The 7 Wonders of the World stir the imagination of young and old travel enthusiasts. They conjure images of lost civilizations, ancient myths, and warring nations. For those fortunate enough to have visited all of them, many fellow travelers consider it a badge of honor. So what are the 7 Wonders of the World? Where are they? How accessible are they? And who decided what the 7 Wonders of the World were? Read on to find out more.
Firstly, the 7 Wonders of the World are not to be confused with the Ancient 7 Wonders of the World, most of which no longer exist. Fortunately, the 7 Wonders of the World all still exist today and are easily accessible. So, without further ado, here are the 7 Wonders of the World:
The 7 Wonders of the World are spread across the continents of Europe, Asia, North America and South America. The map below shows the location of each of the sites.
The 7 Wonders of the World were decided in 2007, following a worldwide internet vote. The campaign intended to create a ‘new’ list to contrast with the Ancient 7 Wonders of the World. A panel of experts considered the potential wonders to ensure there was merit in their inclusion before going to the poll. 77 sites were considered potential wonders, but this was subsequently reduced to 21. The final vote was held based on these 21 sites.
The Great Wall of China is our first and largest wonder. The first parts of the wall were constructed in the 7th century BC. It was then built upon and expanded by successive emperors for over 2,000 years. This continued building has led to multiple walls being constructed, and the total length of all the walls is estimated to be over 21,000 km. Originally constructed to keep out Mongolian invaders along the northern Chinese border, the wall later served as a transport corridor and enormous border control post. The engineering feat of constructing the wall across such difficult terrain is just one of the reasons the wall has been recognized as a wonder of the world. The wall is easily accessed from Beijing or multiple other cities along its length.
Our second wonder is the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itza. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the site is 200 km west of the resort town of Cancun. Construction at the site began in the 4th century, and Chichén Itza became a significant and powerful city in the region. Its peak was from the 6th to 10th century when it was the largest city in the Yucatan. The site is renowned for the variety of its architecture and its well-preserved ruins. The city is also home to many grizzly stories, which add to the intrigue.
The third entry on the list is Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city in the mountains of Peru. Built-in the 15th century, the city was occupied for less than 100 years before being abandoned. Little else is known about the city as written records do not exist. Located 80 km to the northwest of the city of Cuzco, it is easily accessible by train and a bus connection. The site is also accessible by a strenuous hike through the Peruvian Andes. For those who choose this latter option, it’s a magical experience to see the city reveal itself as you reach the viewpoint.
The fourth Wonder of the World is Petra in Jordan. Constructed by the little-known Nabateans in the 3rd century BC, Petra grew to become an important trade hub. Like Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu, the city was eventually abandoned. A huge earthquake in the 6th century saw its residents flee, and the city was left to lay alone in the desert. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the city was rediscovered and established as an archaeological site. Very different from its peers, the buildings and facades were largely carved out of the rock. Most famous amongst the numerous buildings is the Monastery, made famous by the film Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.
The fifth Wonder of the World is the Christ Redeemer statue. It looks over the sprawling city and vast harbor at the top of the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Built in 1931 and standing 30 meters tall, it is probably the most spectacular setting of all the wonders. It’s also the newest of the wonders, built 500 years after any others. The statue is accessible via a long and winding road up the mountain from Rio de Janeiro.
The Colosseum in Rome is the sixth entrant on the list. Built in the 1st century AD, it could hold up to 80,000 people. The vast amphitheater was home to gladiator contests, executions, and dramatic theatre productions. Europe’s only contribution to the list, the site has been damaged by earthquakes over its lifetime. It’s easily accessible, given its location in Central Rome.
The seventh and final wonder is the Taj Mahal. Located in the city of Agra in India it was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1643. Essentially built as a tomb to house his favorite wife, it’s considered the greatest monument to love in the world. The perfect symmetry and wonderful detail make this the finest example of Mughal architecture. Access is easy from Agra; the biggest challenge is the crowds rather than accessibility. An early morning start ensures you see the Taj at its most atmospheric and before the tour groups arrive.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, we’ve previously blogged about an Alternative 7 Wonders of the World. You can also find other blog posts and travel guides, many of which cover the 7 Wonders of the World described in this piece.
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