A set of marvels as architecturally spectacular as they’re culturally resonant, the brand new and historical wonders of the world shine a highlight on the legacies of the previous and illuminate the locations the place legend and historical past converge. To face earlier than a surprise of the world is to ponder grandeur and to keep in mind that behind each temple, tomb, and citadel had been folks looking for permanence in a world outlined by change.
These monuments transcend eras and empires, carrying with them the tales of the societies that constructed them. The remaining wonders of the world proceed to outline the heritage of complete nations, collectively attracting thousands and thousands of holiday makers. However what’s the distinction between the traditional wonders of the world and the brand new wonders of the world, and which of those unimaginable human feats are nonetheless standing now? Let’s have a look.
What are the wonders of the world?
Compiled in the course of the Hellenistic period and famous in poetry and artwork, the traditional wonders of the world celebrated constructions that embodied the head of innovation for his or her time. Lists appeared as early because the fifth century BC and featured masterpieces such because the Nice Pyramid of Giza and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Sadly, nearly all of these wonders have now been misplaced.
Whereas they current distinctive feats of workmanship, the gathering represented solely the areas identified to Greek travellers, who handed by way of Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia. It was not till some 2,000 years later {that a} world listing could be compiled by way of a web-based voting marketing campaign that engaged thousands and thousands of contributors. Initiated by the New7Wonders Basis, the brand new listing aimed to showcase probably the most spectacular world heritage websites on Earth at this time.
The traditional wonders of the world
Which of the traditional wonders can nonetheless be seen? Most have been destroyed by earthquakes, erosion, fires, and looting, with solely the Nice Pyramid of Giza left standing. However, traces stay within the type of fragments and destroy websites, locations the place travellers can stroll in historical footsteps and picture the splendour that when was.
1. Nice Pyramid of Giza
By far the oldest of all 14, the Nice Pyramid of Giza is a must-see landmark in Egypt and can also be the final of the traditional wonders nonetheless standing at this time. Courting again some 4,500 years, this unimaginable construction stretches 138m (452 ft) into the sky and consists of greater than two million stone blocks. Although development strategies have lengthy been debated, its majesty stays unchallenged, not least due to the valuable relics discovered inside or its mind-blowingly correct alignment to cardinal factors.
Methods to go to
Take a guided tour to the Giza Plateau and the Nice Sphinx, or higher but, mix it with a Nile cruise to discover iconic centres like Luxor and Alexandria.
Expertise it for your self on: Better of Egypt
2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
If the Nice Pyramid wins the prize for the oldest surprise of the world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon come first for thriller. They’re rumoured to have been constructed within the sixth century BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II, however there is no such thing as a definitive archaeological proof that the location ever existed. Descriptions from historical writers, nonetheless, depict a lush agricultural marvel with timber, foliage, fruit, and flowers fed by ingenious irrigation networks (most definitely waterfalls).
Can I go to?
Whereas many argue that this surprise is extra fantasy than actuality, the traditional metropolis of Babylon is a UNESCO World Heritage web site and will be present in modern-day Iraq close to the city of Hillah. Examine authorities steerage if contemplating journey.
3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Think about standing within the Temple of Zeus, certainly one of Greece’s most sacred sanctuaries, and beholding the commanding gaze of a 12m (40 ft) large. A masterpiece of the famend sculptor Phidias, the colossal statue of the Greek god Zeus seated on a golden throne is believed to have evoked awe and concern in anybody who noticed it. The masterpiece was seemingly destroyed in a fireplace in AD 426, although its destiny stays a matter of debate. Some accounts cite an earthquake that broken the temple, whereas others counsel it was later destroyed in a special fireplace after being transported to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
What’s left?
Although no hint is left of the determine, it’s potential to go to the archaeological museum at modern-day Olympia. Housing a powerful mixture of artifacts and discoveries from close by areas, together with the location of the traditional Olympic Video games, it’s certainly one of Greece’s most vital museums.
Discover remnants of historical Greece on: Journeys: Classical Greece and Her Island Jewels
4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Situated in modern-day Selçuk in Turkey, the Temple of Artemis was believed to have been one of many grandest constructions of all antiquity. First constructed round 550 BC, it towered 115m (377 ft) excessive and boasted greater than 120 Ionic columns. Although it suffered injury and destruction, it was rebuilt a number of occasions and was famous by historical guests to be extra magnificent than every other surprise of the age. The temple was devoted to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, and was adorned with beautiful artworks, together with work and sculptures. It remained a spot of worship till its destruction by arsonist Herostratus.
