The New Seven Wonders of the World were selected by New 7 Wonders, an organisation which spent more than a decade researching the world’s most incredible monuments, before putting them to the public vote. These wonders cover a range of genres and are definitely achievable in a lifetime. So get packing!

1. Christ the Redeemer

Standing at 124 feet tall, and with an arm span of 92 feet, the statue of Christ the redeemer looks out over Rio de Janeiro. Construction of this symbol of Brazilian Christianity started in 1922 and was completed in 1931. The statue is the world’s largest art deco statue, and the fifth biggest statue of Jesus. It weighs around 635 tonnes and the build was funded by Brazil’s Catholic community. If you take a trip to Brazil, make sure that a visit to Christ the Redeemer is in your itinerary!

2. Machu Picchu

Reaching nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, and covering an area the size of a village, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous World Heritage sites. The Inca citadel was built in about 1500 AD, at a time when the Incas didn’t yet have iron, steel or wheels. This lack of knowledge upon which we are today so entirely reliant, makes the construction even more remarkable. Machu Picchu remained hidden from Western eyes until 1911, when it was “discovered” by Hiram Bingham, a Yale professor. Until this time, only indigenous people knew of its existence.

3. The Great Wall of China

Extending about 13,170 miles, the Great wall of China is a series of small walls, which meander through China’s deserts, mountains and grasslands, like a dragon protecting its young. The first constructions began in about 210 BC, with additions and modifications occurring over the next thousand years. The major building of the “modern” section of the wall took place in the Ming Dynasty, between 1388 and 1644. Although the assertion that you can see the Great Wall of China from the moon isn’t true, the construction is undeniably awe-inspiring, for its scale and longevity.

4. The Roman Colosseum

Built nearly 2,000 years ago as a stage for gladiatorial games, the Roman Colosseum is one of the most famous survivors of the classical era. The scale and history of the structure can’t fail to amaze and humble the beholder, while the knowledge of the violence and bloodshed that took place within those very walls will leave you over-awed. The Colosseum is a must- see on your trip to Rome!

5. Chichén Itzá

Located near Piste in Mexico, Chichén Itzá is the most famous Mayan city. Literally translated as “At the mouth of the well of Itzá” Chichén Itzá is home to the Sacred Cenote, a natural sink hole. The incredible structure has 365 steps – one for each day of the year. Incredibly, at the Spring and winter Equinoxes, the shadows created by the sun take the form of a snake, which descends the steps as the sun sets, eventually joining the stone snake head at the food of the pyramid. There is no doubt that Chichén Itzá is a must on your trip to Mexico; the ruins of the ancient city will fill you with a sense of peace and awe.

6. The Taj Mahal

It is not surprising that the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic buildings, is considered by most to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The story of the Taj Mahal’s creation is the ultimate love story: a tale of a couple so in love, that when the wife (Mumtaz Mahal) died, her husband (Shah Jahan) was so consumed by grief that he ordered the most beautiful building to be constructed as her mausoleum, to mark her life and his devotion to her. The building of the incredible complex took two decades and over 20,000 workers. Its dazzling façade is the result of Persian, Indian and Islamic influences. With its tale of love, incredible architecture and imposing size, the Taj Mahal is truly a must-see.

7. Petra

The prehistoric city of Petra is truly wondrous to behold. Half built and half carved into the rock, Petra served as a link between Arabia, Syria-Phoenicia and Egypt. As well as being simply breath-taking, Petra is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world; its myriad tunnels and passages holding secrets to our ancient past. When you visit Petra, you will be instantly transported to millennia past, to eras of haunting beauty and unimaginable hardship.

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