Our planet is definitely is a unique place with many beautiful countries, cities, locations and attractions that are worth seeing and visiting. However the most valuable places are seven wonders of the modern world spread around the entire globe.
Each of them has its own history, beauty, the legend and value. They are mysterious places that have been existing on our planet for many centuries and are visited by millions of tourists every year, who want to see them with their own eyes and touch their mystery. Therefore, we decided to tell you more about these places and explain what exactly makes them wonders.
Taj Mahal, India
This 42-acre mausoleum complex made of marble is located in the town of Agra and is believed to be the most famous Indian landmark. It is not just a beautiful architectural construction – it is a building, each stone of which is permeated with love.
Exactly the romantic story of the mausoleum attracts so many tourists there and makes Taj Mahal so popular. The fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered to build the mausoleum as the memorial to his beloved wife, who died while giving birth to their child.
The construction started shortly after the Emperor’s wife in 1633 and took almost 20 years. In total, more than 20,000 workers were involved in this work, and it cost the Empire many million rupees. Though almost 400 years passed, Taj Mahal still impresses visitors with its greatness and beauty.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is an ancient town located in the southern part of the country. This lost city that appeared on the map of the country in approximately 312 BC is well known for its rock-cut architecture and the red colour of its walls. Its complex includes monuments, temples, tombs, ruins and statues cut into the surrounding cliffs.
The most magnificent attraction of this unique city is probably Sik al-Khazneh that is also known as the Treasury. It is one of the most iconic and monumental temples not only in Petra, but even in the whole Jordan. The temple amazes with its decorated facade and impressive entrance. However, the Treasury is not the only one reason of adding Petra to the list of seven wonders: the town has a very well structured and highly organized water system that includes intricate water channels, ceramic pipes and cisterns. This all makes Petra a unique, interesting and mysterious place at the same time.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu found on the territory of Peru in Latin America is fairly called the city in the clouds due to its alpine location: the height, at which this ancient settlement is situated is 7,710 feet. It conveniently nestles between two peaks – the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, and is entitled the lost city of Incas.
For more than 300 years Machu Picchu had been lost in the clouds and in woods until it was discovered by the professor from the Yale University Hiram Bingham in 1911. Since that time historians and archaeologists have conducted many researches and studies and have come to a conclusion that the initial population of the town was not less than 12,000 people, who later left the town uninhabited.
Today it is a very popular tourist attraction that includes such ancient remains of the past as temples, houses, terraces, and ancient bathes. Due to its remote location, it is not very easy to approach Machu Picchu, but it is definitely worth of your time and efforts: it is one of those places that everyone should see in the lifetime.
Great Wall of China
The walls on the territory of the People’s Republic of China, the height of which is between 5 and 8 metres, were constructed in approximately 800 BC with the purpose of protection the country against foreign invasion. The length of the Great Wall of China is really impressive – 6000 kilometres! Though it was built many centuries ago, it still remains the longest structure on the planet built by human.
Besides being listed as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Chinese Wall is also added by UNESCO to the world heritage list in 1987, which makes it one of the most unique attractions existing on the Earth. There is also a common myth related to the Great Wall of China: it was believed that it was even possible to see the Wall from the Space, but NASA recently has debunk it.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
One of the most widely recognized monuments in the world today is definitely the statue of Jesus Christ located on Mount Corcovado in Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. It was officially opened in October 1931 on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida.
The 40-meter statue that stands on the height of 700 meters with its outstretched arms welcomes all inhabitants and visitors of the megapolis by being a symbol of peace and Christianity. The statue itself is so big that can easily hold up inside up to 150 people. Everyone, who wants to see the statue close enough can ride up to the mount with the help of cogwheel steam engine train, and then walk up 200 steps more.
Colosseum, Rome
Colosseum is not only the main tourist attraction in Rome and in the whole Italy, but also the only one of seven wonders located in Europe. It is the Flavian Amphitheatre that was used in ancient times as the arena for gladiator fights, theatre performances, chariot races and mock sea battles. Its construction started in 70AD and was finished a decade later – in 80AD.
The size of Colosseum is truly impressive with its capacity up to 80,000 spectators. Though the original building of the Amphitheatre was destroyed by numerous earthquakes and relentless time, there is still much of it left and restored by attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that had been serving for many years in the past as the religious, cultural and political center for the tribe of indigenous people called Itza, who were known as wizards of the water. This lost city is one of the most mysterious places on the planet with numerous secrets.
It is believed that Chichen Itza was founded in 500-600 AD, and was the biggest settlement of the Maya. Though it was quiet a populated city, by the 10th century all inhabitants had suddenly disappeared in mysterious circumstances. However, the ruins have preserved till nowadays, and are considered to be one of the most visited places.
The main attraction in Chichen Itza is the pyramid El Castillo – the most recognized symbol of the town and the Maya. It has nine levels and four staircases on each side with 91 steps. Scientists suggest that this pyramid was used for astronomical calculations.
Be sure to check also top 10 beautiful places to visit!
Have you visited any of these seven wonders of the modern world or are you planning travel and see some of them? Share this and your thoughts, don’t hesitate to leave your comments below!
