Holding a great historical significance and symbolizing cultural heritage, both the old and the new 7 wonders of the world are a must for every traveller to explore once in a lifetime. Though only the ruins remain of the majority of the old wonders, travellers can surely witness the charm of the new wonders of the world. Take a look !
The 7 Old Wonders Of The World
Wish to know about the 7 wonders of the world? They truly have some charisma that had attracted Globetrotters from across the globe to experience their magnificent beauty. Here are the details about the old 7 wonders of the world:
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza
Of all the ancient seven wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the one and only wonder that has survived to stand tall through thick and thin. Constructed between the period of 2584 BC & 2561 BC, it is the largest of all three pyramids with a base of about 230.4 metres, and a height of 146.5 metres.
Best Time To Visit: September to April
Location: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Nearby Attractions: Great Sphinx of Giza, Giza Plateau, Grand Egyptian Museum, and more.
Other Things To Do In Giza: Sightseeing, sound and light show in Giza, camel safari, quad biking, horseback riding, and more.
2. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Considered to be one of the architectural masterpieces in the list of 7 wonders of the world, only the ruins remain of the great Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, which was destroyed by calefaction and floods. Located right in the heart of Turkey, the temple was unearthed again in 1869 in the city of Izmir and was recognized as the World Heritage Site in the year of 2014.
Best Time To Visit: April to May and from September to mid November
Location: Atatürk Mahallesi, Dr. Sabri Yayla Blv., İzmir, Turkey
Nearby Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and more.
Other Things To Do In Turkey: Explore the thermal spa terraces at Pamukkale, shopping at Grand Bazaar, explore the Spice Bazaar, and more.
Though the ruins of Babylon are established in the city of Al-Hillah in Iraq currently, the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon remains as mysterious as ever. It is believed that around 600 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Gardens for his wife Amytis which did not really hang. However, this ancient wonder remains open to the speculations of historians who often find themselves blank due to the lack of evidence of any kind in the Babylonian history.
Best Time To Visit: October to November
Location: Al-Hillah, Iraq
Nearby Attractions: Sami Abdulrahman Park, Citadel of Arbil, Erbil-Kurdistan, and more.
Other Things To Do In Iraq: Shopping in Family Mall, explore the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, visit the Amna Suraka in Sulaymaniyah, and more.
4. The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Much famed to be the pride of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was built between between 280 and 247 BC. At a height of about 450 ft. tall, the lighthouse remained the tallest architectural marvel in the world for a very long time until it was completely shattered by earthquakes in between 956 AD and 1323 AD.
Best Time To Visit: March to April and late September to early November
Location: Pharos, Alexandria, Egypt
Nearby Attractions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Montazah Palace Gardens, Fort Qaitbey, and more.
Other Things To Do In Alexandria: Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, visit Pompey’s Pillar, enjoy a heritage tour in Alexandria, and more.
5. Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Dedicated to the famous Greek God of Zeus, the Statue of Zeus is located in the heart of Olympia that is set on the western coast of Greece and is famous for Olympic Games. A massive statue that once stood tall at a height of 42 ft., was completely sculpted in wood first and later, was later covered with ivory and gold panels. Destroyed in an unfortunate fire during the 5th Century AD, the statue took about 12 years to be perfected by Phidias, the sculptor.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-April to mid-June or September to mid-October
Location: Olympia, Greece
Nearby Attractions: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Temple of Hera, Philippeion, and more.
Other Things To Do In Olympia: Explore Ancient Olympia, visit Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, and more.
A tomb built for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria and a Persian Governor, it took four Greek sculptors to perfect Mausoleum at Halicarnassus to a height of 45 meters between 353 BC & 350 BC. Being one of the 7 wonders of the world which survived to a great extent, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was eventually shattered by a successive series of earthquakes.
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November
Location: Tepecik Mahallesi, Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey
Nearby Attractions: Kaunos Beach, Bodrum Castle, Tlos, Marmaris Castle, and more.
Other Things To Do In Mugla: Paragliding in Babadag, explore the beaches of Sedir Island, camping in Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, and more.
7. Colossus of Rhodes
Remember the giant statue in Game of Thrones? Well it does not come as a surprise to know that the inspiration was taken from the famous Colossus of Rhodes. Signifying the victory over Antigonus I Monophthalmus – the ruler of Cyprus, Colossus of Rhodes, the statue of Greek God of Sun, was constructed in 280 BC and was destroyed to ruins post 54 years in an earthquake.
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November
Location: Rhodes, Greece
Nearby Attractions: Kastello, Acropolis of Rhodes, Tsambika Beach, Filerimos, and more.
Other Things To Do In Rhodes: Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Prasonisi, explore the Valley of Butterflies, enjoy snorkeling at Antony Quinn Bay, and more.
Seven New Wonders Of The World
Selected from over 200 iconic landmarks and buildings, here are the majestic sites that made it into the list featuring seven new wonders of the world.
1. Taj Mahal, India
Built by the famous Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan for its favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the iconic structure of Taj Mahal, is the pride of India and more importantly, an epitome of love. Built as early as in the 16th century, Taj Mahal is the crown of India which is constructed purely of ivory-white marble and is best witnessed during sunrise.
Height: 73 meters
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm; During Full Moon: 8.30 pm to 12.30 am
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Nearby Attractions: Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh, Jama Mosque, Agra Fort, and more.
Other Things To Do In Agra: Sightseeing in Agra, tour the Khas Mahal, shopping in Kinari Bazaar, visit the Jehangir’s Palace, and more.
2. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Located atop the Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park, the wondrous statue of Christ the Redeemer is perched at a height of 700 metres. Overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro and constructed during the period of 1922 to 1931, the statue is not only the symbol of Christian community but is also one of the iconic landmarks of Brazil and Rio.
Height: 38 meters
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Location: Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nearby Attractions: Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema, Maracanã Stadium, and more.
Other Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro: Witness the Brazilian heritage at Santa Teresa, trek through Tijuca Forest – the largest urban forest, enjoy shopping in Leblon, and more.
3. Great Wall Of China
Stunning as it looks, Great Wall of China is one of the those 7 wonders of the world that need no introduction. Encompassing of defensive fortifications that are a perfect blend of bricks, rammed earth, wood, stones, and other substances, the Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese region from invasions of empires during 7th century BCE.
Stretch: 21,196 kilometers
Timings: 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Best Time To Visit: September to October
Location: Huairou, Beijing, China
Nearby Attractions: The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and more.
Other Things To Do In Beijing: Explore Beihai Park, go shopping in Wangfujing, hiking in Mutianyu, and more.
4. Petra, Jordan
Located in the southwestern desert of Jordan, Petra is the world-famous archaeological site that once served as the Nabatean Kingdom’s capital. Boasting of its one of a kind pink sandstone cliffs out of which the tombs and temples are sculpted, Al Khazneh is the most famous temple of all. Featuring a facade known as the Treasury, Petra reflects the authentic Greek architecture that attracts millions of travelers across the world.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Location: Jordan
Nearby Attractions: Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo, Roman Theater, Ajloun Castle, and more.
Other Things To Do In Jordan: Visit the Jordan River, hike the Dana Biosphere Reserve, explore the Jordan Museum, and more.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched high on the Andes Mountains and built of limestones that are mortar-free, Machu Picchu is one of the most classic 7 wonders of the world. Dating back to the 15th century, Machu Picchu in Peru is the most renowned structure of the Inca civilization which is famous for its dry-stone walls.
Elevation: 7,970 ft. above sea level
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Mountain Machu Picchu, Peru
Nearby Attractions: Sacred Valley, Colca Canyon, Saksaywaman, Islas Ballestas, and more.
Other Things To Do In Peru: Enjoy hiking and backpacking through Inca Trail, mountaineering at Huascarán mountains, hike through Cordillera Blanca, and more.
6. Chichen Itza, Mexico
The renowned structure of Mayan ruins, the city of Chichen Itza boasts of a World Heritage Site of a massive temple – El Castillo, built in the shape of a pyramid. Dedicated to the God of Kukulkan, the structure consists of 91 steps on each side which when totalled with the final step of the temple, equals the number of days in one Haab year, i.e., 365 days.
Height: 30 meters
Timings: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Location: Yucatan, Mexico
Nearby Attractions: Kabah, Pyramid of the Magician, Ik Kil, St. Ildephonsus Cathedral, Ek Balam, and more.
Other Things To Do In Yucatan: Caving at Cenote Zaci, explore the Sacred Cenote, visit the Sayil, adore the charm of Museo Maya, and more.
7. Colosseum, Rome
One of the major tourist attractions of Rome, the Colosseum is indeed one of the iconic 7 wonders of the world. Constructed mainly of sand and concrete, Colosseum is the largest surviving amphitheatre in the world. Built during the time between 70 AD to 72 AD by the famous Emperor Vespasian, Colosseum is much famed as the Flavian Amphitheatre that continues to charm the travellers today.
Height: 48 meters
Timings: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Roma, Italy
Nearby Attractions: Pantheon Temple, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and more.
Other Things To Do In Rome: Explore the nightlife at Piazza Navona, admire Michelangelo’s paintings at Sistine Chapel, explore the Palatine Hill, and more.
Frequently asked questions✓
What are the seven wonders of the world today?
The list of the seven (actually, eight) wonders of the world includes the following marvels:
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza - Egypt
2. The Great Wall of China - China
3. Petra - Jordan
4. Christ the Redeemer - Brazil
5. Machu Picchu - Peru
6. Chichen Itza - Mexico
7. Colosseum - Italy
8. Taj Mahal - India
Why are they called the 7 Wonders of the World?
The Seven Wonders of the World have been awarded this title because of their magnificence. They are the most beautiful and awe-inspiring constructions made by man unlike any other establishment in the world.
Can you touch Stonehenge?
You can roam around among the Stones during the public opening hours, called the Special Access visit hours. This lasts for a good one hour and only 26 people at a time are allowed to enter the Stonehenge premises wherein they can go beyond the barriers and take a stroll amidst the stones.
How many bodies are buried in the Great Wall of China?
It has been estimated that around 400,000 workers who had died building the Great Wall of China were buried in its very foundation.
What is special about the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is among the most significant Mughal Empire architectural marvels that still stands intact today in all its glory and finesse. Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is more or less a white marble palace built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal after her demise.
Who shot the nose off the Sphinx?
Sa'im al-Dahr had destroyed the nose of the Sphinx in 1378 CE and was executed for vandalism. It is said his actions were born out of jealousy upon seeing the devotion of the Egyptian peasants towards the Great Sphinx.
How much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu?
The entrance fee for Machu Picchu is about INR 3,193/- (152 Peruvian Nuevo Soles. This cost goes up once you add hiking to the Inca trail on your list.
How long does it take to climb Machu Picchu?
It takes about 4 days to climb the Machu Picchu and complete the awesome Inca Trail trek.