The New Seven Wonders of the World

(01) The Pyramid at Chichen Itza; Mexico
Chichen Itza once served as the political and economic center of Mayan civilization. The city housed masterpieces like the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, the Playing Field of the Prisoners and the pyramid of Kukulkan, which was the last Mayan temple.


(02) Christ Redeemer; Brazil
The 124-foot statue of Jesus stands atop the Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Built in 1931, it took five years to construct and symbolizes the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Brazilian people.



(03) Colosseum; Rome
Almost every sports stadium today is created based on the design of the Colosseum, built between 70-82 A.D. Located in the center of Rome, the amphitheater could seat up to 50,000 spectators who watched public spectacles like the infamous gladiator fights.

(04) Great Wall; China
The largest man—made monument ever built at about 4,000 miles in length, the wall was originally built to help create a united defense system and prevent invading Mongol tribes out of China. Construction began around the 8th century B.C. and efforts to revive it took place from 1368 — 1644 A.D.

(05) Machu Picchu; Peru
Machu Picchu, which means "old settlement," is located halfway up the Andes Plateau—in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. Originally a 15th century Incan settlement, the magnificent city was "lost" for three centuries, then rediscovered in 1911.


(06) Petra; Jordan
Petra, located on the edge of the Arabian desert, was home to Aretas IV, king of the Nabataeans, who were masters of water technology. The facade of a 138 ft.—high Hellenistic temple on the El-Deir Monastery—an example of traditional Middle Eastern culture—sits within the Palace Tombs of Petra.


(07) Taj Mahal; India
The white marble mausoleum is believed by many to be the best representation of Muslim art in India. The Taj Mahal was built around 1630, an order from Muslim emperor Shah Jahan, to honor the memory of his beloved late wife.


Global vote picks Seven Wonders
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is among the modern-day Seven Wonders
A non-profit foundation has named the Seven New Wonders of the World at a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Colosseum in Rome and Jordan's Petra all made the list.

The Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico and India's Taj Mahal were also picked, but England's Stonehenge and the Eiffel Tower in Paris missed out.

Organisers say about 100m people cast votes over the internet and by phone.

The New7Wonders campaign is the brainchild of a Swiss man, Bernard Weber, who has had a varied career as a film-maker and museum curator.

Recognising achievements

American actress Hilary Swank said at the presentation ceremony: "Never before in history have so many people participated in a global decision."

Organisers say the contest was a chance to recognise the achievements of societies outside Europe and the Middle East.

Tourists at Chichen Itza in Mexico
There are fears the ruins at Chichen Itza could have too many tourists

The original list of seven wonders was established more than 2,000 years ago by Greek scholars.

It included the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the ancient lighthouse outside Alexandria, the great pyramid at Giza - the only survivor - and three other long-vanished edifices.

The campaign has been some six years in the making.

But the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) - which has long had its own World Heritage List - has criticised the organisation's approach.

Unesco argues that the list is very limited. Its own World Heritage List numbers sites including 660 cultural and 166 natural.


The New Seven Wonders of the World
Success in the competition will not be popular with everyone.

Archaeologists said the Mayan ruins, at Chichen Itza in south-eastern Mexico could be hit by an avalanche of additional visitors and that the extra wear and tear could force authorities to limit the tourist traffic.