Project to discover the 7 new wonders of the modern world.
After 2,000 years of the Greeks defining the 7 wonders of the (ancient) world, the 7 new wonders of the modern world were announced in 2007.
A Swiss organization, New Open World Corporation (NOWC), created a list of 200 monuments and, based on criteria of beauty, technical complexity, historical and cultural value, among others, came up with a list of 21 monuments.
There was an online vote, which was the largest ever held, with around one hundred million votes.
The 7 Wonders of the Modern World represent icons of engineering and history. They are:
- Christ the Redeemer (Brazil) – The famous postcard of Rio de Janeiro.
- Colosseum (Italy) – Roman arena that witnessed epic battles.
- Chichén Itzá (Mexico) – Mayan city with the impressive Pyramid of Kukulcán.
- Machu Picchu (Peru) – Inca city hidden among mountains.
- Great Wall (China) – Millennial defense against invasions.
- Taj Mahal (India) – Mausoleum of love and architectural beauty.
- Petra (Jordan) – City carved in pink rocks.
Christ the Redeemer - Rio de Janeiro – Brazil.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the greatest symbols of Brazil.
Located at the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, it stands out for its grandeur and beauty.
First, the statue is 38 meters high and stands 710 meters above sea level, offering a spectacular view of the city.
In addition, its construction took nine years and it was inaugurated in 1931.
Another interesting point is that the structure is made of concrete and soapstone, ensuring resistance to time.
In addition to being an unmissable tourist attraction, Christ has a strong religious significance, representing the peace and faith of the Brazilian people.
To get to the monument, there are different options:
The Corcovado train, accredited vans or ecological trails. Either way, the trip to the top is an incredible experience.
Finally, visiting Christ the Redeemer is more than just seeing a statue.
It’s about feeling the grandeur of the city, admiring one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and experiencing an unforgettable moment.
If you go to Rio, this is a destination that you can’t miss on your itinerary!
I’ve been to this wonder of the modern world many times.
The Great Wall - China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive constructions in the world. Stretching over 21,000 km, it crosses mountains, deserts and valleys. Its history dates back over 2,000 years.
The wall was originally built to protect China from invasions.
Construction began around 220 BC by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, and was only completed in the 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty.
Today, it symbolizes the strength and ingenuity of the Chinese people.
The wall is one of the 7 most impressive wonders of the world.
For those who visit, the experience is unforgettable. Some sections, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, are the best preserved and most accessible. In addition, the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Another interesting detail is that the wall is not a single continuous structure. In fact, it is a series of interconnected walls, built with stones, bricks and compacted earth.
There are direct tours and transport from Beijing. However, some trails require physical fitness, as the steps can be steep.
I had the pleasure of visiting another of the 7 wonders of the modern world, in the Mutianyu section in 2017.
Being there at the Great Wall is like immersing yourself in the history of China. More than a monument, it is a symbol of resistance and grandeur.
A must-see destination for any traveler!
A muralha renovada
Muralha original - seção Jiankou
The Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China is one of the most challenging and impressive.
Unlike the restored sections, Jiankou maintains its original structure, with weathered stones and crumbling sections. This makes the hike dangerous, but it also provides an authentic and unforgettable experience.
This section of the wall winds its way through steep mountains and offers some of the most spectacular views.
In addition, its sharp curves and high walls create a dramatic backdrop, perfect for photos.
On the other hand, access is not easy. The trails are steep, with slippery and crumbling sections.
For this reason, this section is recommended only for experienced adventurers.
I combined Jiankou with Mutianyu, descending along a restored and safer section.
For those looking for excitement and a more authentic contact with history, Jiankou is the right place.
However, it is essential to go well prepared, with appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
The ideal is to go down Jiankou towards Mutianyu, which is two descents.
It is a difficult walk, with dangerous places and the need to “climb” some ravines and go up/down very steep places, but it is worth it to be where more than a thousand years ago there were soldiers in this place guarding the borders.
Machu Picchu - Peru.
Machu Picchu. Located high in the Peruvian Andes, this ancient Inca city impresses with its architecture and spectacular landscape.
Situated on a mountain at 2,430 meters, in the province of Urubamba, 80 km northwest of Cuzco.
In addition, its mystery and energy make it even more special.
It is believed that the Incas abandoned it at the time of the Spanish conquest, but no one knows why.
Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was only rediscovered in 1911. Since then, it has become one of the most visited archaeological sites on the planet.
Its ruins include temples, agricultural terraces and squares, all perfectly integrated into the surrounding mountains.
Getting there requires planning.
It is the closest 7 wonders of the world outside of Brazil
The most traditional way is by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to the top.
However, I used the famous Inca Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike.
Another important point is the preservation of the site. To avoid damage, the number of daily visitors is limited. Therefore, it is essential to book tickets in advance.
Machu Picchu is not just a beautiful place. It is an immersion in Inca history and culture. Walking through its ruins and admiring the surrounding mountains is a unique experience. Without a doubt, a must-see destination for those who love adventure and history!
Taj Mahal - Agra – India.
It is one of the most famous monuments in the world.
Located in the city of Agra, India, it delights millions of visitors every year.
In addition to its beauty, it carries a story of love and devotion.
Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal in the 17th century in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth.
Thus, the mausoleum became an eternal symbol of love.
It is the only one of the 7 wonders dedicated to a person out of love.
The construction took more than 20 years and employed around 20 thousand artisans under the guidance of a council of architects led by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
The cost, at today’s values, is estimated at around (US$ 830 million). Made of white marble, the Taj Mahal changes color depending on the light of day.
In addition, its details in precious stones and inscriptions from the Quran make the structure even more impressive.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is an unforgettable experience. More than just a monument, it is a symbol of art, culture and eternal love!
Colosseum - Rome - Italy.
The Colosseum in Rome (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre), built in the 1st century, symbolizes the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire.
Construction began in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD by his successor Titus.
It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.
With a capacity for 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was the scene of gladiator battles, exotic animal hunts and even public executions. For centuries, the site was the center of Roman entertainment.
Abandoned in the early medieval era, it was later reused for housing, workshops, etc.
Over the years, its stones and materials were removed to build other buildings.
Today, it is a true immersion in the past. Walking through its stands and imagining the ancient spectacles is a unique experience.
To visit, it is best to buy tickets in advance, as the lines can be long. In addition, tour guides help you better understand the history and details of the construction.
The Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome, close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Therefore, it is easy to combine the visit with other historical sites.
The Colosseum, more than a monument, represents the strength of a civilization that marked the history of the world.
Chichen Itza - Mexico
Chichén Itzá, located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, was one of the most important cities of the Mayan civilization.
Meaning “at the mouth of the Itza well,” it was a great Mayan city that flourished from about 600 AD to the 1200s. Its decline remains a mystery to this day.
Today, it is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a must-see destination.
The highlight of the site is the Pyramid of Kukulcán, also called El Castillo. This structure is perfectly aligned with the stars.
During the equinoxes, the shadow creates the illusion of a serpent descending the stairs. In addition, the pyramid served as a temple dedicated to the god Kukulcán.
But Chichén Itzá is more than just a pyramid. The site is home to the Great Ball Game, where the Mayans practiced a sporting ritual, and the Sacred Cenote, a natural well used for offerings. In addition, there are several other fascinating structures, such as the Temple of the Warriors and the El Caracol Observatory.
The best option to visit is from Playa del Carmen, but there are also options from Cancún or Mérida. It is best to arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Exploring Chichén Itzá is like immersing yourself in Mayan culture.
Each building tells a story and reveals the incredible knowledge of this civilization. Without a doubt, an unforgettable trip!
Petra - Jordan
After a 3-year delay due to the pandemic, I finally got to visit Petra.
When we talk about Petra, images of the eastern entrance to Petra usually come to mind, a 76-meter-high sandstone gorge known as the Siq that leads directly to Al Khazneh (the Treasury).
Who hasn’t seen Indiana Jones?
But it’s just one of the city’s many monuments.
Carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink and sandstone cliffs, the prehistoric city of Petra was “lost” to the Western world for hundreds of years.
Petra was once a thriving trading center and the capital of the Nabataean Empire between 400 BC and 106 AD.
The Nabataeans, before being conquered and absorbed by the Roman Empire, controlled a vast area of the Middle East, from present-day Israel and Jordan to the north of the Arabian Peninsula. The remains of their innovative water collection, storage, transportation and irrigation systems can still be found throughout the area today.
Around 1812, the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, traveling disguised as an Arab, heard about the site and decided to investigate.
In 1985, the Petra Archaeological Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007 it was named one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Today, it is believed that only 15% of the site has been discovered.
