The New Seven Wonders of the World

The “New Seven Wonders of the World” were selected through a campaign launched in 2001 by the Switzerland-based New 7 Wonders Foundation. Following a public vote conducted via mobile phone and the internet, the most impressive structures chosen from around the world were announced on 7 July 2007. However, UNESCO did not officially recognise this list, on the grounds that the votes were based on personal preferences. Nevertheless, the list attracted significant interest from a tourism perspective and offered wonders worth exploring for travellers. UNESCO stated that the original ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ list would continue to be preserved, but these new wonders, selected by public vote, also stand out as structures of historical and cultural significance. The ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, impressive works of the modern world, consist of the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Ancient City of Petra, the Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu and the Christ the Redeemer Statue. The Pyramids of Giza, meanwhile, hold honorary status.

The Great Wall of China (China):

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built by ancient Chinese states and is the world’s longest border wall. It stretches along China’s historic northern borders. Its Chinese name is “The 10,000-Li Long Wall” (萬里長城 / 万里长城, Wànlǐ Chángchéng). The word “li” is a Chinese unit of length. However, the wall is longer than 10,000 li. The number 10,000, or wàn (萬 / 万), also signifies infinity or an incalculable quantity in Chinese. Therefore, the phrase can be interpreted as “a wall of unimaginable length”. However, when referring to the Great Wall, the Chinese dynasties following the Qin generally used various terms such as “borders” (塞, Sài), “walls” (垣, Yuán), “barriers” (障, Zhàng), “outer forts” (外堡, Wàibǎo) and “border walls” (边墙, Biānqiáng). The sections of the Great Wall in the southern Gobi Desert and the Mongolian steppes are sometimes referred to as the “Genghis Khan Wall”, even though Genghis Khan himself did not construct any wall or permanent defensive line.

The Chinese, who began employing wall-building techniques during the “Spring and Autumn Period” between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, constructed even more extensive fortifications throughout this period and the subsequent “Warring States Period” to defend their borders; all the states—Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi, Han, Yan and Zhongshan—did so. However, the Qin, Zhao and Yan states also used their border walls to repel certain attacks and protect the country’s northern borders. King Ying Zheng of Qin defeated his final rivals in the 200s BC and unified China as the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. King Zheng, who proclaimed himself Emperor “Qin Shi Huang”, ordered the demolition of certain sections of the boundary walls that remained from the former states and ensured that new walls were built to connect the fortifications stretching along the northern border. Many successive dynasties constructed and maintained numerous boundary walls. Today, very little remains of the Qin Wall. The best-known sections of the Great Wall of China are those built by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

These border walls, built by various dynasties, consist of multiple layers. Collectively, they stretch from Liaodong in the east to Lop Lake in the west, and from the modern-day China-Russia border in the north to the Tao River (Taohe) in the south. Recent research has concluded that the Great Wall of China was actually longer in the past than it appears today. In 2009, a previously unknown 180-kilometre section of the Ming Wall, concealed by hills, ditches and rivers, was discovered with the aid of infrared rangefinders and GPS devices. In March and April 2015, nine further sections, believed to be part of the Great Wall and totalling over 10 km (6 miles) in length, were discovered along the border between the Ningxia Autonomous Region and Gansu Province. With these latest discoveries, the total length of the Great Wall of China is 21,196.18 km (13,170.70 miles), following an arc that roughly marks the boundary of the Mongolian steppe. As a magnificent historical structure, the Great Wall of China is one of the must-see destinations.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India):

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum situated on the right bank of the Yamuna River in the city of Agra, India. The fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (Reign: 1628–1658), commissioned this mausoleum in 1631 in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth whilst giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. The mausoleum is the most significant part of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex comprising a mosque and a guesthouse, and is situated within formal gardens bounded on three sides by a wall with battlements. Inside the mausoleum lies the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan himself.

