Of all the wonders the world has to offer, only architecture promised immortality.’ The above quote by Sergei Diaghilev succinctly symbolizes the stature of architecture when it comes to offering the world something to stand by and wonder about. The Seven Wonders of the World are essentially the 7 structures that reflect a sort of uniqueness and unparalleled magnificence. These monuments have their distinct savor and are the destination spot for tourists around the world.
Below is the list of the 7 Wonders of the World(in order of the year of their construction) along with their distinctive qualities
The Great Wall of China
Constructed in the year 700 BC
The building of the Great Wall is the culmination of efforts by several dynasties in China. The process was initiated as a means of security against several nomadic sections coming from the Eurasian territory. Later on, the wall also assisted in levying taxes on the transportation of goods.
The Ming Dynasty especially played a pivotal role in the making of the Great Wall. The monument also holds great cultural significance and is mentioned in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The construction material varied from bucks, stones to wood. The wall is presently under threat from perils like graffiti, destruction and even sandstorms.
In the picture- The Great Wall of China
Fascinating fact- There was a popular myth circulating in the news sections that the Great Wall is visible from the moon. However, it was soon debunked to the displeasure of gossip mongers.
Petra (called Raqmu)-
Constructed in the year 312 BC
Located in Ma’an, Jordan
The city is believed to host the Nabataeans(Arab people), who came as settlers in the 4th century BC and probably used it as a trading hub. The trading prowess of Petra can be gauged from the fact that it has closeness to the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
It is also engraved in the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Petra witnesses a plethora of tourists year on year given the beautiful structure it possesses.
The architecture is greatly influenced by the Greek style.
In the picture- Petra
Fascinating fact- Petra has been featured in several movies, television shows, and videos as a common theme. Try to figure it out next time when it comes on your screen.
Colosseum
Constructed in the year 80 AD
Located in Rome, Italy
The largest amphitheater in the globe( approximately 188 m long) the Colosseum is renowned for its unusual and exquisite architectural makeup. It is originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre in Italy. It is named so on the name of the Flavian Dynasty that undertook its construction.
The building stands in an elliptical fashion and is composed of an inner and an over wall. The construction is well planned because there are proper entry and exit routes in place given the quantum of audience it accommodates.
The building used to host animal fights, performances of plays and whatnot. The architecture was devastated to an extent by defacing and disasters(particularly tremors). The monument is repaired often to keep its shine alive.
In the picture- Colosseum
Fascinating fact- There are underground tunnels in the Colosseum that were used to keep and assist as a passage to animals.
Chichén Itzá
Constructed in the year 600 AD
Located in Yucatan, Mexico
The site situated around the Latin American region is host to multiple buildings within its territory. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is officially called the Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza. The site reflects the style of multiple rulers of the day in Mexico. It is fundamentally based on Mayan dooms. The Mayans are also the ones who are related to the construction of this magnificent architecture.
In the picture- Chichén Itzá
Fascinating Fact- El Castillo is the tallest building in it and climbing it is barred.
Machu Picchu
Constructed in the year 1450 AD
Located in Cuzco Region, Peru
Machu Picchu is associated with the works of the Inca kingdom and is renowned as the ‘Lost City of Incas’. It is believed to be a religious zone for Inca rulers. The monument
has survived the wrath of Spanish rulers who invaded and destroyed much of the work done by Inca rulers. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1983. The city of Peru has gained good currency among tourists because of this captivating monument. The site seemingly is divided into an upper and lower town and has urban and agriculture sector divisions too.
The monument also has a temple within the structure and a royalty area. The Ashlar method is used to build it and the Incas were proficient in it. The authorities have consistently taken efforts to save it from the large number of tourists who visit the place.
In the picture- Machu Picchu
Fascinating Fact- The site was closed for nearly a month at the beginning of 2023 due to the Peruvian Unrest.
Taj Mahal
Constructed in the year 1643 AD
Located in Agra, India
India is known for quite a lot of things and the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly foremost among all of them. Taj Mahal is a mausoleum constructed under the rule of Shah Jahan (Mughal ruler) for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument has the tombs of both of them.
It is one of the most visited tourist spots in India and reflects the incredible style of architecture adorned by white marble. The work was carried out under the expertise of Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The Taj is famously called a symbol of love and is widely appreciated.
It also finds a mention in the list of World Heritage Sites maintained by UNESCO.
In the picture- the Taj Mahal
Fascinating Fact- Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is approximately 10,000 sq km area around the Taj Mahal monument to ban and regulate activities that are detrimental to the health of the monument, eg. Pollution.
Christ the Redeemer
Constructed in 1931 AD
Located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
It is a magnificent statue of Jesus Christ and was conceptualized by Paul Lamdowsk. The statue is 98 feet in height. The statue is seen with arms wide open and the picturesque environment surrounding it adds glory to it. The statue is also recognized as the National Historic Heritage of Brazil. It is primarily made up of concrete and soapstone.
The appearance of the statue was conceptualized differently in the initial stage I.e. Christ would have a cross in one hand and the globe in the other hand. However, it was decided to keep the statue in the shape it is at present.
In the picture – Christ the Redeemer
Fascinating Fact- A strong lightning strike once broke the statue’s thumb as well.
Great Pyramid of Giza – It is included as an honorary partner in the New 7 Wonders of the World. It is the largest of the pyramids in Egypt. It is the ancientest among all the wonders of the world. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It maintained the record of being the tallest human-made building for a long time.
Do you know? These 7 wonderfully crafted buildings were selected based on a voting method conducted in 2001 and finally, the victors were declared in 2007.
