The Birth of a Modern Legacy
In 2000, when the world stood on the precipice of a new millennium, the New 7 Wonders Foundation (N7W) embarked on an ambitious project: to identify the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the Great Pyramid of Giza standing as the lone survivor of the ancient wonders, the time had come to recognize humanity's modern architectural and cultural achievements.
What followed was unprecedented—over 100 million people cast their votes in a global poll that concluded in 2007. Unlike today's online surveys vulnerable to bot manipulation, these votes represented genuine human choices about which monuments inspired the greatest awe and admiration.
Though the selection sparked debate among governments, tourism boards, and historians, the chosen seven quickly became bucket-list destinations. These extraordinary sites not only showcase human ingenuity across different civilizations but also tell compelling stories of our collective history.
Let's explore these magnificent wonders, each offering a unique window into humanity's greatest achievements.
1. Petra, Jordan: The Rose City Hidden in Stone
What Makes It Wonderful: Often called the "Rose City" for its pink-hued stone facades, Petra represents one of humanity's most impressive architectural achievements. This ancient city remained hidden from Western eyes until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered what the local Bedouin tribes had known for centuries—a magnificent city carved directly into sandstone cliffs.
Historical Significance: Founded around the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, Petra became a crucial hub on ancient trade routes. Its ingenious water management system allowed a thriving civilization to flourish in the desert. The city's most iconic structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), greets visitors after they navigate the narrow Siq canyon—creating one of travel's most dramatic reveals.
Must-See Attractions:
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – The iconic facade featured in countless photographs and films
- The Monastery (Ad Deir) – Larger than the Treasury and requiring an 800-step climb
- The Royal Tombs – A series of elaborate burial chambers with stunning facades
- The Colonnaded Street – Remains of Petra's ancient main thoroughfare
- The Great Temple – One of the city's largest freestanding structures
Travel Tips:
- Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes—Petra covers a vast area with uneven terrain
- Start early to avoid crowds and midday heat (especially during summer months)
- Consider the "Petra by Night" experience to see the Treasury illuminated by candlelight
- Allocate at least two full days to properly explore the site
- Hire a local guide for deeper historical context and to discover hidden spots
2. Chichen Itza, Mexico: Mayan Mathematical Marvel
What Makes It Wonderful: Standing as a testament to Mayan astronomical precision and mathematical brilliance, Chichen Itza represents the pinnacle of pre-Columbian civilization in the Americas. The main pyramid, El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan), demonstrates remarkable astronomical alignment—during the spring and fall equinoxes, sunlight creates a shadow pattern resembling a serpent descending the pyramid's steps.
Historical Significance: Serving as a major regional capital from approximately 600-1200 AD, Chichen Itza blends architectural styles reflecting both Maya and Toltec influences. The site provides crucial insights into ancient Mesoamerican religion, astronomy, and urban planning.
Must-See Attractions:
- El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan) – The iconic step pyramid with 365 steps (one for each day of the year)
- Great Ball Court – The largest and best-preserved ball court in ancient Mesoamerica
- Temple of the Warriors – An impressive structure surrounded by hundreds of columns
- Sacred Cenote – A natural sinkhole used for ceremonial purposes and sacrifices
- El Caracol (The Observatory) – A sophisticated astronomical observatory
Travel Tips:
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and largest crowds
- Hire a certified guide to understand the astronomical and mathematical significance
- Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes
- Consider staying overnight in nearby Valladolid to visit at opening time
- If possible, plan your visit during an equinox to witness the "serpent" effect
3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil: Guardian of Rio
What Makes It Wonderful: Perched atop the 700-meter Corcovado Mountain and standing 30 meters tall with arms stretching 28 meters wide, Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) embraces Rio de Janeiro with an eternal blessing. This Art Deco masterpiece combines religious significance with artistic excellence, becoming not just Brazil's most recognizable landmark but also a universal symbol of peace.
Historical Significance: Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue commemorated the 100th anniversary of Brazil's independence. Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, the monument required extensive engineering innovations to withstand the mountain's harsh conditions. Its creator, French sculptor Paul Landowski, never actually visited the site himself.
Must-See Attractions:
- The statue itself, with its intricate mosaic tilework
- The panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay
- The small chapel in the base of the statue
- The surrounding Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban forest
Travel Tips:
- Take the cog train (Trem do Corcovado) for a scenic journey up the mountain
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photographs
- Check the weather forecast—fog can completely obscure both the statue and the views
- Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long queues
- Consider a helicopter tour for a unique aerial perspective of the monument
4. The Great Wall of China: Dragon's Backbone
What Makes It Wonderful: Stretching approximately 13,170 miles across China's northern borders, the Great Wall represents humanity's most ambitious defensive structure. Rather than a single continuous wall, it consists of multiple segments built across different dynasties, forming a complex network of walls, watchtowers, garrison stations, and fortresses that adapts ingeniously to diverse terrains.
Historical Significance: Construction began in the 7th century BC and continued for over 2,000 years, with the most well-preserved sections dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Beyond its military purpose, the Wall facilitated cultural exchange, trade, and transportation along the ancient Silk Road while symbolizing Chinese civilization's continuity and resilience.
