Final Information to the Wonders of the World: Historic, Pure, and New

Whereas shopping a couple of widespread world lists, we realized one thing wild: we’ve been to each one of many New Seven Wonders, and a lot of the pure and historic ones too. As full-time vacationers, we’ve made it a mission to expertise locations with deep cultural significance and historic roots.

On this put up, we’ll take you thru private tales from the world’s most extraordinary locations, historic cities, engineering feats, and pure wonders that belong on each journey bucket checklist.

Our Journey Via the World’s Wonders

We’ve spent the previous twenty years touring throughout continents and chasing not simply magnificence, however which means. A few of these wonders have moved us to tears, whereas others have sparked our curiosity to dig deeper into the civilizations that constructed them.

Whether or not it’s strolling by means of historic temples, standing atop windswept cliffs, or drifting down jungle rivers, these moments outline why we journey.

They’re not nearly seeing one thing spectacular—they’re about understanding humanity’s shared historical past, marveling at our place on Earth, and reminding ourselves that surprise is throughout us. So seize your bucket checklist, open your map, and prepare so as to add a couple of extra pins.

What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?

The time period “Wonders of the World” refers to lists of essentially the most outstanding artifical and pure landmarks on Earth. Whereas the unique Seven Wonders of the Historic World have been chronicled by Greek historians, most of them now not exist, aside from the Nice Pyramid of Giza.

To replace the idea for the fashionable world, the New7Wonders Basis in Switzerland, held a worldwide vote in 2007, deciding on seven new wonders based mostly on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and common attraction. These embody iconic locations like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Nice Wall of China. At this time, there are additionally acknowledged lists of Pure Wonders and Fashionable Engineering Wonders—every celebrating humanity’s most vital accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.

New Seven Wonders of The World

Petra, Jordan

Petra’s Treasury is among the most cinematic sights we’ve ever seen, and sure, it made us really feel like Indiana Jones in The Final Campaign. Carved from rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years in the past, the traditional Nabatean capital was misplaced for hundreds of years till a Swiss explorer Hiram Bingham arrived in 1812.

This archaeological website tucked into the mountains of southern Jordan is like strolling into historical past. The traditional metropolis of Petra, with its carved facades like Al Khazneh, has earned its place on the New Seven Wonders checklist. Once we stood earlier than the Treasury, we felt like we have been on a Hollywood set, besides it was actual.

Believed to have been based in historic occasions, Petra is believed to have been a thriving commerce hub as early as 400 B.C. The advanced contains temples, tombs, and hidden pathways by means of semiprecious stone canyons.

Nice Wall of China

Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Nice Wall of China is an historic fortification that winds its approach throughout northern China and thru historical past. We visited each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections and might confidently say: the aerial view from a drone or cable automobile is unforgettable. Initially constructed through the seventh century and expanded within the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat price mountaineering.

The Nice Wall of China is among the most unimaginable feats of human energy in human historical past. We explored each the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Nice Wall and took in breathtaking aerial views.

Development of the Nice Wall started within the seventh century BCE and continued by means of the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the concept that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is a prime vacation spot in China and deserves its place all journey bucket lists.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue appears out over one of the gorgeous coastlines on Earth. Development started in 1926 and took 9 years to finish. The white soapstone statue will not be solely an architectural achievement but additionally an emblem of hope and unity.

We noticed it from each the highest of the mountaintop and the sky overlooking Mount Corcovado. Over 2 million individuals go to Christ the Redeemer yearly. regardless of which one you select, you’ll be in awe of one of many world’s biggest vacationer points of interest.

Roman Colosseum, Italy

Few buildings from the traditional world draw crowds like this one. The Colosseum is essentially the most visited monument in Italy. Over six million individuals go to every year! Constructed with strengthened concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiators, fight, public spectacles, and imperial leisure.

Standing inside this advanced, you possibly can virtually hear the roar of the group. It’s a reminder of Rome’s energy and its long-standing cultural legacy. It’s thought that half one million individuals and almost a million animals died inside its partitions through the gladiator fights.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Excessive above the clouds within the Andes, Machu Picchu is an historic metropolis of the Incas shrouded in mist and thriller. Constructed by the Inca Empire it was used as a retreat within the fifteenth century It showcases agricultural terraces and completely lower stone partitions that defy trendy engineering logic. Machu Picchu really is among the most stunning locations on the planet.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1983, additionally it is one of the iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Set within the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo stands as a mix of science, spirituality, and spectacle. This historic Mayan metropolis aligns with astronomical occasions and showcases good city planning.

It’s considered one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological websites and a New World Marvel steeped in historical past, astronomy, and artistry.

Taj Mahal, India

Agra’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, is famed for its white marble symmetry and romantic origin. Constructed as a royal retreat and tomb by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved spouse, who died giving childbirth within the 1600s, it’s each a spot of mourning and marvel.

Standing on the reflecting pool because the solar hits the marble, it turns into clear why the Taj Mahal is among the many most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Websites.

However be warned, the Taj Mahal is among the hottest locations to go to in India. Greater than 8 million individuals go to the Taj Mahal every year, so arrive early and ensure to be one of many first within the advanced at daybreak.

The Pure Wonders That Took Our Breath Away

The Seven Pure Wonders of the World are sometimes ignored in favor of human-made icons, however their grandeur rivals something constructed by man.

Mount Everest, Nepal

At 8,848 meters above sea stage, Everest’s summit touches the sting of outer house. Our trek to Base Camp handed by means of villages steeped in Himalayan tradition. The cultural and religious depth of this area, mixed with its altitude, makes it considered one of Earth’s most humbling experiences.

Nice Barrier Reef, Australia

Floating above coral gardens and swimming with vibrant marine life was surreal. The Nice Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and essentially the most intensive coral reef system on the planet. Its life, coloration, and scale are unmatched.

From helicopter excursions to diving platforms, this marine ecosystem in Queensland stretches over 344,000 km². Composed of almost 3,000 particular person reefs, it’s teeming with coloration, life, and fragility.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

In comparison with Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is sheer thunder. Generally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders) It’s the most important waterfall by quantity on the planet. The mist, roar, and scale are unimaginable to seize in images. Thousands and thousands of individuals go to every year for the entire sensory expertise.

Rio De Janeiro’s Harbor

Framed by Sugarloaf and Corcovado, this coastal view blends city vibrance with pure drama. It’s uncommon to discover a place the place nature and metropolis collide so superbly.

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights in Canada, Iceland, and Greenland by no means fail to mesmerize. We’ve seen them dance in Alberta and Michigan, portray the sky in electrical waves. Greatest considered in darkish sky preserves removed from metropolis lights.

Watching the Aurora Borealis ripple throughout a transparent evening sky in Canada is unforgettable. In style perception might say Iceland is finest, however don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, particularly through the Darkish Sky Pageant.

Grand Canyon

The primary time we stood on the South Rim, we have been silent. The Grand Canyon stretches over 440 kilometers, with rock layers that document two billion years of Earth’s historical past. It’s one of the accessible pure wonders within the U.S., and a testomony to nature’s energy.

Standing on the fringe of this huge Arizona chasm appears like gazing into outer house. It’s 1.8 km deep and 446 km lengthy—carved by time and the Colorado River.

Paricutin Volcano

Shaped in 1943 and rising over 19 years, this volcano is among the solely ones whose start was witnessed and recorded by people. Positioned in Michoacán, it’s a uncommon alternative to hike into geological historical past.

New Seven Pure Wonders

• Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines – A surreal subterranean waterway surrounded by jungle.
• Desk Mountain, South Africa – Towering over Cape City, it’s a flat-topped marvel seen from all angles, together with Robben Island.
• Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina – A thunderous assortment of 275 waterfalls. We explored it at dawn and sundown with no crowds.
• Ha Lengthy Bay, Vietnam – A seascape of limestone karsts and emerald water, finest seen on an in a single day junk boat.
• Amazon Rainforest – The lungs of the Earth, teeming with life and important to our planet’s well being.
• Jeju Island, South Korea – A volcanic island with lava tubes and basalt cliffs, incomes it UNESCO World Heritage standing.
• Komodo Island, Indonesia – Residence to the legendary Komodo dragon. We remorse lacking this whereas in Bali.

Seven Wonders of the Historic World

Nice Pyramid of Giza

Out of the three pyramids that make up the Pyramids of Giza, the Nice Pyramid is the one one of many Historic Wonders nonetheless standing. These Historic Wonders of the World have been chronicled within the Center Ages, and most now stay on in historical past books.

We’ve visited the remaining surprise of the traditional world, twice, and each time it leaves us speechless. This huge tomb close to Cairo is a permanent thriller.

Different misplaced wonders embody:

• Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece – A 12-meter sculpture of gold and ivory.
• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey – As soon as the most important temple of the traditional world.
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
• Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Presumably legendary, usually debated.
• Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – Guided ships into considered one of historical past’s busiest harbors.
• Colossus of Rhodes, Greece – Towered over the harbor entrance, like a guardian.

Seven Wonders of the Fashionable World of Civil Engineering

Nevertheless, there may be one other checklist of wonders of the world, much less well-known however equally outstanding: the Seven Wonders of the Fashionable World of Civil Engineering, compiled by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These characterize groundbreaking initiatives that pushed the bounds of what people might construct within the twentieth century. Listed below are the engineering wonders:

• Channel Tunnel (England/France) – A 50-kilometer rail tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects the UK to mainland Europe.
• CN Tower (Canada) – As soon as the world’s tallest free-standing construction, this telecommunications tower dominates Toronto’s skyline.
• Empire State Constructing (USA) – A defining image of New York Metropolis and one of many earliest skyscrapers to achieve over 100 tales.
• Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A surprising suspension bridge in San Francisco recognized for its Artwork Deco design and iconic coloration.
• Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of many world’s largest hydroelectric dams, producing energy for thousands and thousands.
• Delta Works (Netherlands) – An modern system of dams and boundaries designed to forestall flooding from the North Sea.
• Panama Canal (Panama) – A 77-kilometer waterway that revolutionized world transport by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Whereas these engineering wonders aren’t historic or carved into cliff faces, their affect on the fashionable world is plain. Each is a testomony to human innovation, engineering genius, and the will to beat nature’s challenges for the betterment of worldwide society.

These are the world wonders that impressed us, and why they could encourage you too.

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