Construction of the Taj Mahal, a captivating structure that blends and expands upon the design traditions of Indo-Islamic and early Mughal architecture, began in 1632. The Taj Mahal was built using a variety of materials sourced from many parts of India and Asia. It is believed that over 1,000 elephants were used to transport the building materials. Over 20,000 workers, painters, embroiderers and stonemasons were involved in completing the construction. A total of twenty-eight varieties of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble of the magnificent Taj Mahal building. Whilst the mausoleum was completed in 1648, the construction of the surrounding buildings and the landscaping of the gardens were finished in 1653. The most striking feature of this magnificent structure is its awe-inspiring pure white colour and the onion-shaped dome that covers the mausoleum. With all its features, it possesses a truly magnificent appearance.

As fascinating for its history as it is for its exterior, the Taj Mahal welcomes millions of visitors each year, including prominent foreign statesmen. Due to this global attention and the millions of visitors it attracts, it has become associated with India and has evolved into a symbol of the country. Furthermore, owing to the reason for its construction, it is one of the most famous structures representing love. It is also the finest testament to Shah Jahan’s wealth and power.

In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “a jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the world’s most universally admired masterpieces of the world heritage”. It is regarded by many as “the finest example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s rich history”.

Petra Ancient City (approximately 240 km south of Amman, Jordan):

Known to its inhabitants as Raqmu, Petra is situated 240 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and 120 km north of the Red Sea town of Aqaba. It is also known as the ‘Rose City’ due to its colour. It is believed that the area around Petra has been inhabited since around 8500 BC. Consequently, the Ancient City of Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, and 80% of the region remains to be explored.

Petra, which served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 2nd century BC, fell into Roman hands in AD 106. The city continued to develop until a severe earthquake struck around the 4th century AD; combined with changes in trade routes, this led to its being largely abandoned by the mid-7th century. Rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the ancient city of Petra is truly captivating with its fascinating history.

As the people of Petra were accustomed to living in the desert, they were particularly skilled in agriculture, stone carving and rainwater harvesting. The Petran people mastered water technology, producing innovative architectural marvels. In addition to temples and the theatre, they constructed intricate tombs carved into the mountain slopes. Following the Roman and Byzantine periods, colonnaded streets and churches were added to these structures. Spanning an area of approximately 100 square kilometres, the Ancient City of Petra magnificently showcases the remains of a human settlement dating back some 10,000 years. This magnificent historic city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is enthusiastically visited by tourists from all over the world.

The Colosseum (Rome, Italy):

The Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheatre and is situated in Rome, the capital of Italy. Originally known as the Arena, the amphitheatre later took its name from the statue at its entrance. Derived from the Ancient Greek word ‘kolossos’, meaning a large statue or giant, the Colosseum was built during the Flavian Dynasty. For this reason, it is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre or Amphitheatrum. Construction of the Colosseum, initiated by Emperor Vespasian between AD 70–72 (or AD 73–75 according to some sources), was completed on 21 April AD 80 during the reign of Titus, and further alterations to the building’s structure were made during the reign of Domitian, Vespasian’s other son.

As a historical monument, the amphitheatre’s structure reflects the architectural and construction concepts of the early Imperial period. The Colosseum was built using a variety of materials, including travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), timber and brick-clad concrete. The Colosseum, which hosted spectacles for between 50,000 and 87,000 spectators, has an elliptical plan. It is 189 metres (615 ft) long and 156 metres (510 ft) wide. The floor area is 24,000 square metres (6 acres), whilst the height of the outer wall is 48 metres (157 ft). Its circumference was originally measured at 545 metres (1,788 ft). The central arena is an ellipse 87 m (287 ft) long and 55 m (180 ft) wide, surrounded by a 5 m (15 ft) high wall from which the seating tiers rise.

The Colosseum, with its magnificent architecture, has 80 entrances at ground level. Of these, 76 were used by the public. The main entrance on the north side was reserved for the Roman Emperor and his entourage. The other three axial entrances were most likely used by the elite. Entrances, exits and staircases were numbered. Spectators were issued numbered tickets in the form of pottery shards, which directed them to the appropriate section and row. This allowed them to reach their seats with ease.

