7 Wonders of the World (Modern Edition) — Complete Guide

The New 7 Wonders of the World are seven man-made wonders that have been chosen for their historical significance, architectural genius, and universal recognition. They are the Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá, the Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum, all of which are recognized as remarkable expressions of human imagination and engineering skills.

Table of Contents

• What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?
• Why These Wonders Were Selected
• Great Wall of China
• Petra, Jordan
• Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Chichén Itzá, Mexico
• Taj Mahal, India
• Colosseum, Italy
• How to Visit All 7 Wonders
• FAQs About the 7 Wonders

What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?

The new 7 Wonders of the World were recognized in 2007 through a worldwide vote conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation. This was intended to represent the greatest and most beloved architectural achievements that have survived the test of time. Millions of people from all over the world participated in the voting process to choose these wonders from a long list of nominees.

The 7 Wonders of the World are recognized not only for their size and age but for their significance and ability to link us to the past and to other cultures.

Why These Wonders Were Chosen

The following list of wonders was designed to compile a group of:

• Monuments of great historical or cultural significance
• Examples of engineering skill
• Symbols of the world's cultural heritage
• Sources of inspiration for people from all over the world

Unlike the ancient wonder list (which is now mostly lost to history), the new list contains sites that you can visit today.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is probably the most well-known ancient defensive structure in the world. Originally used to protect against invasion by nomadic peoples, it stretches over thousands of miles across northern China and was built over many centuries by successive dynasties.

Key Features

• Stretches over 13,000 miles
• Built from the 7th century BC to the Ming Dynasty
• Icon of ancient military ingenuity and determination
• Parts of the wall, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, are now popular tourist destinations

The Great Wall of China is a symbol of human determination and one of the greatest examples of historical architectural design.

Petra, Jordan

Petra, also known as the “Rose City,” is an archaeological wonder in Jordan that was carved out of the very rock itself, in the form of rose-colored sandstone cliffs. It was a flourishing hub of the Nabataean culture and a busy trade center.

Highlights

• Ancient city excavated out of rock
• Sophisticated water engineering system
• Treasury, Monastery, and Royal Tombs
• Crossroads of cultures and trade routes

The beauty of Petra is best appreciated during the early morning or late afternoon sun, when the rock appears to radiate a warm, golden glow.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

The gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands tall over Rio de Janeiro, perched on top of Mount Corcovado. The statue was built in the early 20th century and has since become a symbol of religious and cultural oneness that is recognized all over the world.

What Makes it Special

• Finished in 1931
• Reaches a height of almost 30 meters
• Provides a panoramic view of Rio
• Symbolizes religious and cultural oneness

Tourists usually take the train to the top of Corcovado to enjoy the views of the city and the ocean before reaching the statue.

Machu Picchu, Peru

In the Andes Mountains, there is the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a spectacular archaeological wonder built in the 15th century. This lost city was hidden away from the rest of the world for many years until it was “rediscovered” in 1911 and has been one of the most intriguing historical attractions in the world ever since.

Must-Know Facts

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Built without mortar
• Astronomically aligned buildings
• Also known as the “Lost City of the Incas”

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

In Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is one of the most significant cities of the ancient Maya civilization.

What to See

• Pyramid of Kukulcán
• Great Ball Court
• Temple of the Warriors
• El Castillo

Chichén Itzá was a cultural, political, and economic center where science and spirituality were uniquely combined.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in Agra is a marble tomb built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful architectural creations in the world because of its perfect symmetry, beautiful marble work, and serene gardens.

Why It’s Loved

• Dating back to the 17th century
• Representation of eternal love
• Intricately designed marble work
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during sunrise and sunset hours to witness its breathtaking beauty.

Colosseum, Italy

The Colosseum in Rome is an ancient amphitheater built during the Roman Empire. It once held gladiator battles, public spectacles, and thousands of spectators. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Roman engineering and culture.

Highlights

• Built in the 1st century CE
• Held up to 50,000 spectators
• Used for gladiator fights and shows
• Complex engineering with arches and vaults

The Colosseum’s grandeur continues to draw millions of visitors each year.

How to Visit All 7 Wonders

Visiting all seven wonders is a remarkable travel adventure that may take time and effort:

• Plan Routes Efficiently: Group visits by region whenever possible
• Purchase Tickets in Advance: Tickets and popular dates sell out quickly
• Visit During Different Seasons: Weather and tourist season differ greatly
• Hire Reliable Guides: Especially for historical sites

Because they are located on different continents, it may be most practical to visit them on separate vacations, creating a “world wonders bucket list” over the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ancient wonders the same as the modern wonders?

No. The ancient wonders were established over 2,000 years ago and no longer exist, while the modern list includes those that are still standing today.

Can anyone visit these wonders?

Yes. All seven wonders are open to the public, although entry restrictions apply by country.

Which wonder is the oldest?

The Great Wall of China has the longest history of construction, although the dates are measured in centuries.

Is the Great Pyramid of Giza on the list?

The Great Pyramid of Giza is given honorary mention but does not officially make the modern list.

Do these wonders require guided tours?

Guided tours are highly recommended for additional historical information but are not mandatory.