15 Aug The New Seven Wonders of the World
100 Million people voted in 2007 to establish the New Seven Wonders of the World. The list aims to represent global heritage. Check them all out below!
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Location: Rio de Janeiro
The Christ the Redeemer statue sits high upon the Corcovado mountain. The concrete and soapstone statue stands 130 feet tall and was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa in 1931. It cost nearly $250,000 to construct. Most of this money came from donations from all over the world. It has been a symbol of Rio and Brazil since it twas built.
Great of Wall China
Location: China
The Great Wall of China is a structure of stone and earth and was originally built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century. The wall was constructed to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols and it spans nearly 4,000 miles and is actually made up of a succession of multiple walls. It is the longest man-made structure on earth.
Petra
Location: Jordan
It is estimated that Petra was built sometime around 9 B.C. and served as the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV until A.D. 40. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 and is a new addition to the list of the Seven Wonders of the World. The members of the civilization who constructed it were believed to be early experts in water technology. This is evident by the intricate tunnels and water chambers in the structure. Besides the original structure, a number of intricate additional structures carved into the stone and a 4,000-seat amphitheater have added to its beauty and fame. In addition, Petra is the site of the El-Deir monastery.
Taj Mahal
Location: Agra, India
Built between 1632 and 1648, the Taj Mahal makes up the new list of the Seven Wonders. It originally commissioned for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife. The white marble structure represents many architectural styles and it is considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India. The architectural styles include Persian, Islamic and Turkish, in addition to Indian. Besides the gorgeous marble structure, gorgeous formal gardens, raised pathways, sunken flower beds surround the Taj Mahal. In addition, a stunning infinity pool leads to the breathtaking structure.
The Roman Colosseum
Location: Rome
The Colosseum is one of Italy’s most enduring and oldest structures. Constructed between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., the structure held gladiatorial events and other public spectacles. These “other public spectacles” included battle reenactments, animal hunts, and even executions. The elliptical structure originally had room for 50,000 spectators to sit and watch these spectacles. Although stone-robbers and earthquakes left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, portions of it remain open to tourists. In addition, the design still influences the construction of amphitheaters today.
Chichen Itza
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The splendid ruins of Chichen Itza are a testament to the genius of Mayan culture. The powerful city was once a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt. In addition, it acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization from about the year 800 to the year 1200. In addition, the most iconic ruin at the site is El Caracol, which is a sophistical astronomical observatory.
Machu Picchu
Location: Peru
Machu Picchu is though to have been a sacred archaeological center for the Incan capital of Cusco. Sparkling granite make up the Incan city. To add to its glory, it sits between 2 towering Andean peaks. Incans built it at the peak of the Incan Empire in the 1400’s. The Incas eventually abandoned the mountain citadel and the site remained unknown except to locals until the year 1911. Eventually, Hiram Bingham, an archaeologist in the area, rediscovered it in 1911. Most visitors get there by train from nearby Cusco. Besides the train access, you can reach it by foot or helicopter.
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