The 7 Wonders of the World

The 7 wonders of the modern world were announced in 2007 following a large international vote organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. Like the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, these are all masterpieces of architecture of great cultural significance, representing different eras and civilizations from around the globe

However, while almost all ancient wonders have disappeared (the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one still standing), the new wonders of the world are still in at least acceptable states of preservation and can all be explored today

The Great Wall of China was built starting in the 7th century BC to protect the territory from attacks by nomadic peoples from the north. Reinforced and expanded many times throughout history, its construction spanned more than 2 millennia. It currently stretches 21,196 km according to the latest official measurements established in 2012, which include various sections and branches, trenches, and natural barriers.

The most iconic part of the Great Wall of China was built during the Ming Dynasty and spans nearly 9,000 km. Traversing the northern part of the country from east to west, it is by far the largest construction ever realized by man.

Not all sections of the wall are accessible, but several restored sections can be discovered, particularly near Beijing. The sections of Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan, and Jinshanling, all located within 120 km or less of Beijing, are the most visited. Many day trips to the Great Wall of China depart from the capital. By the way, if you're looking for things to do in Beijing and a place to stay in Beijing, I've written articles that may be useful to you

During a visit to a section of the Great Wall of China, one can walk along the wall, access watchtowers and admire truly spectacular panoramas. At Badaling, which is arguably the section in the best state of preservation, visitors can also explore the Great Wall Museum of China, a must-visit place to learn much more about this wonder

Machu Picchu is the most famous of the Incan cities. Built in the 15th century at nearly 2,500 meters altitude in the Andes mountains of Peru, it is the most important remnant of this civilization that has survived to this day. Abandoned in the 16th century, it was long lost and then rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham.

The name > means Old Mountain >> in the Quechua language. This incredible site in the Cusco region comprises a wide variety of buildings that showcase the ingenuity of the Incan builders. You can find temples, sanctuaries, palaces, canals, fountains, and agricultural terraces.

In total, there are about 200 stone buildings gathered in the Citadel of Machu Picchu. The most iconic constructions are located around the Sacred Plaza. Notably, there is the Temple of the Sun, which was used for ceremonies demonstrating this people's great astronomical knowledge, the Royal Palace, which likely served as a residence for Emperor Pachacutek, the Intihuatana, an astonishing sculpted monolith that served as a sundial or astronomical observatory, and the Temple of the Three Windows, which impresses with its massive stones assembled without mortar.

Several tours are offered for visiting Machu Picchu, allowing visitors to explore different areas of the citadel. Some paths even include hikes to nearby mountains (including true treks through the Andes like the famous Inca Trail), offering access to several panoramic viewpoints over the site and the Urubamba Valley.

Globally, there are very few sites that offer such a combination of archaeological discoveries and splendid landscapes. A visit accompanied by a local guide is undoubtedly the best option to truly experience this historically rich site

Mexico is a country rich in fascinating archaeological sites, and Chichén Itzá is the most famous of all. This ancient Mayan city, whose origins date back to the 5th century, is one of the most well-known archaeological sites on our planet, a must-see if you're not sure what to do in Mexico!

Located in the west of the country on the Yucatán Peninsula, this city played a particularly important role between the 6th and 10th centuries before experiencing a decline in the 13th century. At its peak, it was the center of politics, commerce, and religion for the Mayans and the Toltecs.

Chichén Itzá covers about 300 hectares and houses many impressive and intriguing buildings, among which the most iconic is the Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo), the stepped pyramid that was a temple dedicated to the feathered serpent god. It is particularly famous for the shadow effects created by the sun during the equinoxes

Among the other buildings to explore here, you'll find the Sacred Cenote, a natural well that also served as a place for offerings, El Caracol, the astronomical observatory, the Temple of the Warriors with its sculpted columns, the Great Ball Court, and the Tzompantli, the platform used for sacrificial rituals.

During the visit, you can explore the site on foot to discover the various monuments, access the stands around the site that offer Mayan handicrafts, and attend the Noches de Kukulcán, a sound and light show with projections on the pyramid.

Located in southern Jordan near the city of Wadi Musa (which means >), Petra is a city founded by the Edomites in the 8th century BC and was later occupied by the Nabataeans starting around 500 BC. This trading people made it their capital and the city experienced great prosperity due to its location near the trade routes used for spices, incense, and other valuable products. Abandoned after the change in trade routes, Petra was forgotten and rediscovered in 1812 by explorer Johann Burckhardt.

Petra is an exceptional archaeological site, an immense complex of rock-cut monuments that includes streets, temples, baths, funerary monuments, tombs, and many other impressive remains. Its most famous sites are Al-Khazneh with its 40-meter-high rock-cut façade (equally impressive at night when illuminated by candles), the Street of Facades where the Royal Tombs are aligned, the Great Temple, and the Amphitheater which could accommodate over 8,000 spectators.

The visit to Petra is done on foot; to reach the city, you must traverse the Siq, the narrow 1.2 km canyon leading to its entrance. A guided tour of Petra is highly recommended to learn much more about the history of this place and all the secrets it holds. These tours often include other nearby sites of interest such as Wadi Rum (the Valley of the Moon) or the Dead Sea.

In Rio de Janeiro, specifically at the top of Mount Corcovado, stands the only statue that is listed among the 7 New Wonders of the World. The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World included two: the Colossus of Rhodes and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia.

Perched on its promontory at 710 meters above the city, Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) was inaugurated in 1931. It is part of the Tijuca National Park, a 4,000-hectare park that houses lush vegetation, rich local wildlife, waterfalls, and the Pico da Tijuca.

This 38-meter-high statue, with an 8-meter base, depicts Christ opening his arms. In addition to being one of the most famous monuments in the world, it is also a symbol of faith and hospitality among the Brazilians. Beneath the statue is the Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida, a small place of worship that can accommodate about 150 people for prayers and religious ceremonies.

From the summit of Corcovado, the panoramic view of the city, the Bay of Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana beach is truly unforgettable. All around spreads the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world, which is traversed by numerous hiking trails

Christ the Redeemer is easily accessible via the historic Corcovado train, which crosses the forest to reach it in about 20 minutes from the city. Shuttles also make the trip, and it can also be reached on foot via a hike of about 2 hours. It is even possible to view it from the air on a helicopter tour of Rio

The Colosseum (or Flavian Amphitheater) is located in the heart of Rome on the Piazza del Colosseo. Erected during the time of emperors Vespasian and Titus in the 1st century, it is one of the most famous buildings of antiquity. Capable of accommodating 50,000 spectators, it was the largest amphitheater in the world, a marvel of engineering and an undeniable symbol of the power of the Roman Empire. It measures 187 meters long, 155 meters wide, and 50 meters high. Its oval arena measures 86 meters long and 54 meters wide.

For its inauguration, a period of 100 days of games was organized. It hosted gladiator battles, wild beast hunts (lions, tigers...), reconstructions of famous battles (including naval battles), and public executions. It hosted games until the 6th century.

Even though it has been damaged by earthquakes and partially pillaged, the Colosseum retains its particularly impressive appearance. It is a must-see during a visit to Rome. In addition to admiring its structure, visitors can access the stands, the underground chambers where gladiators waited before fighting (hypogeum), as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the Colosseum and ancient Rome.

The ticket to visit the Colosseum also allows access to two other nearby must-see archaeological sites: the Roman Forum (the political, commercial, and religious heart of ancient Rome) and Palatine Hill (the residence of Roman Emperors during antiquity). Optionally, it is also possible to access the arena of the Colosseum.

Good to know: the visit to the Colosseum is included in most Rome passes! If you plan to visit Rome in 4 days for instance, this can be a good option to discover the must-sees of the Eternal City while saving money

The Taj Mahal is one of the greatest symbols of love in the world ❤️ Located in India, in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, this incredible palace was built in the 17th century on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is actually a mausoleum in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1621 giving birth to their 14th child. Upon the Emperor's death in 1666, he joined his beloved in her final resting place.

It took just over twenty years to erect this breathtaking mausoleum, blending Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences. Entirely covered in white marble, the main mausoleum is one of the most renowned buildings in the world. It is crowned with a majestic dome and surrounded by four minarets. Inlaid with precious stones, it is also adorned with inscriptions. These Persian calligraphies contain verses from the Quran, serving not only a spiritual role but also adding a refined artistic touch to the entire mausoleum.

Two symmetrical buildings are located on either side of the main mausoleum: the mosque to the west and the Jawab to the east, built to maintain the harmony of the complex and serving as a guest pavilion.

Visitors to the Taj Mahal can also discover the grand red sandstone gateway (Darwaza-i Rauza), the symmetrical Persian gardens symbolizing paradise (Charbagh), as well as the Taj Mahal Museum, dedicated to the history and construction of this new wonder of the world ✨

And there we have it, we've reached the end of this journey through the 7 Wonders of the Modern World! I hope this guide has inspired you and allowed you to explore these exceptional places, both symbols of human ingenuity and natural beauty. These sites are not only treasures to visit but also living testimonies of our history and shared heritage. Among these wonders, which one attracts you the most?