In 2007, people from all over the world voted to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World. These amazing places show off incredible things that people have built throughout history. They come from different cultures and times, and they’re all super impressive to see! Some times is also called “The 7 Modern Wonders of the World”.
The Wonders
- Chichén Itzá (Mexico): Imagine a city built by the Maya people over 1,000 years ago! Chichén Itzá is just that. It has a giant pyramid called El Castillo that lines up perfectly with the sun on special days. You can also see a huge ball court where the Maya played games. Want to visit? The best time to go is during the dry season (November to April).
- Christ the Redeemer (Brazil): This massive statue of Jesus Christ looks over the city of Rio de Janeiro. It’s like a symbol of hope and peace for everyone. The statue is so big that its head and hands had to be made in France and then shipped to Brazil! The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September).
- Colosseum (Italy): Step back in time to Ancient Rome and picture gladiators fighting in this huge arena. The Colosseum was also used for all sorts of public shows. It’s amazing that it’s still standing after all these years, even after some big earthquakes! The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn.
- Great Wall of China (China): This wall is so long that it stretches for thousands of miles! It was built a long, long time ago to protect China. You might have heard that you can see it from space, but that’s not actually true. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn.
- Machu Picchu (Peru): High up in the Andes Mountains, you’ll find this ancient city built by the Inca people. It’s like a hidden world that was lost for centuries! You can hike the Inca Trail to get there, but make sure you book your permits in advance. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September).
- Petra (Jordan): This city is carved right into the side of a cliff! It was once a busy trading center, and the people who lived there were amazing engineers. Petra was lost for a long time until it was rediscovered in 1812. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn.
- Taj Mahal (India): This beautiful white building is a tomb that was built for a queen. It’s a symbol of love and one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal looks different at different times of day because the light changes how the marble looks. The best time to visit is from October to March.
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was a bustling hub of activity for the Mayan civilization, serving as a center for religion, trade, and government. The city’s name, Chichén Itzá, means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza” in the Mayan language. This refers to the sacred cenotes (natural sinkholes) found in the area, which were important to the Mayans for religious ceremonies.
Why is Chichén Itzá a Wonder?
Chichén Itzá is a wonder because of its impressive architecture and the Mayans’ deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics. The most famous structure at Chichén Itzá is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. This pyramid is dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan. It has 365 steps, one for each day of the year, and is designed so that during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadows create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s side.
What Else Can I See at Chichén Itzá?
Besides El Castillo, there are many other fascinating things to see at Chichén Itzá. The Great Ball Court is the largest in Mesoamerica, where a ritual game with religious significance was played. The Temple of the Warriors is another impressive structure with intricate carvings and rows of columns.
When is the Best Time to Visit Chichén Itzá?
The best time to visit Chichén Itzá is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is most pleasant.
Fun Fact about Chichén Itzá
Did you know that the Mayans made offerings to the rain god Chaac by throwing valuables and even making human sacrifices into the Cenote Sagrado?
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a giant statue of Jesus Christ that stands on top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was completed in 1931 and has become a symbol of hope and welcome for the city and the country.
Why is Christ the Redeemer a Wonder?
Christ the Redeemer is a wonder because of its size, its artistic style, and its powerful symbolism. The statue is one of the largest of its kind, standing 98 feet tall with arms that stretch 92 feet wide. It was designed in the Art Deco style, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The statue’s open arms create a sense of embrace and welcome, while its upward gaze symbolizes hope and connection with the divine.
What Else Can I See Near Christ the Redeemer?
Christ the Redeemer is located in Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world. You can enjoy amazing views of Rio de Janeiro from the statue, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, and Guanabara Bay.
When is the Best Time to Visit Christ the Redeemer?
The best time to visit Christ the Redeemer is during the dry season, from May to September, when the skies are clear and the weather is comfortable.
Fun Fact about Christ the Redeemer
The statue’s head and hands were actually sculpted in France and then shipped to Brazil in pieces!
Colosseum
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a giant oval-shaped amphitheater in the center of Rome, Italy. It was built almost 2,000 years ago and is the largest amphitheater ever built.
Why is the Colosseum a Wonder?
The Colosseum is a wonder because of its incredible size and the amazing engineering skills of the Romans who built it. The amphitheater could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It was built with a complex system of vaults, arches, and corridors that allowed people to move around easily and get to their seats quickly.
What Else Can I See Near the Colosseum?
The Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome, close to other famous historical landmarks like the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Arch of Constantine.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Colosseum?
The best time to visit the Colosseum is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Fun Fact about the Colosseum
The Colosseum was built by an estimated 60,000 Jewish slaves.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of walls and fortifications that were built over many centuries to protect China from invaders9. It’s the longest wall in the world, stretching for over 13,000 miles25!
Why is the Great Wall of China a Wonder?
The Great Wall of China is a wonder because of its incredible length, its historical significance, and the challenges the Chinese people overcame to build it. The wall was built over a very long period of time, with different dynasties adding to and modifying it9. It’s a symbol of China’s strength and resilience9.
What Else Can I See Near the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall spans across northern China, with different sections accessible to tourists11. Popular sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, each offering unique scenery and historical significance11.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China?
The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during the spring or autumn when the weather is comfortable and the skies are clear11.
Fun Fact about the Great Wall of China
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye10.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city hidden high up in the Andes Mountains of Peru12. It was built in the 15th century and was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham12.
Why is Machu Picchu a Wonder?
Machu Picchu is a wonder because of its incredible location, its impressive architecture, and the mystery surrounding its purpose. The city is built on a mountain ridge, surrounded by stunning scenery12. The Incas were skilled engineers and architects, and Machu Picchu shows their ability to build amazing structures in a challenging environment12.
What Else Can I See Near Machu Picchu?
The area around Machu Picchu offers many attractions, including the Inca Trail, a challenging hiking route that leads to the city, and the Sacred Valley, with its picturesque towns and Inca ruins12.
When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is best for hiking and exploring14.
Fun Fact about Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest but remained hidden from the Spanish conquistadors26.
Petra
Petra, also known as the “Rose City,” is an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs of Jordan15. It was established in the 4th century BC by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe13.
Why is Petra a Wonder?
Petra is a wonder because of its unique rock-cut architecture and the Nabataeans’ ingenuity in creating a thriving city in a harsh desert environment15. The most famous structure in Petra is Al Khazneh (the Treasury), a monumental tomb with an elaborate facade carved into the cliff face15.
What Else Can I See Near Petra?
The area around Petra offers other attractions, including Wadi Rum, a desert landscape with towering sandstone mountains, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth15.
When is the Best Time to Visit Petra?
The best time to visit Petra is during the spring or autumn when the temperatures are pleasant for exploring17.
Fun Fact about Petra
Petra was lost to the Western world for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt16.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a beautiful white marble mausoleum in Agra, India18. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal13.
Why is the Taj Mahal a Wonder?
The Taj Mahal is a wonder because of its stunning beauty, its intricate details, and the love story behind its creation. The mausoleum is made of white marble inlaid with precious stones, creating intricate designs18. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens with reflecting pools and fountains18.
What Else Can I See Near the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, which is part of the “Golden Triangle” tourist circuit that also includes Delhi and Jaipur18. Other attractions in Agra include Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri18.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal?
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is from October to March when the weather is most pleasant13.
Fun Fact about the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal’s white marble appears to change color throughout the day, depending on the light.
Other Wonders
Did you know that there’s also a list of the New 7 Wonders of Nature? These are amazing natural places like waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests.