Did you know that the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, unveiled by the New7Wonders Foundation, were selected from among 21 sites and architectural works from 21 different countries? Want to know more? We invite you to discover all 21 wonders of the world initially in the running and where to go to admire them. So, read on!
The 7 Wonders of the Modern World Winners Among the 21 Wonders of the World in the Running
Here are the 7 grand winners, 7 wonders of the world chosen from among the 21 wonders of the world in the running. These are the cream of the crop, according to the jury who selected them!
1. Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer is the statue of Christ, recognizable by its wide-open arms, that dominates the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This 38-meter-tall statue, erected on the heights of Corcovado Mountain, was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor Da Silva Costa and created by sculptors Paul Landowski and Gheorghe Leonida, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot. Christ the Redeemer, inaugurated in 1931, is one of the most recent works of the 21 Wonders of the World.
2. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
While a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Roman scholars, the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, was not one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, this work, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and inaugurated by his son Titus some ten years later, was a true technical feat. It is, in fact, a monument approximately 50 meters in circumference with four floors, including an amphitheater that could accommodate 50,000 spectators. As a result, its ruins, located in the city of Rome, Italy, attracted more than 7.5 million visitors in 2018 alone.
3. Chichen Itza in Mexico
The pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza is located not far from the Rivera Maya, on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It is a priceless Mayan heritage. Indeed, it was an ancient city dating back to the 8th century, at the height of Mayan culture. It houses an immense step pyramid: El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This temple was also erected in honor of Kukulcan, the Feathered Serpent god of Toltec origin.
4. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India
A testament to the love Mughal Emperor Shah Jaan felt for his late wife Arjumand Banu Begam (also known as Mumtaz Mahal), the Taj Mahal, whose name means “crown of the palace,” is a superb white marble mausoleum. This jewel of Mughal architecture is located in Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Construction began in 1631, the year of the queen’s death, and lasted approximately 17 years.
5. The Great Wall of China
With its 6,500 kilometers of wall, connecting the Gobi Desert and the China Sea, the Great Wall is the largest architectural structure (in length, area, and mass) ever built by man. It is also said that this human construction is visible from the moon. The Great Wall, which is actually a series of military fortifications to defend China’s northern border from invaders, was built, destroyed, and rebuilt in several locations between the 3rd century BC and the 17th century AD. This wonder of the modern world attracts approximately 16 million tourists each year.
6. Petra in Jordan
The superb and fascinating Nabataean city of Petra is located in Jordan; it represents a masterpiece of human creative genius. Indeed, this site is home to numerous buildings whose monumental facades were carved directly into the rock. It was an ancient city, which the Nabataeans magnified and made prosperous thanks to trade, given that Petra was on the spice route. It should be noted, however, that the most beautiful buildings are funerary in nature, such as the El Khazneh (meaning treasury) and its superb 40-meter-high facade.
7. Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu, whose name means “old mountain,” is listed as one of the 21 and then the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. And for good reason: it offers visitors the chance to discover the remains of the Inca civilization and their expertise in stone construction. This ancient Inca city, nestled in the Andes Mountains of Peru, was a religious sanctuary, with numerous temples dedicated to the Sun God. It is believed that Machu Picchu also served as a residence for Emperor Pachacutec, who ordered its construction in the 15th century.