Which of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World Are You Closest To?

Map created by atlasovaHere’s a list of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World (New7Wonders) with a description for each:

1. Great Wall of China (China):
   This ancient defensive structure, built primarily during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. Originally constructed to protect against invasions by nomadic tribes, the Great Wall showcases incredible engineering with sections made from stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood. Today, it stands as a testament to China’s historical ingenuity and resilience.
2. Petra (Jordan):
   Known as the “Rose City” due to the pinkish-red hue of its sandstone cliffs, Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom around 300 BCE. The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture, water management system, and iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Hidden in the mountains of southern Jordan, Petra was a thriving trade hub connecting ancient civilizations.
3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil):
   This iconic Art Deco statue, located atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, stands 98 feet tall with a 92-foot arm span. Built between 1922 and 1931, it was created to symbolize peace, Christianity, and the welcoming nature of Brazilians. Overlooking the city and its stunning coastline, it is a global symbol of faith and harmony.
4. Machu Picchu (Peru):
   Perched at 7,970 feet in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan city that remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911. Believed to have been an estate for Emperor Pachacuti, it showcases masterful stone construction without the use of mortar. Its terraces, temples, and water systems highlight the ingenuity of Incan engineering.
5. Chichen Itza (Mexico):
   Once a major city of the Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatán Peninsula and flourished between the 9th and 12th centuries. The city is famous for its central pyramid, El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan), which is aligned with astronomical events. Chichen Itza reflects the Mayans’ advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.
6. Roman Colosseum (Italy):
   This massive amphitheater in Rome, completed in 80 CE under Emperor Titus, could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles, making it a centerpiece of Roman culture. Despite damage from earthquakes and stone looting, the Colosseum remains a powerful symbol of the Roman Empire’s architectural prowess and cultural legacy.
7. Taj Mahal (India):
   Built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. This white marble mausoleum in Agra features intricate carvings, inlaid gemstones, and a harmonious layout of gardens and water features. It stands as an enduring symbol of love and artistic excellence.

How were the 7 New Wonders chosen?

The New7Wonders of the World were chosen through a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, a Swiss-based organization founded by Bernard Weber.

The initiative aimed to identify modern wonders to complement the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, most of which no longer exist.

Selection Process

1. Nomination Phase:
   The foundation initially accepted public nominations, resulting in over 200 sites from around the world being proposed.
2. Shortlisting:
   Experts in architecture, engineering, and cultural heritage created a shortlist of 21 finalists based on criteria such as historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural impact.
3. Global Voting:
   The final seven were determined through a worldwide vote conducted online, by phone, and via text messaging. The campaign garnered participation from tens of millions of people across the globe.
4. Announcement:
   The official New7Wonders of the World were announced on July 7, 2007 (07/07/07) at a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal.

14 Other Finalists (besides the 7 winners):

8. Acropolis of Athens (Greece)
   The iconic hilltop citadel featuring the Parthenon and other ancient structures.
9. Alhambra (Spain)
   A Moorish palace and fortress complex in Granada, blending Islamic and European influences.
10. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
    The world’s largest religious monument, originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
11. Eiffel Tower (France)
    A global symbol of France and modern engineering, built for the 1889 World’s Fair.
12. Hagia Sophia (Turkey)
    A stunning Byzantine basilica in Istanbul, later a mosque and now a museum.
13. Kiyomizu-dera (Japan)
    A historic wooden temple in Kyoto, known for its unique architecture and panoramic views.
14. Moai Statues of Easter Island (Chile)
    Mysterious stone figures carved by the Rapa Nui people to honor their ancestors.
15. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
    A fairy-tale castle in Bavaria that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
16. Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)
    The only remaining original wonder of the ancient world; it was included as an honorary candidate.
17. Statue of Liberty (USA)
    A global symbol of freedom and democracy, standing in New York Harbor.
18. Stonehenge (United Kingdom)
    A prehistoric stone circle with mysterious origins and astronomical alignments.
19. Sydney Opera House (Australia)
    A modern architectural masterpiece and cultural hub in Sydney.
20. Timbuktu (Mali)
    A historic city of learning and trade in medieval West Africa, renowned for its ancient manuscripts.
21. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square (Russia)
    A historic complex of palaces, cathedrals, and fortifications in Moscow, symbolizing Russian history.

Special Mention:

• The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt) was granted honorary status as part of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, ensuring its recognition alongside the modern wonders.

Criticism and Controversy

1. Methodology:
   Critics argued the selection process was more of a popularity contest than a scholarly or cultural evaluation, as the campaign relied on public voting rather than expert assessments.
2. Representation Issues:
   Some nations, especially poorer ones, were unable to promote their sites effectively due to lack of resources.
3. UNESCO’s Stance:
   UNESCO, which manages the World Heritage Sites list, distanced itself from the campaign, emphasizing that it had no official connection to the New7Wonders initiative.

Also see: Which ancient world wonder is closest to you?

What do you think the 7 Modern Wonders should be?