The Seven Wonders of the Modern World (or New Seven Wonders of the World) represent the most important monuments of modernity according to their history and architecture.
Chosen through open research and released on July 7, 2007, they were presented at a ceremony at the Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, Portugal. One of the seven wonders of the modern world is in Brazil: Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro.
Rome Coliseum (Italy)
Located in the Italian capital, Rome, the Coliseum (or Flaviano Amphitheater) is the largest amphitheater in the world at 45 meters high and which housed about 50,000 people.
This cylindrical architectural monument was built in Antiquity (circa 70 AD. C.) being one of the most emblematic symbols of the Roman Empire.
The place was used for big shows with wild animals and in fights between gladiators. Currently, it is one of the most visited places in Italy, and it is possible to find part of its structure.
Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
Located in the peninsula of Yucatán, the archaeological city (or City Temple) was the capital of the Mayan civilization, founded approximately in 450 a. Ç.. Important political and economic center of the
mayas, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.Chichén Itzá is formed by the pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo), the Temple of Chac Mool, the Thousand Columns Square and the Prisoners' Games Field. It is currently one of the most visited places in Mexico.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Built in the 15th century, the Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2400 meters, on the summit of one of the mountains of the Andes, near Cusco, Peru.
Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu represents the place where part of civilization flourished. Inca and for this reason, it is also called the “lost city of the Incas”.
It was mostly built in stone and is well preserved until the present day, since the Spaniards when conquered part of South America, did not find the place, which was rediscovered by an American professor (Hiram Bingham) in 1911. It is currently one of the most visited places in Peru.
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Located in Morro do Corcovado, in the Tijuca National Park, in Rio de Janeiro, the Jesus Christ monument is one of the most important icons in the country, being a postcard of the wonderful city.
Constructed of concrete and soapstone, the Christ the Redeemer is located 709 meters above sea level. It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931 (Day of Our Lady of Aparecida) and is 38 meters high and 28 meters wide.
Located in the Tijuca National Park, the Christ with open arms represents a great symbol of Christianity, being one of the most visited places in the country.
Great Wall of China (China)
Large construction in stone, granite and brick, the Great wall of China (or Great Wall) was built between the III centuries; Ç. and XVII d. C., and has about 20 thousand kilometers and 7 meters high.
It was built at the behest of the Chinese Emperor Qin Shihuang and had military protection as its main function. It was built during several dynasties of Imperial China. It is currently one of the biggest tourist attractions in China.
The Ruins of Petra (Jordan)
Located in Jordan, in the Middle East, the ruins of Petra represent a historic and archaeological city that was built around 300 BC. C., being carved into the Nubian sandstone cliffs.
The ruins of Petra have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage category since 1985. The site represents what remains of the occupation of several civilizations (Edomites, Nabataeans, Arabs, Romans, Byzantines) that flourished during antiquity. It was partially destroyed by earthquakes that occurred in the region around 550 AD. Ç..
Taj Mahal (India)
O Taj Mahal it is one of the most famous buildings in India, named a world heritage site by Unesco. Located in Agra, the sumptuous mausoleum was built in white marble in the mid-17th century at the behest of the Emperor Shan Jahan, in honor of the death of his wife Aryumand Banu Begam who died giving birth to the 14th son.
It is considered one of the greatest proofs of love in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. It is estimated that it was erected with the strength of 22,000 men. In addition to marble, the Taj Mahal is made up of several precious stones.
Now that you know the seven wonders of the modern world, see also The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.