In 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Out of 200 monuments from all over the world, these are the final 7 (in random order):
1.Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico
Kukulkan Pyramid, is the most significant attraction in Chichén Itzá, which was the centre of the Mayan civilization. Its high is 24 meters, built as a temple for the God Kukulkan,between 800-900 AD. The pyramid was located at a powerful city, serving as an important trading center at that time. It consists of a series of square terraces with stairways to each of the four sides, which added together produces a total of 365 steps, equal to the number of the days of the year. Climbing on the top of the pyramid, you can also admire the ruins of Ek Balam
2.Petra, Jordan
An impressive example of Middle Eastern culture, with influences from Greek architecture... Al Khazneh is one of the most fabulous temples in the ancient Arab Nabatean Kingdom at the city of Petra. Its name (treasury), derives from a legend in which pirates hide their treasure in a stone on the second level. Al Khazneh, was built as a mausoleum and crypt, during the reing of Aretas IV Philopatris in the 1st century AD. Half built-half carved into the rock and surrounded by mountains... makes it an imposing sight!
3.The Colosseum, Italy
A magnificent amphitheater, located in the centre of Rome, built between 70-80 AD. Consider as one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering, used for over of 500 years. It is estimated that Colosseum sat between 50.000-80.000 spectators and used for gladiator contests, public spectacles, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Classical mythology. Although the earthquakes and the stone robbers, ruined a big part of the theatre, portions of the structure remain open to the tourists
4.Machu Picchu, Peru
At the Andes of Peru, lies one of the most spectacular set of ruins in the world! A well hidden and protected place, far up on the Maccu Picchu mountains of Peru, deep in the Amazon jungle. Built during the Inca Empire (1430 AD), having as primary structures the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. Archaeologists believe that this sacred place, built as an estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. It was probably abandoned by the Incas due to a smallpox outbreak and the defeat of the Incas from the Spanish
5.Taj Mahal, India
A gorgeous mausoleum, built as a final resting place for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Janan, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed between 1632-1648, covering 42 acre, includes a mosque, a guest house, beautiful gardens, raised pathways and sunken flowers beds! Also known as "Crown of Palaces", this ivory white marble mausoleum, built with influences from the Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. A jewel at the Yamuna river in the city of Agra
6.Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
One of the most famous and imposing statues in the world! An Art Deco construction of Jesus Christ, located at the peak of the 700 metre Corcovado mountain, overlooking the city of Rio. Inaugurated in 1931, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, weighs 635 tones. The statue is 30 meters tall and its arms stretch 28 meters wide. A symbol of Christianity across the world!
7.Great Wall of China, China
The only monument in the world that can be seen from the space! The largest man-made construction, for which many people lost their lives. Built between the 5th and 16th century, this Great Wall created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from the invasions of the Mongols. Several walls were being built, which were later joined as one, with the most famous the one built by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Spanns approximately 4.000 miles, the majority of the existing wall is from the Ming Dynasty
Other finalists were:
Acropolis of Athens, Athens (Greece)
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Turkey)
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Alhambra, Granada (Spain)
