7 Wonders of the Present Era of the World

The New 7 Wonders Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 with the aim of creating a new and updated list of Seven Wonders of the World, taking into account the many amazing structures and sites that have been built throughout history.

In 2007, the New 7 Wonders Foundation organized a global poll to determine the new Seven Wonders of the World, based on a list of 21 finalists that were selected by a panel of experts. Over 100 million people from around the world participated in the poll, and the following structures were selected as the New Seven Wonders of the World:

The Great Wall of China
Petra, Jordan
The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Machu Picchu in Peru
The Roman Colosseum
Chichen Itza in Mexico
The Taj Mahal in India

The New 7 Wonders Foundation’s list has been met with some criticism, as some argue that the selection process was not transparent enough and that the list does not accurately reflect the world’s most significant architectural or cultural achievements. Nevertheless, the New Seven Wonders of the World has become a popular source of fascination and inspiration for people around the world, and they continue to draw millions of visitors every year.

Table of Contents

TAJ MAHAL

India

Mughal architecture is a style of architecture that developed during the rule of the Mughal Empire in India from the 16th to the 19th century. It is a fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles and is characterized by the use of large dome shapes, slender minarets, and intricate decoration. Mughal buildings often feature elaborate gardens and water features, as well as a mix of Islamic calligraphy, geometric patterns, and figural reliefs.

Some of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort in Delhi, the Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi, the Agra Fort, and the Fatehpur Sikri palace complex. These buildings are known for their intricate details, elegant proportions, and the use of white marble and sandstone. Mughal architecture has had a lasting impact on the architectural styles of India and continues to be studied and admired by architects and historians today.

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and precious gems. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions of tourists visit the Taj Mahal every year to admire its beauty and marvel at its history.

Mumtaz Mahal was the chief wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. She was a strong influence on the emperor and was known for her beauty, intelligence, and piety. Mumtaz died in 1631 while giving birth to her 14th child, Gauhara Begum. Shah Jahan was deeply saddened by her death and decided to build the Taj Mahal in her memory. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest expressions of love in the world and is a testament to Shah Jahan’s devotion to Mumtaz.

Great Wall of China

China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of brick, tamped earth, stone, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the northern borders of China to protect against invasions by nomadic tribes. The wall is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and is often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century BCE and continued through the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the majority of the existing wall was built. The wall is over 13,000 miles long and ranges from 16 to 50 feet tall, with some sections reaching up to 80 feet. The wall has watchtowers, fortresses, and barracks for soldiers along its length.

Today, the Great Wall is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. While much of the wall has fallen into disrepair, significant portions have been restored and are open to visitors. The Great Wall of China is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most impressive feats of ancient military architecture.

Petra

Jordan

Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan. It was established around the 6th century BCE and was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. The city is known for its rock-cut architecture and is carved into sandstone cliffs, creating a unique and stunning landscape.

One of Petra’s most famous structures is the Treasury, a massive facade carved into the cliff face that was once used to store the kingdom’s wealth. Other notable buildings in Petra include the Monastery, a large religious complex, and the Roman Theater, which had seating for over 3,000 people.

Petra was a major centre of trade and commerce in the ancient world and was known for its sophisticated water management system, which allowed the city to thrive in the desert environment. The city was eventually abandoned in the early Islamic period and was rediscovered in the 19th century by European explorers. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Christ the Redeemer statue

Brazil

The Christ the Redeemer statue, also known as Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is a large statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It stands 98 feet tall and is located atop Corcovado Mountain, offering stunning views of the city below. The statue was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and was completed in 1931.

The statue has become an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and of Brazil as a whole and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in South America. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and is covered in a layer of soapstone, which gives it its distinctive white appearance. Visitors can take a train to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the statue up close and admire the panoramic views of the city.

Christ the Redeemer is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Brazil. It is also a symbol of hope and faith for many Brazilians and is a popular place for pilgrimage and reflection.

Machu Picchu

Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is believed to have been built in the mid-15th century and was later abandoned, remaining hidden and largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The city is known for its sophisticated stone architecture, including terraced hillsides, temples, and residential buildings. The buildings are constructed with finely cut stone blocks fitted together without mortar, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Incas. Machu Picchu is also known for its dramatic setting, perched high in the mountains and surrounded by lush vegetation.

Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the ruins, hike along ancient trails, and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important examples of Inca architecture and engineering. It is also a symbol of Peruvian cultural heritage and is an important part of the country’s national identity.

Roman Colosseum

Italy

The Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is an ancient amphitheatre located in Rome, Italy. It was built between 70-80 AD and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles and could hold up to 80,000 spectators.

The Colosseum is elliptical in shape and is made of concrete and stone. It has a complex system of vaults and arches that provided support for the seating and allowed for the rapid evacuation of the arena in case of emergency. The Colosseum was also designed with special features, such as retractable awnings and underground chambers, to help regulate the temperature and provide shade for the spectators.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and is considered a symbol of the power and might of the Roman Empire. Despite being heavily damaged over the centuries, much of the original structure still stands, and visitors can explore the interior and learn about its rich history. The Colosseum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest examples of ancient Roman architecture.

Chichen Itza

Mexico

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It was one of the largest and most important cities of the Mayan civilization and was a major centre of political, economic, and religious power. The city was established around 600 AD and reached its height of prosperity between the 10th and 13th centuries.

Chichen Itza is known for its impressive architecture, including the Temple of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, a massive pyramid that dominates the city centre. The temple was built to honour the feathered serpent god Kukulcan and is known for its sophisticated astronomical alignments, including a shadow serpent that appears on the staircase during the spring and fall equinoxes.

Other notable structures at Chichen Itza include the Great Ball Court, where a ball game similar to modern-day soccer was played, and the Temple of the Warriors, a complex of buildings and columns that depict scenes of warfare and sacrifice.

Today, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the rich history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization. Chichen Itza is also considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a symbol of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is a list of remarkable structures or buildings of the classical era, which was compiled by various authors in the Hellenistic period. The idea of a list of Wonders dates back to ancient Greece, where it was common to compile lists of great achievements in various fields, including architecture.

The most well-known list of Seven Wonders is attributed to Antipater of Sidon, a Greek poet and traveller who lived in the 2nd century BCE. The list he compiled included:

The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Lighthouse of Alexandria

All of the Seven Wonders were located in the eastern Mediterranean, and they represented the pinnacle of architectural and engineering achievement at the time. Most of the Wonders have since been destroyed or lost to time, but the Great Pyramid of Giza remains standing to this day, over 4,500 years after its construction.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have inspired awe and fascination for centuries, and they continue to captivate people’s imaginations even today. The legacy of the Seven Wonders is a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and determination of the ancient civilizations that built them.

Modern-day wonders

However, there have been many different lists of “wonders” throughout history, and the concept has evolved over time to include natural wonders and modern-day engineering marvels. Some of the most popular contemporary “wonders” include: