So to make you want to travel with your insurance and to update your knowledge a little, I decided to write a little article about them …
The first thing to know is that the “7 Wonders of the Ancient World” have recently been replaced by the “New 7 Wonders of the World”.
The reason is simple: of these Seven Wonders, there remained only the Pyramid of Cheops, in Egypt. The others, such as the lighthouse of Alexandria, the tomb of Mausolus, or the hanging gardens of Babylon have unfortunately disappeared over time.
So it’s the 7 new Wonders of the World that I’m talking about in this article.
The 7 wonders of the world: what exactly are they ?!
Is there a special “7 wonders of the world” jury that decides what is worth seeing and what not? Is there a divine power that one day decided to make a list of the most beautiful sites on our planet? Does Unesco get the common people to vote?
These are roughly the questions I asked myself when the conversation started.
And that’s how I learned that it is the New Seven Wonders Foundation, a private organization specially dedicated to the 7 Wonders, which has established a list of about twenty of the most beautiful human creations present on our planet and dating of all eras. A debate was then organized between renowned architects from all over the world, taking into account various criteria:
- The historical importance of the site;
- The architectural feat of the work;
- General aesthetics;
- The sacred and artistic character.
In 2006, millions of Internet users were invited to vote online, and in the summer of 2007, the New 7 Wonders of the World list was unveiled.
The Seven Wonders of the World in pictures
THE STATUE OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Everyone has seen this statue in the photo. Dominating a whole part of the city, it has become a real symbol from its height of 38 meters. However, despite its legendary side, you should know that it was only built in the last century and is therefore relatively recent.
THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
In the city of Agra, south of Delhi, a very special monument attracts millions of travelers each year. This monument is, of course, the incredible Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in homage to his late wife. This mausoleum is simply amazing not only for its symmetry but also for the perfect white colour of its marble. A place is full of emotions!
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
I speak of course of the essential things to see and do in China because the Great Wall alone is worth a trip to Asia. It would simply have been impossible for it to be absent from the list of the 7 Wonders of the World, if only for its historical significance and the architectural prowess it represents. If you haven’t seen it yet, “just” imagine a wall 6,700 kilometres long and built over two millennia. One word: wow!
THE COLOSSEUM IN ROME, ITALY
Europe also has the right to its monument registered on the list of the 7 Wonders of the world. And what better way to represent the Old Continent than the superb Colosseum in Rome? It is here that during the Roman Empire, sacred rituals, gladiatorial fights, theatre performances, and even public executions took place. As much to tell you that in terms of historical significance, we are rather served. Even if time and natural disasters have not spared it, the Colosseum remains one of the most beautiful Roman monuments on the planet.
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
For me, Machu Picchu is one of the most mystical places on the planet. What an incredible feeling when, after hours and hours of walking, you arrive in front of this site perched at an altitude of nearly 2,500 meters and partially hidden by the mist. Inhabited by the Incas centuries ago, the village built entirely of stone has preserved a large part of the mysteries that surround it, especially with regard to its origins and the rituals that were practiced there.
PETRA, JORDAN
A true masterpiece of the Middle East, Petra is one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world. Listed by Unesco, the city, cut entirely into the cliff, reveals an unreal atmosphere. It was built over 2000 years ago and has retained its original appearance. No wonder it is part of the 7 Wonders of the World because we really wonder how the Nabataeans were able to achieve such a feat without the tools and machines we have today.
CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO
Head to the Incas for the last Wonder: the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, located in the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, this site is especially recognizable by its central pyramid, El Castillo, where mysterious rituals once took place. The place is today charged with a particular emotion mixing mystery with mysticism.
Discover the 7 Wonders of the World in real life
Discovering the Seven Wonders of the World is an extraordinary travel experience, but let’s face it because due to their status they are often taken by storm by visitors. Of course, their visit is worth it, but if you want to save yourself from the tourist crowds, other solutions exist. You could for example visit Teotihuacan rather than Chichén Itzá. I find Teotihuacan even more impressive than the second, and surprisingly less frequented.
And then, I find that other sites deserve just as much their place in the classification of the 7 Wonders of the world. I’m talking about the temples of Angkor, the statues of Easter Island, the palace of the Alhambra in Spain …
Moreover, if you also have sites to recommend as an alternative to the Seven Wonders of the World, do not hesitate to share them in the comments. It will be an opportunity to leave the beaten track and discover magnificent places still preserved from mass tourism!
