The seven wonders of the world

Following the results of a universal survey in which, according to the organizers, more than 100 million people from all continents participated, on July 7, 2007, in Lisbon, the 7 Wonders of the modern world were officially proclaimed. The Colosseum is the only “wonder” found in Europe, of the other 6, three are located in Asia and 3 in South America:

The Colosseum (Italy): symbol of Rome and of the ancient Roman Empire, it is the largest amphitheater in the world. Entered the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1990 together with the historic center of Rome, it is the most visited and best known Italian monument in the world.

Chichén Itzá (Mexico): this important Mayan archaeological complex extends for about 3 km² in the north of the Mexican peninsula of Yucatan. Among the numerous buildings inside, the most famous are the pyramid of Kukulkan, the astronomical observatory (Caracol) and the Temple of the warriors. In 1988 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Machu Picchu (Peru): located at about 2430 meters above sea level, it is the third largest archaeological site in the world after the excavations of Pompeii and Ostia Antica. It is assumed that the city was built by the Inca emperor around the year 1440 and remained inhabited until the Spanish conquest in 1532.

Archaeological site of Petra (Jordan): built about 2000 years ago near the capital Amman, it was born as a city of the Edomites until it became the capital of the Nabataeans. Abandoned in the eighth century, the numerous facades carved into the rock, mostly referable to sepulchres, make it a unique monument, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The Great Wall of China (China): Built from 215 BC. approximately at the behest of Emperor Qin Shi Huang to defend the empire from nomadic populations is more than 8000 km long and is often referred to as the only human work visible from space. According to a legend, slaves who died during the construction of the Great Wall were buried inside it. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987

 

Taj Mahal (India): on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983, it has always been considered one of the most remarkable beauties of Muslim architecture in India for the perfect geometry of its forms and the almost obsessive search for symmetry. Located in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh (northern India), it was built in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shāh Jahān in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Banu Begum, better known as Mumtāz Maḥal

Christ the Redeemer (Brazil): symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, it is located on the top of Mount Corcovado, is 38 meters high (8 of which are part of the base), and represents Christ the Redeemer of humanity.