Can I go to?
You’ll be able to go to the Ephesus archaeological web site in southwestern Turkey and examine the foundations and remaining columns. You can even see discoveries from the location’s excavation on the British Museum in London.
Go to Turkey on: Highlights of Turkey
5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Designed by Greek architects Satyrus and Pythius, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a monumental tomb made for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria. It was commissioned by his spouse, and it was so spectacular that the phrase “mausoleum” was thereafter adopted as a time period for necessary burial locations. The constructing stood on a podium and reached 40m (131 ft) in top, and it was richly adorned with marble statues and sculptures of various kinds. After surviving for hundreds of years, it was destroyed by a collection of earthquakes.
What can I see?
It’s potential to go to the foundations and scattered fragments of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in modern-day Bodrum, Turkey. Related sculptures of Mausolus and his spouse Artemisia, in addition to marble aid slabs and fragments of a four-horse chariot, are additionally viewable on the British Museum in London.
6. Colossus of Rhodes
For those who had been to method the traditional metropolis of Rhodes shortly after 280 BC, you’d absolutely be overcome by the sight that greeted you: an infinite bronze statue of the solar god Helios rising like a large on the horizon. Constructed to have a good time victory over the invasion of the military of Demetrius, it stood for a mere 56 years earlier than snapping on the knees and plummeting to the island throughout an earthquake. The stays had been stated to have attracted guests for almost a millennium, however they had been finally melted down, repurposed, bought, and distributed as scrap steel, so no bodily fragments stay at this time.
Can I go to?
The Colossus of Rhodes is believed to have stood close to the Mandraki Harbour or on the location of the Temple of Helios (now dwelling to the medieval Palace of the Grand Grasp). A visit to Rhodes presents the chance to ponder the place certainly one of antiquity’s biggest constructions as soon as dominated the skies.
Set off on an island journey on: Highlights of the Greek Islands
7. Lighthouse of Alexandria
Inbuilt about 280 BC, the Lighthouse of Alexandria reached some 107m (350 ft) and was among the many tallest human-made constructions of its time. Charged with guiding sailors alongside the Egyptian coast, it made use of mirrors and fireplace to make sure visibility each by day and night time, and its form turned the archetype for the long-lasting lighthouse design we all know at this time.
What can I see?
Whereas the lighthouse itself is now not seen, it’s potential to go to the Citadel of Qaitbay (also referred to as Qaitbay Fort) positioned on the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria in Egypt, which was constructed on the lighthouse’s foundations. Excitingly, archaeologists have additionally found submerged ruins within the harbour, and it’s potential to scuba dive to see these.
Expertise it for your self on: Wonders of Egypt and the Nile
The brand new wonders of the world
Whereas a lot of the historical wonders now exist solely in legend or as fragments, the brand new wonders of the world stay standing, inviting thousands and thousands annually to behold a number of the world’s most exceptional landmarks.
8. Nice Wall of China
An unfathomably intricate collection of fortifications constructed into the historic borders of historical Chinese language states, the Nice Wall of China is simply too massive to behold in a single viewing. Its vastness unfolds steadily, snaking by way of mountains, hills, countryside, and forested valleys and stretches greater than 21,000km (13,000 mi) in size. Courting from the seventh century BC, the wall protected China from northern invasions and continues to function an everlasting image of ingenuity and energy.
Methods to go to
Keep in mind that the Nice Wall of China is in reality not one however a number of partitions, which had been all constructed at totally different occasions. With this in thoughts, intention to go to a couple of sections throughout a number of provinces so that you simply get a greater understanding of the dimensions of the construction and see a mixture of authentic and reconstructed materials. Spring and autumn supply good gentle and nice temperatures, however go in early winter if you’d like pictures on the wall alone.
Expertise it for your self on: Historic China
9. Petra, Jordan
Nestled between the Pink Sea and the Useless Sea, the traditional metropolis of Petra in modern-day Jordan was an necessary gateway between Egypt, Syria-Phoenicia, and Arabia. Partly constructed and partly carved into sandstone, this iconic web site dazzles guests with its rose-red facades, hidden passageways, dramatic cliffs, and towering landmarks. Essentially the most well-known of those are the Treasury and Monastery, colossal rock-cut constructions that fuse architectural brilliance with the uncooked grandeur of nature.
