in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most impressive feats of engineering and architecture in the world.

Machu Picchu, the Incan citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains, is renowned for its archaeological significance and dramatic setting. Reached via the Inca Trail or train from Cusco, it requires advance booking.

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, who was searching for the lost city of the Incas. The site had been abandoned for centuries and was completely overgrown with vegetation. Bingham’s discovery captured the world’s imagination and sparked a renewed interest in Incan history and culture.

Since then, Machu Picchu has undergone extensive restoration work to preserve its unique structures and prevent further damage from erosion and tourism. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Machu Picchu is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Incan civilization. The city was built using a technique known as ashlar masonry, which involves fitting together irregularly shaped stones without the use of mortar. The structures at Machu Picchu are so precisely fitted that it is said a credit card cannot fit between them.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Excursions From Cancun
Chichen Itza (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Chichen Itza, a large pre-Columbian city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for the pyramid of El Castillo. The Temple of Kukulcan is the main attraction, but there are other notable structures like the Great Ball Court and the Cenote Sagrado.

This ancient city was once the center of the Mayan civilization, which flourished in the Yucatan Peninsula from about 2000 BC to 1500 AD. The Mayans were known for their impressive architecture, advanced mathematics, and sophisticated writing system.

Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most important Mayan cities, with a population of up to 50,000 at its peak. The city was a hub of trade, religion, and politics, with extensive networks of roads and canals connecting it to other Mayan cities throughout the region.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Chichen Itza is its astronomical precision. The Mayans were skilled astronomers, and they used their knowledge to create elaborate calendars and predict astronomical events.

At Chichen Itza, you can see evidence of this precision in the design of El Castillo. The pyramid has four sides, each with 91 steps, plus the platform at the top, for a total of 365 steps – one for each day of the year. On the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun creates a shadow on the side of the pyramid that looks like a serpent slithering down the steps – a phenomenon known as the “serpent effect.”

The Colosseum, Italy

Colosseum in Rome
Colosseum in Rome (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient amphitheatre located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It was built between 70-80 AD and is considered one of the greatest engineering and architectural feats of the ancient world. The Colosseum is a massive oval-shaped structure that measures 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high. It could seat up to 50,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles.

The Colosseum was built using a combination of concrete and stone. The exterior walls are made of travertine stone, while the interior was constructed using concrete. The Colosseum features a complex system of vaults and arches that allowed it to support the weight of the massive structure. The building also had a sophisticated system of elevators and trapdoors that were used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena.

The Colosseum played a significant role in ancient Rome as it was a symbol of the power and wealth of the Roman Empire. It was used to entertain and distract the masses, and it was also used as a tool of propaganda to promote the values of the Roman Empire.

The gladiatorial contests held at the Colosseum were a popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome. Gladiators were trained fighters who fought to the death in front of a cheering crowd. The contests were often brutal and bloody, and the fighters were usually slaves or prisoners of war.

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal (photo by Savored Journeys)

Location: Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks in India and a must-visit destination for tourists. This white marble mausoleum was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a city in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

The Taj Mahal is not just a beautiful building, but it also has a romantic love story behind it. Shah Jahan was heartbroken when his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth. He decided to build a magnificent mausoleum in her memory that would reflect the love he had for her. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1632 and took over 20 years to complete.

The Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece that combines different styles from Islamic, Persian, and Indian architecture. The white marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal was brought from Rajasthan. The intricate carvings and calligraphy on the walls of the Taj Mahal are made of precious stones and gems. The Taj Mahal is also known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and reflecting pool.

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Exploring the New 7 Wonders of the World: Your Ultimate Travel List

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