What are the NEW Seven Wonders of the World?

19th June 2024

Authored by Weirdsmiths

Back in the not so recent history of 2001, the New 7 Wonders Foundation (N7W) launched a web and phone based poll to determine the new Wonders of the World from a compilation of an existing 200 world monuments. Though the poll has been latterly considered unscientific due to the ability to vote twice, it is considered to be the largest poll ever on record with over one hundred million votes tallied.

After many years of the poll, the final Seven Wonders were chosen from a select 21 candidates – resulting in the below:

Petra

Ma'an Governorate, Jordan, Middle East / Asia

The ancient archaeological city of Petra, in Jordan, has long been revered for its stunning architecture carved into the rose coloured sandstone rocks of the desert. While this alone is more than enough to put it on the map, the fact that it was built as early as 16 centuries ago and has given various insights into the way of life of the Nabataean people aids it even more.

The Al-Khazneh Treasury (pictured) is often the focal point of Petra and was thought to have been built as a mausoleum and crypt for the then King Aretas IV Philopatris, though there are folklore stories of how it was created with magic by the Egyptians. The site also featured heavily in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where it was the resting place of the Holy Grail.

The Great Wall of China

Shanhai Pass to Jiayu Pass, Gansu Province, China, Asia

Spanning a whopping total of 4,500 miles (7,300 kilometres), the Great Wall of China is a huge fortified defence that began being built as early as the eighth century BCE. Initially constructed in military efforts of the Qin dynasty (221-206BCE) against its enemies, it has been continually rebuilt and extended by further rulers, significantly during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644CE).

Though now a huge tourist attraction that gains millions of visitors every year, the Wall wasn’t just used as a defence mechanism; as it also had an important part to play in the movement of trade, immigration and emigration. The additions throughout the years to help fortify the wall even more have been greatly admired, including the fact that the entire structure is regarded as one of the most best architectural feats in history.

Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America

Towering at a huge 30 metres, or just shy of 100ft, the giant statue of Jesus Christ has overlooked the city of Rio de Janeiro since it’s completed construction in 1931. The statue is the largest of its style (Art Deco) in the world and has become a cultural and Christian icon the world over; a staple of any visit to Rio.

The idea for the statue began in the mid 19th century as a way to honour the then Emperor’s daughter, Princess Isabel; though the approval did not go ahead due to changes in the country. A second proposal for the statue came in 1920 by the Catholic Circle of Rio and, with funding primarily coming from Brazilian Catholics, the construction did ultimately go ahead. Though the actual sculpture does differ from its original designs, it is a marvel of architecture and art and a staple of Brazilian culture.

Chichen Itza

Yucatán, Mexico, North / Central America

A little bit older than Christ the Redeemer, by about a thousand years, is ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza in Yucatán, Mexico. Regularly recognised by the Temple of Kukulcán, or El Castillo, (pictured), the now-archaelogical site has been a major point of learning into the history of Mexico and its people.

At one point, Chichen Itza was one of, if not the, largest cities within the Maya empire and is greatly considered to be one of the mythical great cities listed in Mesoamerican records. The site has remained culturally important since its construction, but even today it sees over 2 and a half million visitors every year.

There are many interesting factors around Chichen Itza that could be discussed, but a fascinating one is the orientation of El Castillo to the Maya god Kukulcán – who is closely related to an Aztec deity with links to the quetzal bird. That alone may not be too amazing, but when you add that a simple clap of your hands around the temple will mimic the chirp of a quetzal bird… it’s pretty magnificent.

The Colosseum

Rome, Italy, Europe

Easily recognisable and nameable to anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and, perhaps most impressively, is still mostly standing. The Colosseum began construction almost 2000 years ago and was completed in only 8 years, though later modifications would be added in the decades that followed.

The amphitheatre was home to some of the fiercest displays of entertainment the Roman Empire could host, including animal hunts, executions, battles and even Naumachia (re-enacted naval battles in a flooded theatre). The capacity of the theatre rivals even some of the largest stadiums we have today, with an average audience size of 65,000, but a potential for up to 80,000 with a standing crowd.

As with most of Rome’s ancient structures, the preservation of the Colosseum and it’s reverence in modern travel and tourism would have helped it claim a huge array of votes during the poll.

Taj Mahal

Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia

Built in the mid-17th Century, the iconic Taj Mahal is a staple of India’s Indo-Islamic culture and history, feeding into the embrace and discovery through travel and tourism even to this day. It is grossly considered one of the most magnificent examples of world heritage and is one of the most visited landmarks globally.

The structure itself serves as a mausoleum to the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, and is his own resting place too. The appearance of the Taj Mahal is one of the most admired things about it, with its Islamic art and Mughal architecture shining through the off-white marble in the Indian sun. It is similarly revered for its beautiful complex, housing walled gardens, reflecting pool and mosque.

If it wasn’t for those pesky pharaohs of old, you’d probably argue that the Taj Mahal is the most famous mausoleum in the world.

Machu Picchu

Cusco, Peru, South America

Often sitting pretty high on the travel bucket list of many, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel resting high in the mountains of Peru. Despite being constructed nearly 600 years ago, and definitely having had visitors since, the area was formally discovered in the early 20th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Due to the Inca civilisation, who called Machu Picchu home, having no recorded written language and, therefor, no records, the history of the citadel is relatively unknown. Most of what is known about the area is that of scientific speculation, created by archaeologists based on evidence and their links to other ancient structures. Recently, it has been discussed that it may have been built as an estate for the then Inca emperor Pachacuti; however, it is unlikely the citadel was used for much more than a century due to the Spanish conquest.

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