The amphitheatre boasted not only a fascinatingly complex architecture but also remarkably sophisticated stage machinery. Ancient writers recorded that, in the early days following its opening, the Colosseum was used for simulated naval battles. Accounts of the opening games organised by Titus in AD 80 also mention that part of the structure was flooded with water to showcase specially trained swimming horses and bulls. Gladiatorial combats were last held in 438, whilst animal hunts continued until 523. In the early Middle Ages, the Colosseum ceased to be used for entertainment and continued to serve various purposes, such as providing accommodation and workspaces. Within the amphitheatre stands the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà al Colosseo, a Catholic place of worship. The first definitive records of the church’s existence, likely founded between the 6th and 7th centuries, date back to the 14th century. Between 1938 and 1939, the arena’s underground structures were fully excavated and partially altered through reconstruction work.

The Colosseum boasts a rich and well-documented botanical history. Since Domenico Panaroli compiled the first catalogue of the Colosseum’s flora in 1643, 684 species have been identified there. The amphitheatre, of great historical significance, has featured in numerous films, works of art and plays. Indeed, several architectural works have been built inspired by the Colosseum. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980, the amphitheatre is one of the major tourist attractions in the form of an archaeological monument open to regular visits and is entrusted to the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

Chichen Itza (Yucatan State, Mexico):

The ancient city of Chichen Itza is situated in the municipality of Tinúm in the Yucatan State of eastern Mexico. “Chichen Itza” means “at the mouth of the well where the wise men of the water live” in the Maya language and is divided into two parts: Old Chichen and Chichen Itza. While the Old Chichen section contains six Mayan ruins, the New Chichen or Chichen Itza section features approximately 20 Mayan ruins. The main Mayan ruin is the Chichen Itza Pyramid; however, there are other equally significant structures such as El Caracol (the Observatory), the Temple of the Warriors and the Mayan Ball Court.

The tallest structure at Chichen Itza is the ‘Kukulcán Pyramid’, also known as ‘El Castillo’. The Maya constructed this pyramid according to a specific system. Each of its four sides has 91 steps. The total number of steps is 364. When the flat platform at the very top is included, this adds up to 365, the number of days in a year. This stepped pyramid stands approximately 30 metres (98 ft) tall and is part of Chichén Itzá, one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Yucatán, covering an area of 1,547 hectares, with each step measuring approximately 2.57 metres (8.4 ft) in height. It consists of nine square terraces. At the summit stands a temple measuring 6 metres (20 ft) in length. At the moment of the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow forms on the pyramid such that a body extension appears to trace an ‘S’ shape across the two carved serpent heads situated at the base of the steps. This two-headed serpent is known as Kukulcán. From the top of the pyramid, there is a view spanning at least 5 square kilometres (1.9 square miles), and all the structures in the ancient city can be seen from there. Although tourism has been active in Chichén Itzá for over a century, the city began to experience a surge of visitors on the day of the spring equinox in the 1980s. Witnessing the feathered serpent on the Temple of Kukulcán appear to slither down the pyramid and hearing the echo created when clapping one’s hands at the base of the pyramid’s steps—which resembles a bird’s chirp—is truly awe-inspiring.

Chichén Itzá entered the popular imagination in 1843 through John Lloyd Stephens’ book *Travels in Yucatan* (illustrated by Frederick Catherwood). In 1860, Désiré Charnay explored Chichén Itzá and took numerous photographs, which he published in *Cités et ruines américaines* (1863). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichén Itzá welcomes over 2,500,000 visitors annually.

Machu Picchu (Urubamba Province, Peru):

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca fortress. It is situated on a 2,430-metre (7,970 ft) high mountain ridge in the eastern Cordillera of southern Peru. It is situated in the Machu Picchu District within the Urubamba Province, above the Sacred Valley, 80 kilometres (50 miles) north-west of Cusco. This landscape, which includes the Urubamba River, is surrounded by high mountains and possesses a legendary beauty.

Commonly known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, this city is the most recognisable symbol of the Inca Empire. As the Inca civilisation had no written language, no written sources regarding Machu Picchu have been found from the period when the site was in use. However, based on archaeologists’ findings, some speculative information about the site has been gathered. There are several theories regarding the purpose and significance of the lost city. According to a consensus among some archaeologists, Machu Picchu was commissioned around 1450 by the Inca ruler Pachacutec Yupanqui (1438–1471) to serve as a retreat for the royal family following a successful military campaign. Some sources also state that the Incas abandoned this estate a century later during the Spanish conquest. However, contrary to popular belief, it is thought that most of Machu Picchu’s inhabitants had unfortunately already perished from the smallpox brought by travellers long before the Spanish conquerors arrived in the region.