Must-See Sections:
- Badaling – The most visited section, well-restored and accessible from Beijing
- Mutianyu – Less crowded than Badaling, featuring 23 watchtowers and spectacular scenery
- Jinshanling – Offering a balance of restoration and authenticity with fewer tourists
- Simatai – Known for steep mountain terrain and the only section open for night visits
- Jiankou – For adventurous hikers seeking wild, unrestored sections
Travel Tips:
- Avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays when domestic tourism peaks
- Choose your section based on physical ability—some parts involve steep climbing
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking and changing weather conditions
- Consider visiting in spring or autumn for moderate temperatures and clear visibility
- Bring sufficient water and snacks, especially for less-touristed sections
5. Colosseum, Italy: Arena of Empire
What Makes It Wonderful: Rising in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum stands as antiquity's greatest architectural and engineering achievement. This massive elliptical amphitheater could seat 50,000-80,000 spectators and featured revolutionary innovations including a complex system of elevators and trapdoors for dramatic entrances, retractable awnings for shade, and sophisticated crowd management design.
Historical Significance: Commissioned around 70-72 AD by Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus in 80 AD, the Colosseum (originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre) hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, battle reenactments, and even mock naval battles when flooded. It embodied imperial Rome's power and engineering prowess while establishing architectural principles still used in modern stadiums.
Must-See Attractions:
- The exterior facade with its three tiers of arches
- The hypogeum – the recently restored underground chambers and tunnels
- The arena floor, where gladiatorial combats took place
- The third tier, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Roman Forum
- The nearby Arch of Constantine, commemorating the emperor's victory
Travel Tips:
- Purchase combined tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill online
- Consider a guided underground tour to access restricted areas
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds
- Use the Colosseo metro station for easy access
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit
6. Taj Mahal, India: Monument to Eternal Love
What Makes It Wonderful: Rising from the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents architectural perfection through its flawless symmetry, harmonious proportions, and exquisite craftsmanship. This luminous marble mausoleum changes appearance throughout the day—pink at dawn, pearly white at noon, and golden in moonlight—creating an almost magical quality that transcends mere stone.
Historical Significance: Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this masterpiece in 1631 to honor his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Construction employed over 20,000 artisans and took 22 years to complete. The structure combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles, featuring intricate inlay work with 28 types of precious and semi-precious stones.
Must-See Features:
- The main mausoleum with its perfect symmetry and marble dome
- The four minarets framing the tomb
- The intricate pietra dura (stone inlay) work featuring floral patterns and calligraphy
- The reflecting pools and gardens designed in the classic Mughal charbagh pattern
- The red sandstone mosque and guest house flanking the main structure
Travel Tips:
- Visit at sunrise for minimal crowds and magical lighting
- Purchase fast-track tickets online to avoid lengthy queues
- Dress modestly and bring shoe covers (or be prepared to remove shoes)
- Consider visiting during full moon nights when special viewing is permitted
- Hire a guide to appreciate the building's architectural and historical significance
7. Machu Picchu, Peru: City in the Clouds
What Makes It Wonderful: Perched dramatically between two Andean peaks at 2,430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu represents the pinnacle of Inca engineering, urban planning, and astronomical knowledge. The citadel's 200+ structures, agricultural terraces, and sacred spaces blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a mystical harmony between human ingenuity and mountain wilderness.
Historical Significance: Built around 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu functioned as either a royal estate or sacred religious site. Its inhabitants abandoned it roughly a century later, potentially due to smallpox introduced by European explorers. The site remained hidden from colonial powers, preserving it until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to global attention in 1911.
Must-See Attractions:
- Intihuatana Stone – A ritual stone aligned with the sun's position during solstices
- Temple of the Sun – Featuring exceptional stonework and astronomical alignments
- The Sacred District – Containing the principal religious structures
- The agricultural terraces – Demonstrating advanced Incan farming techniques
- Huayna Picchu – The towering mountain peak offering aerial views of the citadel
Travel Tips:
- Secure permits well in advance—daily visitor numbers are strictly limited
- Consider the four-day Inca Trail trek for the most memorable approach
- Alternatively, take the train to Aguas Calientes and then a shuttle bus
- Start early to experience the site before larger tour groups arrive
- Bring layers for changing mountain weather conditions
- Allow sufficient time to acclimatize to the altitude before visiting
Beyond the Seven: Our Wondrous World
While these seven marvels deservedly captured global imagination in the 2007 vote, our planet brims with countless other wonders worthy of admiration. From Angkor Wat's sprawling temple complex in Cambodia to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, from Istanbul's magnificent Hagia Sophia to the engineering miracle of Panama Canal—human creativity and natural splendor continue to inspire awe across continents.
The true wonder of our world may lie not just in these individual monuments but in humanity's persistent drive to create, preserve, and appreciate beauty across cultures and centuries. Whether officially recognized or not, each remarkable place tells a story about our shared journey on this planet.
As you plan your own wonder-seeking adventures, remember that the most meaningful travel experiences often come not just from checking famous sites off a list, but from the personal connections, cultural insights, and unexpected discoveries found along the way. The Seven Wonders await—but so does a world of countless other wonders, each with its own magic to reveal.
What wonder will you discover next? Share your experiences visiting these magnificent sites or tell us which other world wonders should make your personal list!
