The world is full of amazing places that inspire awe and wonder. This is the case with the 7 wonders world photos we will show next. Some of these places are so remarkable that they have been recognized as the wonders of the world by various organizations and people. There are different lists of wonders, such as the ancient wonders, the natural wonders, and the modern wonders, but one of the most popular and widely accepted lists is the New 7 Wonders of the World.
The New 7 Wonders of the World was a campaign started in 2001 to choose wonders of the world from a selection of 200 existing monuments. The campaign was organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, a Swiss-based organization that aimed to promote global cultural heritage and diversity. The final list of seven wonders was announced in 2007 after a global online poll that attracted more than 100 million votes.
The New 7 Wonders of the World are:
- Chichen Itza, Mexico
- Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
- The Great Wall of China, China
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Petra, Jordan
- The Taj Mahal, India
- The Colosseum, Italy
These seven wonders represent the best examples of human achievement and ingenuity across different cultures and eras. They are also stunning sights to behold and capture in photos. Here are some photos of each wonder that will make you want to visit them in person.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is an ancient Maya city that dates back to the 6th century AD. It was one of the largest and most powerful cities in Mesoamerica, and a center of religious and political activity. The city is famous for its impressive pyramids, temples, palaces, and astronomical observatories. The most iconic structure is the Pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, which has 365 steps that correspond to the days of the year. The pyramid also displays a fascinating phenomenon during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when a shadow resembling a serpent descends along one of its sides.
Chichen Itza was more than a religious and ceremonial site. It was also a sophisticated urban center and hub of regional trade. The city had a complex social and political organization, with a ruler, nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, artisans, and farmers. The city also had a diverse population that included Maya speakers, Toltecs, and other ethnic groups. The city was influenced by various cultures, such as the Toltec civilization from central Mexico, which introduced elements such as human sacrifice, militarism, and feathered serpent imagery.
Chichen Itza declined after the 13th century AD, possibly due to drought, famine, disease, or civil war. The city was abandoned by the 15th century AD and left to the jungle. The city was rediscovered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century AD and later by archaeologists and tourists in the 19th and 20th centuries AD. Today, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and a symbol of Maya civilization.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ that stands on top of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue was built between 1922 and 1931 by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone tiles, and measures 30 meters (98 feet) tall, not including its 8-meter (26-foot) pedestal. The statue is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture, as well as a popular tourist attraction. It offers a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and its famous landmarks, such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach.
The idea of building a Christian monument on Corcovado mountain dates back to the 1850s, when a priest named Pedro Maria Boss suggested it to honor Princess Isabel, the daughter of Emperor Pedro II. However, the project was never approved until 1921, when the Catholic archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro proposed it to commemorate the centennial of Brazil’s independence from Portugal. A competition was held to choose the design of the statue, and Silva Costa’s proposal of Christ with open arms was selected. He then invited Landowski to create the sculpture, and Caquot to assist with the structural calculations.
The construction of the statue faced many challenges, such as transporting the materials to the top of the mountain, which was done by using a railway and a cable car. The workers also had to endure harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and lightning. The statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, in a ceremony attended by President Getúlio Vargas and Cardinal Sebastião Leme. The statue was consecrated by Leme as “the symbol of our faith, our love for Christ and our loyalty to Brazil”.
The statue has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, due to damage caused by natural elements and vandalism. In 2006, a chapel was opened under the statue’s base, allowing religious ceremonies to be held there. In 2007, the statue was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in an online poll that attracted more than 100 million votes.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the most recognizable and admired monuments in the world. It represents the faith and spirit of the Brazilian people, as well as their hospitality and openness to all.
The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that stretches for more than 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles) across northern China. It was built over several centuries by different dynasties to protect China from invaders and nomads. The wall consists of walls, towers, gates, watchtowers, and other structures that vary in design and materials. The wall is also considered a masterpiece of engineering and architecture, as it adapts to different terrains and climates. The wall is one of the most visited attractions in China and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
The history of the Great Wall of China dates back to the 7th century BC, when different states built fortifications to defend their borders from nomadic tribes. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, unified these walls into a single system in the 3rd century BC, and expanded it to cover more than 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles). The wall was further enhanced and extended by subsequent dynasties, especially the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), which built the most famous and well-preserved sections of the wall. The wall lost its military significance after the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) conquered China’s northern neighbors and expanded its territory beyond the wall.
The Great Wall of China was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. It is regarded as a symbol of Chinese civilization and culture, as well as a testimony to human creativity and perseverance.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel that lies on a mountain ridge in the Andes Mountains in Peru. It was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti as a royal estate or a sacred religious site for the Inca emperor Pachacuti and his successors. The citadel was built in a strategic location on a mountain ridge, surrounded by steep slopes and lush forests. The citadel consists of more than 200 buildings, including temples, palaces, houses, workshops, terraces, and fountains. The buildings are made of finely cut stone blocks that fit together without mortar, displaying the remarkable craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Inca.
Machu Picchu was abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century, possibly due to a smallpox epidemic or a civil war among the Inca. The Spanish never found the citadel, and it remained hidden from the outside world until 1911, when the American explorer Hiram Bingham was led to it by a local farmer. Bingham was amazed by the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu, and he brought it to international attention through his writings and photographs. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America and a symbol of Inca civilization.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is an ancient city carved out of sandstone cliffs in the desert of southern Jordan. It was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, a nomadic Arab tribe that controlled the trade routes in the region from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. Petra was famous for its wealth, culture, and architecture, which blended elements from various civilizations, such as Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian.
Petra’s most iconic feature is the Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), a monumental facade that marks the entrance to the city. The Treasury is decorated with elaborate carvings and columns, and has a large urn on top that was rumored to contain hidden treasure. Other notable structures in Petra include the Monastery (a large temple on a hilltop), the Royal Tombs (a row of majestic facades carved into the rock), the Theatre (a semicircular auditorium that could seat up to 8,000 people), and the Street of Facades (a series of smaller tombs along a colonnaded street).
Petra declined after the Roman annexation of Nabataea in 106 AD and the rise of new trade routes. It was largely abandoned by the 7th century AD and forgotten by the Western world until 1812, when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Since then, Petra has attracted many visitors and researchers who have marveled at its ancient splendor and mystery. Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.
The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took more than 20 years to complete. It involved more than 20,000 workers and craftsmen from India and beyond, who used precious materials such as gold, silver, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral.
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, which combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles. The main structure is a symmetrical octagonal building with a large dome and four minarets at each corner. The interior is decorated with intricate floral patterns and calligraphy using inlay work and precious stones. The exterior is covered with white marble that reflects different colors depending on the time of day and season. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a complex of gardens, fountains and a mosque. The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic buildings in the world, and a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. It is also a symbol of love and devotion, as Shah Jahan dedicated it to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. The emperor himself was later buried next to his wife in the mausoleum.
The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1653 by more than 20,000 workers and craftsmen from India and beyond, who used precious materials such as gold, silver, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral. The main structure is a symmetrical octagonal building with a large dome and four minarets at each corner. The interior is decorated with intricate floral patterns and calligraphy using inlay work and precious stones. The exterior is covered with white marble that reflects different colors depending on the time of day and season. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a complex of gardens, fountains, and canals that enhance its beauty and harmony.
The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. It attracts millions of visitors every year who admire its elegance and grace.
The Colosseum, Italy
The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater located in Rome, Italy. It was built by the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus between 72 and 80 AD as a venue for public spectacles such as gladiator fights, animal hunts, mock naval battles, executions, and dramas. The Colosseum could seat up to 50,000 spectators who were divided into different sections according to their social status. The arena was covered by a retractable awning called the velarium that provided shade and protection from rain.
The Colosseum is one of the most impressive and enduring monuments of ancient Rome. It showcases the engineering and architectural skills of the Romans, as well as their taste for entertainment and violence. The Colosseum was also a symbol of the power and glory of the Roman Empire, which dominated much of Europe, Africa, and Asia at its peak.
The Colosseum was damaged by earthquakes, fires, vandalism, and neglect over the centuries. It was also used for various purposes such as a quarry, a fortress, a convent, a housing complex, and a shrine. Today, only about one-third of the original structure remains intact, but it still attracts millions of tourists who marvel at its history and majesty.
Conclusion:
As our visual journey through the seven wonders of the world comes to a close, we hope these enchanting photographs have ignited your passion for exploration. The allure of these remarkable destinations lies not only in their historical significance but also in the mesmerizing beauty they exude. Let these images serve as a catalyst for your own travel aspirations, inspiring you to witness these wonders firsthand and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, camera in hand, and embark on a grand adventure to experience the wonders of the world for yourself. Bon voyage!