7 Wonders of the World

In 2001 an initiative was started by the Swiss corporation New7Wonders Foundation to choose the New Seven Wonders of the World  from a selection of 200 existing monuments for profit. 21 finalists were announced January 1, 2006. Egypt was not happy with the fact that their ancient landmark, Great Pyramid of Giza would have to compete with the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Sydney Opera House, and other landmarks; and called the project absurd. To solve this, Giza was named an honorary candidate without the need for competition. The results were announced on July 7, 2007. 


Honorary Mention 

Great Pyramid of Giza

It is the oldest and largest of the three huge pyramids in Giza Necropolis, Egypt. It is the only surviving Seven Wonders of Ancient World. It is believed to be built at around 2560 BC in a 14 to 20-years period as the tomb for 4th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. Initially at 146.5 m tall, it is now 138.8 m tall due to erosion. It was the tallest man made structure on Earth for over 3800 years, the longest period of time ever held for such a record.

Anyway, the list below is from the New7Wonders: 

1. Chichen Itza

It is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization in Yucatan Peninsula (present day Mexico). The site contains fine stone buildings connected by dense networks of formerly paved roads. The buildings are grouped in a series of architectonic sets. One of the famous buildings on the site is the Monument of El Castillo. Chichen Itza was a major focal point in northern Maya lowlands from Late Classic (600 AD)  till Early Postclassic period.

2. Statue of Christ, The Redeemer

It is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, considered as the second largest Art Deco statue in the world. It is 39.6 m tall including the 9.5 m pedestal. It is on the peak of 700 m – Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city with perfect natural setting. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and was constructed between 1922 and 1931. It is a standing figure with open arms in the shape of the Christian cross with the pedestal symbolizing the world. It is also a symbol of peace.

3. Colosseum

It is a huge elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. It can hold up to 80 000 people at a time and is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering, constructed between 72 AD and 80 AD. The open-air colosseum is for many events such as gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, dramas and even executions. It is 189 m long, 156 m wide and 48 m tall with base area of 24 000 metres square.

4. Great Wall of China

It is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China built for protection from invasions by various nomadic groups. Several walls have been built since 5th century BC, and the most famous being built by China’s first emperor, Qin Shih Huang Ti from 220 to 206 BC, and majority of the walls are built in Ming Dynasty later. The wall stretches over 8851 km (6259 km of actual wall, 359 km of trenches and 2232 km of natural defensive barriers).

5. Machu Picchu

It is a pre-Columbian 15th century Inca site located 2430 m above sea level, above Urubamba Valley in Peru. It is believed to be built as an estate for the Inca Emperor, Pachacuti (1438 – 1472) and is often referred to as the Lost City of Incas. It is built in classical Inca style, with polished dry stone walls and its three primary buildings are Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun and Room of the Three Windows which are all located at the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.

6. Petra

It is a historical and archaeological city in Jordan, known for its rock cut architecture and water conduits system. Established sometime around the 6th century BC as the capital city of Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan. It lies on the slope of Mount Hor. The city is often visited by flash floods and droughts, and hence efficient stormwater and water storage systems were created like dams, cisterns and conduits to enable the city to prosper.

7. Taj Mahal

It is a huge mausoleum located in Agra, India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth and stands as a symbol of eternal love. It is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a mixture of Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles. The white domed marble mausoleum is designed by many architects with Lahauri as the principal designer.