Machu Picchu possesses a captivating and extraordinary architectural structure due to its geographical location. The buildings were constructed in the classical Inca style using polished dry-stone walls. Its three main structures are the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and Intihuatana. Machu Picchu consists of over 200 stone buildings connected by a system of stairways. The city’s 3,000 steps are still in very good condition today. As there are no detailed written records regarding the site’s period of active use, all data concerning the names of the buildings and their presumed functions have been established by modern archaeologists based on physical evidence. It is believed that the special stones used in the city’s construction were transported to the summit via a cable-and-pulley system from the valley. Furthermore, there is a mountain named Huayna Picchu, standing at 2,720 metres, situated right next to the site. The footpath leading to this mountain takes the form of a hidden passage that is not visible when viewed from Machu Picchu. The ascent to the mountain takes approximately two hours. From the summit of Huayna Picchu, it is possible to observe the entire city of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area in a 360-degree view. Most of the surrounding buildings have been reconstructed to give visitors a better idea of their original appearance, and restoration work continues to this day.

Machu Picchu is one of the world’s (and particularly South America’s) most significant tourist destinations. It was designated a Peruvian Historic Conservation Area in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. When planning your holiday, you must bear in mind that visitor numbers and visit durations are strictly limited due to certain risks arising from landslides, earthquakes and decaying structures.

Christ the Redeemer Statue – Cristo Redentor (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil):

The world-famous Cristo Redentor statue, meaning ‘Christ the Redeemer’, is the largest Art Deco-style statue in the world. Cristo Redentor was constructed in Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the federal state of the same name, situated in Guanabara Bay in south-eastern Brazil. It stands atop the 700-metre (2,300 ft) peak of Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park.

Construction of this world-renowned masterpiece began in 1922 in Rio de Janeiro, then the country’s capital, to mark the 100th anniversary of Brazil’s independence. The official opening ceremony took place on 12 October 1931. Standing 38 metres tall including its base, the Christ the Redeemer statue is equivalent in height to a 13-storey building. Whilst the head alone weighs 30 tonnes, the entire statue weighs 1,145 tonnes. It is said that the size of its foot could fit a size 530 shoe. The interior of the monument is used exclusively by the maintenance team.

The statue was designed by engineers Heitor Silva Costa and Albert Caquot, and artist Carlos Oswald, and sculpted by Paul Landowski. The face of the statue was carved by Gheorghe Leonida. Concrete was used as the construction material, whilst the outer layer is made of soapstone. The Christ the Redeemer statue differs significantly from its original design. Although it was originally planned as a large statue holding a globe in one hand and a cross in the other, it was later transformed into its current form. Christ the Redeemer symbolises peace with his outstretched arms.

On 10 February 2008, during a severe storm, the statue was struck by lightning, causing damage to its fingers, head and eyebrows. Due to the damage caused by the strong winds and lightning strikes the statue is occasionally exposed to, periodic maintenance work is required on this colossal structure. However, the statue is sturdy enough to withstand even the winds of a Category 5 hurricane.

The colossal statue, which embodies the feelings and blessings of the Brazilian people, also blends perfectly with Rio de Janeiro’s breathtaking scenery. Today, it is visited by approximately 2 million people annually.

The Pyramids of Giza – Honorary Status (Cairo, Egypt):

The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are among humanity’s most famous and oldest structures. The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is located in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

It is the oldest and largest of the pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex in Cairo. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is the only ‘Wonder’ to have survived to the present day largely intact, having been least affected by the passage of time and environmental conditions. The other main pyramids are the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

How those massive blocks of the Giza Pyramids were quarried under the conditions of that era, how the blocks quarried from there were transported to Giza from miles away, and how these structures with their magnificent architecture were built are just a few of the topics that intrigue us all. Although some aspects have been clarified, the pyramids, which still retain their mystery, are among the most captivating structures worth seeing. Furthermore, they hold an honourable status on the list of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.