Discover the World’s New Seven Wonders
Just one of the original Ancient Wonders of the World remains, but there are seven new wonders to admire which are all bucket list musts!
Back in 2000, the New 7 Wonders Foundation in Zurich launched an initiative to name the New 7 Wonders of the World, seeing as only one of the original ancient wonders (Great Pyramids of Giza) was still standing. After over 100 million votes were casted, the New Seven Wonders of the World were officially named in 2007…
Colosseum – Rome, Italy
Rome’s Colosseum is an imposing, symbolic structure dating back almost 2000 years. Visit the Colosseum and step back in time to envision the ancient Roman Empire and admire the structure’s concrete and stone formation. It’s the largest amphitheatre in the world, comprising 80 entrances; it had enough room for around 50,000 seated spectators who would be entertained by events such as gladiator battles.
Great Wall – Beijing, China
The Great Wall of China has a history of more than 200 years, and is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring historic structures, stretching over 3000 miles across northern China. The wall was originally built under the country’s Qin Shi Huang dynasty; construction continued into the Ming Dynasty, and the Great Wall became the largest military site in the world. Across the main sites are well-preserved watch towers, fortresses, horse tracks, and shelters.
Petra – Jordan
This stunning pre-historic city is a Middle Eastern treasure and former capital of the Nabataean Empire, nicknamed as the Lost City due to being abandoned and close to ruin for centuries until a European explorer re-discovered the site in the early 1800s. Petra is located amidst mountains and canyons and is carved into colourful sandstone cliffs. Its picture-perfect landscape was a backdrop for blockbuster movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Chichen Itza – Yucatan, Mexico
Chichen Itza is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. These Mayan ruins are sacred, and contain evidence of an ancient city in the Maya empire; some buildings have survived over the centuries including the Warrior’s Temple and El Castillo. Visit Chichen Itza to explore and admire a myriad of pyramids, temples, and other impressive stone structures.
Taj Mahal – Agra, India
India’s symbolic Taj Mahal took 16 years to complete, and wow was it worth it. This Mughal-era monument was built dedicated to love; Mughal emperor Shah Jahan requested it be constructed as a mausoleum for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Pictures of this structure are beautiful, but certainly don’t do it justice. You have to see it for yourself to believe it – the shimmering marble, detailed carvings, semi-precious stones, and surrounding gardens and fountains are just all absolutely breath-taking!
Machu Picchu – Peru, South America
Located in the lush Peruvian Andes is Machu Picchu – one of the best representations of the historic Inca civilisation with around 200 ancient structures. Machu Picchu is perched more than 2400m above sea level with the most incredible backdrop of mountains, valleys, flora, and fauna. Not only is its natural setting impressive; its cultural and historical importance is worth noting; Machu Picchu was once abandoned when the Inca civilisation was conquered, until it was re-discovered centuries later.
Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The iconic Christ the Redeemer is set atop Rio de Janeiro’s Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city. The 30m tall structure is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and also one of the largest statues of Jesus Christ. Not only is it a cultural phenomenon, it’s also an important religious symbol to Christianity, attracting millions of pilgrims each and every year. Christ the Redeemer makes for the perfect backdrop travel photo!