Methods to go to
The Petra advanced is huge and will be difficult to navigate. Price range greater than someday for exploration, and maximize your expertise by going with a educated information. Begin early and be ready for lots of strolling. You can even return to see the Siq and the Treasury speckled with candlelight should you pre-book a Petra by Evening choice.
Expertise it for your self on: Highlights of Jordan
10. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
An impressive statue constructed onto the summit of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer is understood worldwide for its commanding presence and sweeping embrace. Designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and accomplished in 1931, it’s by far the youngest of the wonders, and its iconic Artwork Deco type has left an everlasting imprint on well-liked tradition. Excluding its pedestal, it stands 30m (98 ft) tall, whereas its place some 700m (2,310 ft) excessive presents guests sweeping panoramic views over town and out into Guanabara Bay.
Methods to go to
The most effective time to go to is in the course of the low seasons (April to June or August to November). Intention for as clear a day as potential. To achieve the location, take the 20-minute prepare by way of Tijuca Forest, and you should definitely catch the primary one of many day.
Expertise it for your self on: Iguassu & Past
11. Machu Picchu, Peru
A UNESCO World Heritage web site perched excessive within the Andean cloud forests in Peru, Machu Picchu is an unimaginable citadel and a testomony to the engineering mastery of the Inca civilization. Courting from the fifteenth century and located 2,430m (7,972 ft) above sea stage, it unfolds in a panorama of drifting mists and jagged peaks, a timeless metropolis suspended within the sky.
Methods to go to
Reaching Machu Picchu will be as a lot concerning the journey because the vacation spot itself. For those who’re no stranger to mountaineering (notably at altitude), go for the Inca Path or Salkantay Trek. If not, join from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and take a prepare to Aguas Calientes. Both means, safe your tickets upfront.
Expertise it for your self on: Trekking the Inca Path: 5D/4N
12. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Situated in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and as soon as a significant political, financial, and cultural centre for the traditional Maya, Chichén Itzá stays one of the necessary archaeological websites within the Americas. It’s additionally dwelling to the formidable El Castillo step pyramid, an iconic Mesoamerican construction, in addition to the Nice Ball Court docket and the Temple of the Warriors. Collectively, these monuments reveal the Maya’s fascination with astronomy and ritual.
Methods to go to
Go to Chichén Itzá as a day journey from main hubs like Playa del Carmen, Mérida, or Cancún. Keep away from summer season (June to September) as a result of this time of yr is each the most popular and rainiest and brings intense humidity. To witness the phenomenon of the serpent shadow descending the pyramid steps, go to in the course of the equinox.
Expertise it for your self on: Highlights of the Yucatán
13. Colosseum, Italy
The one new surprise positioned in Europe, the Colosseum is probably the most visited monument in Rome, Italy, and presents an perception into Roman historical past and tradition. It’s additionally the biggest standing amphitheatre ever constructed, with a seating capability of about 50,000 folks. Accomplished in AD 80, it clocks in at slightly below 2,000 years previous and stays remarkably nicely preserved regardless of struggling appreciable injury due to fires and earthquakes.
Methods to go to
The Colosseum is straightforward to entry utilizing public transport in Rome, reachable by metro, a number of bus strains, and tram. It’s additionally positioned centrally within the metropolis, which is walkable. For those who’re a historical past buff, mix it with a go to to the Roman Discussion board positioned close by.
Expertise it for your self on: Highlights of Italy
14. Taj Mahal, India
Constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a mausoleum for his third spouse, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is an impossibly intricate masterpiece of white marble and treasured stones, and it is usually thought of to be probably the most lovely constructing on the planet. Its excellent symmetry and hues that shift with the solar have lengthy captured the creativeness of holiday makers, who arrive of their thousands and thousands yearly to see it firsthand. A mix of Indian, Islamic, and Persian kinds, it’s revered for being a pinnacle of Mughal structure, and its use of domes, symmetry, minarets, and marble has impressed numerous buildings throughout East and West.
Methods to go to
Fly to Delhi and make a connection to Agra. When reserving tickets, be conscious of time of day and month as a result of the location is closed on Fridays and night time viewings can be found solely in the course of the full moon. Arrive for dawn for fewer crowds and for a fuller appreciation of how the tones change in several lights.
Expertise it for your self on: Golden Triangle
