New Seven Wonders of the World

A new version of the Seven Wonders of the World has been drawn up, based on over 100 million votes cast from people in 200 countries. New Seven Wonders of the World is a contemporary attempt to create an alternative to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World list. The worldwide popularity poll was organized by the private, non-profit Swiss-based New Open World Corporation (NOWC). The winners were announced on July 7, and include the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India. The vote, which was drawn from 21 contenders, attracted some cristicism, including from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which said last week that the new wonders of the world should not be chosen in a popular vote.

The final tally produced this list of the world’s top human-built wonders:

The Great Wall of China

• The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall. The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.

• Petra in Jordan

Petra in Jordan

Petra (Greek, “city of rock”), ancient city of Arabia, in what is now southwestern Jordan, immediately east of the village of Wadi Musa. The stronghold and treasure city of the Nabataeans, an Arab people, Petra is referred to as Sela in the Bible (see 2 Kings 14:7). It was situated in the land of Edom, between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, near the points of intersection of great caravan routes from Gaza on the Mediterranean Sea, from Damascus, from Elath (now Al ‘Aqabah, Jordan) on the Red Sea, and from the Persian Gulf. From the 4th century BC until the 2nd century AD, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Brazil's Statue of Christ the Redeemer

• Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer
The Christ the Redeemer statue is located in what is now Tijuca National Park — the largest urban park in the world. The site is accessible by train or bus as well as a network of challenging hiking trails. Over 300,000 people are estimated to visit each year, making it one of the most traveled sites in South America. Proceeds from the now electric train are given to Ibama, the Brazilian Institute for the Preservation of Nature.

•Peru’s Machu Picchu

Peru's Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is translated into “Old Mountain” and is situated above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, 2400 meters above sea level. Known as “the lost city of the Incas” Machu Picchu was believed to have been built around 1450 at the height of the Inca empire but abandoned only 100 years later before it could be destroyed by the Spanish in their conquest of the Inca empire. It is not known for what reason the city was constructed, and there are many theories, including the traditional birthplace of the Inca people or a spiritual centre, and one suggestion it was even a prison for people who had committed very serious crimes against the Inca people and their empire! Today Machu Picchu is the most popular tourist attraction in Peru and in 1983 was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007 named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Many people today embark on Machu Picchu tours and trips exploring the ancient city first hand. A Machu Picchu tour for most tourists is the absolute highlight on their holiday to Peru and an experience they will never forget!

Pyramid of Kukulkan, Chichen Itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

• Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid
Chichen Itza which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza “, is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world elected in 07.07.2007. It is exactly 24 m. high considering the upper platform. Apart from the Kukulkan Pyramid, in Chichen Itza there many other archaeological sites to visit, all carrying traces from Mayan Culture in many ways. Chichen-Itza, now including one of the new 7 wonders of the world; the Kukulkan Pyramid, is located in the Peninsula of Yucatan, in the Yucatan State; Mexico, between Valladolid and Merida and is just120 km from Merida.

• The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum – the greatest amphitheatre of the antiquity – was built in Rome, Italy, about 1920 years ago. It is considered an architectural and engineering wonder, and remains as a standing proof of both the grandeur and the cruelty of the Roman world. After the splendour of imperial times, the Colosseum was abandoned, and in turn it became a fortress for the medieval clans of the city, a source of building materials, a picturesque scenery for painters, a place of Christian worship. Today it is a challenge for the archaeologists and a scenario for events and shows. .

India's Taj Mahal

• India’s Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal of India – “the epitome of love”, “a monument of immeasurable beauty”. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized. Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name “Taj Mahal” was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means “Crown Palace”. The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.