Of the old Seven Wonders of the World, only one still exists — and a couple may have never even existed at all. This led to a campaign to establish the new Seven Wonders of the World, which was finalized in 2007 and based on more than 100 million votes. These new Seven Wonders of the World are all great options for your next trip.
The Old Seven Wonders of the World
To understand what people were looking for when selecting new wonders, it’s helpful to know what the old wonders were:
- Colossus of Rhodes – This statue of the Greek sun god Helios celebrated the successful defense of the island.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria – At 330 feet high, this lighthouse in Ancient Egypt was one of the tallest man-made structures when it was built in 246 BCE.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – The tomb for Mausolus in modern-day Turkey was still standing as late as the 15th century, when it was destroyed by an earthquake.
- Temple of Artemis – Dedicated to the Greek goddess (although located in what is now Turkey), the temple was rebuilt three time, the last of which was the most grandiose.
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia – There is conflicting information about this statue to the Greek sky and thunder god, but it appears to have been made of ivory, gold, and wood.
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon – These tiered gardens appear to have been located in modern-day Iraq, although the exact site is unknown, which may suggest they never even existed.
- Great Pyramid of Giza – The final old wonder is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Built over a period of 26 years in around 2600 BCE, it is not just the only surviving wonder, it is also the oldest by a couple millennia. The largest of the Egyptian pyramids, it was used as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu. Visitors today can see the pyramid on the Giza Plateau and even go inside (for an additional fee).
The New Seven Wonders of the World
Great Wall of China
Spanning around 13,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is a set of fortifications built at different times to protect Imperial China, act as a border control, and regulate trade. You can visit various sections, including two close to Beijing that are quite accessible – and offer fantastic views.
Chichén Itzá
There’s still a pyramid on the new list of wonders: Chichén Itzá. It was one of the largest Maya cities and today is one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico. It’s best to have a guide, to understand what you’re seeing – especially since there are some advanced astronomical features.
Petra
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan is known for its architecture cut straight into the sandstone rock. The fact there are one-, two-, and three-day tickets available shows just how much there is to see here. The site spans around 2.5 miles from the entrance to the farthest point, but it’s possible to take a golf buggy if you don’t want to walk.
Machu Picchu
Often called the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu is located high up on a mountain ridge in Peru. In person, it’s just as impressive as it looks in photos – if not more so, especially on days when you have a clear view of the surrounding mountains. It’s quite a trek to reach the plateau (unless you take a bus right up to the entrance), but this adds to the sense of isolation that makes the well-preserved site feel magical.
Christ the Redeemer
The Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer stands close to 100 feet tall, towering over the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Original plans had the statue holding a globe in one hand and a cross in the other, but it was later changed to have its arms outstretched. There are numerous places to see the statue, including up close, down in the city, and by climbing one of the other mountains.
Colosseum
Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, is the Colosseum – the largest amphitheater ever to be built. Despite being an ancient archeological site, it is accessible to all visitors: there are no stairs in the main entrance and there’s an elevator to reach the upper floor.
Taj Mahal
Dedicated to the third wife of emperor Shah Jahan, who died from complications giving birth, the Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. You’ll recognize the exterior immediately, but prepare to be amazed at all the intricate details throughout this building. For a unique experience, there are a limited number of tickets each month giving visitors the chance to spend 30 minutes admiring the Taj Mahal by moonlight.
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