The New Seven Wonders were chosen through a massive global voting campaign organized by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation between 2000 and 2007. More than 100 million votes were cast via the internet and SMS. The official winners announced on July 7, 2007, are:
- The Great Wall of China (China): A massive network of fortifications spanning thousands of miles, built over centuries primarily to protect Chinese states against nomadic invasions.
- Petra (Jordan): An ancient city famously carved directly into vibrant, pink sandstone cliff faces, featuring spectacular structures like Al-Khazneh (The Treasury).
- The Colosseum (Italy): The iconic elliptical amphitheater in the heart of Rome, which hosted gladiatorial combat and massive public spectacles during the Roman Empire.
- Chichén Itzá (Mexico): A brilliant Mayan city featuring the famous step-pyramid El Castillo, which was engineered so that the equinox sun creates the illusion of a snake crawling down the steps.
- Machu Picchu (Peru): A stunning 15th-century Incan citadel nestled high up in the Andes Mountains, remarkably preserved because it was hidden from Spanish conquistadors.
- Taj Mahal (India): An exquisite white marble mausoleum built in Agra by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
- Christ the Redeemer (Brazil): A giant Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ standing 30 meters tall atop Mount Corcovado, looking out over the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Here is a great video overview that covers the history, locations, and details of these incredible global landmarks:
By the way where does the Great Pyramid of Giza fit in?
Many people are surprised to learn that the Great Pyramid of Giza is not officially one of the New Seven Wonders—but for a very respectful reason.
The Great Pyramid is the only surviving monument from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (which included long-lost structures like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Lighthouse of Alexandria).
When the voting for the “New” wonders began, Egyptian officials pointed out that a structure as ancient and monumental as the Great Pyramid should not have to compete in a modern popularity contest. In response, the New7Wonders Foundation granted the Great Pyramid of Giza an Honorary Status.
Quick Facts about the Great Pyramid:
- Age: Built around 2560 BC for the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), it is over 4,500 years old—making it vastly older than everything on the New Wonders list.
- Scale: It stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
- Construction: It was built using an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, precisely aligned to the compass points.
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