Table of Contents
The New 7 Wonders of the World represent a stunning array of architecture and artistic achievements from various civilizations around the globe. A global poll conducted by the New 7 Wonders Foundation resulted in the selection of these seven modern wonders, chosen for their historical significance architectural grandeur, and the awe they inspire. These monuments span continents and stand as testaments to human ingenuity, culture, and history.
The New 7 Wonders of the World were chosen through a global poll organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, a Swiss-based organization founded by Bernard Weber in 2000. The initiative aimed to identify new global landmarks to complement the Original List of the Seven Wonders of the World.
New 7 Wonders of the World: Brief History
In 2000, the New 7 Wonders Foundation launched an international campaign encouraging people worldwide to vote for their top seven wonders from a list of 21 candidates. Over 100 million votes were cast through the internet and phone voting, making it one of the largest global polls in history. The final list of the New 7 Wonders was announced on July 7, 2007 (07/07/07) at a grand ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal.
The initiative was not recommended by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), although UNESCO appreciated the effort to raise global awareness of cultural heritage. The project celebrated the beauty, history, and cultural significance of monuments and continues to raise awareness about preserving these landmarks.
New 7 Wonders of the World
The New 7 Wonders of the World is a modern list of extraordinary architectural and cultural landmarks chosen through a global poll organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation in 2007. They represent the pinnacle of human achievement and historical significance. The list includes the Great Wall of China, a massive defense structure spanning over 13,000 miles; the Petra in Jordan, an ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs; Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an iconic statue symbolizing peace and faith; Machu Picchu in Peru, the mystical Incan citadel high in the Andes; Chichén Itzá, a vast Mayan temple complex in Mexico; the Roman Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Rome’s architectural grandeur; and the Taj Mahal in India, built as a symbol of love. These wonders are celebrated for their historical, architectural, and cultural significance across the globe.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a long wall that was built to protect China from invaders. It is made of stone and earth, and it stretches for thousands of miles. The Great Wall is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wall is composed of various sections, including watchtowers, gates, and barracks, and it winds through rugged terrain, mountains, and valleys. Today, the Great Wall is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views and a glimpse into China’s rich history. However, the scholars say that there was a political agenda behind the construction of the Great Wall of China which is the political agenda related to the security of the place.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a famous ancient city built by the Maya civilization in Mexico, located on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is known for its impressive structures, especially the El Castillo pyramid, also called the Temple of Kukulcán, which was built to honor a serpent god. The city was a major center for the Maya people and was used for religious, political, and social gatherings. Chichén Itzá also has other important buildings like temples, a large ball court for games, and an observatory where the Maya studied the stars. Today, it’s one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Petra
Petra, a hidden city carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Jordan, is a testament to the ancient Nabatean civilization’s architectural and engineering prowess, known for its iconic Treasury and Monastery. Petra was once a thriving center of commerce and culture, thanks to its strategic location on the trade routes between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. Abandoned after the decline of the Nabatean kingdom, Petra remained hidden from the world until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, captivating visitors with its breathtaking beauty and rich historical significance.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a very old city in Peru. It was found in 1911 by a man named Hiram Bingham. Bingham thought it was a secret place where the Incas hid from the Spanish. But that was wrong. People don’t know for sure what Machu Picchu was used for. Some think it was a place for women who promised to be virgins. Others think it was a place for people to go on a journey or a special place for kings. Machu Picchu is one of the few old cities that is still almost whole. It has many things like places to grow food, squares, houses, and temples. It is a very special place and many people visit it every year.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a very big statue of Jesus in Brazil. It is located on a mountain called Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. It was built after World War I because some people in Brazil were worried that people were not being religious enough.The statue was designed by three people and was built between 1926 and 1931. It is very tall and has big arms. It is made of concrete and is covered in many tiles. It is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. The statue has been hit by lightning many times, and in 2014, a storm damaged the tip of Jesus’s right thumb.
Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century by Emperor Vespasian. It’s an amazing piece of engineering, measuring 620 by 513 feet and featuring a complex design with many vaults. The Colosseum could hold around 50,000 people, who came to watch different events. The most famous were the gladiator fights, but people also watched battles between men and animals. Although some believe that Christians were killed by lions here, this is debated. It’s estimated that around 500,000 people died in the Colosseum, and so many animals were killed that some species may have gone extinct because of it.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, and is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and an architectural masterpiece, known for its beautiful domes, intricate carvings, and symmetrical gardens. The central dome is the most iconic feature, and the structure is surrounded by four tall minarets. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year for its beauty, historical significance, and the emotional story behind it.