The New 7 Wonders of the World campaign, launched in 2001, sought to identify new wonders from a pool of 200 existing monuments.
The result was the modern list of the Seven Wonders of the World — breathtaking landmarks that continue to inspire millions of visitors each year.
But behind the familiar postcard images, each Wonder holds fascinating secrets, myths, and little-known stories that reveal just how extraordinary they really are.
1. The Great Wall of China (Built 220 BC-1644 AD)
Twenty years and over twenty thousand kilometers, the Great Wall of China is a symbol of ancient engineering and brilliance.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty ordered the construction to protect mainland China. It is so large the structure can be viewed from space.
Beyond its grandeur, the Great Wall carries a darker reputation: many consider it the world’s longest cemetery.
Archaeologists have dug out human remains at various points along the massive wall. It is estimated that over a million people died during the Great Wall’s construction.
The bulk of those decomposed bodies remain encased within the wall.
2. The Taj Mahal, India (Built 1631-1653 AD)
Standing beside the tranquil waters of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal in India is a monument of love and beauty. Marble inlays adorned with precious stones and intricate designs create a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color.
The mausoleum took 20 years to complete. More than a thousand elephants and twenty thousand artisans came together to craft Emperor Shah Jahan’s love letter to his favorite wife.
Legend has it that on her deathbed, Shah Jahan’s favorite wife made him promise to construct the most magnificent mausoleum ever known in her honor.
This vow, according to tradition, inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal, which today stands as one of the most breathtaking monuments to love in the world.
It was also speculated that Emperor Jahan was so protective of his finished creation that he ordered every worker’s hands to be cut off to prevent them from replicating the design.
While this chilling tale has been repeated for centuries, historians agree there is no solid evidence it ever happened.
3. Petra, Jordan (Built 4th Century BC – 2nd Century AD)
Carved into the rocky cliffs of Jordan, Petra is an ancient city steeped in mystery. The ancient Nabateans carved stunning temples and tombs into the pink sandstone, earning it the name Rose City.
Without modern technology, the Nabateans developed sophisticated methods for managing the massive desert storms and sporadic downpours.
Even in ancient times, city planners seemed to understand the appeal of suburbs. A few short miles from the primary city lies a smaller replica city tourists have dubbed “Little Petra.”
While the purpose of Little Petra remains ambiguous, historians believe the replica served as a suburb or minature version of the city.
4. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy (Built AD 72-80 AD)
When one thinks of Italy, the Roman Colosseum inevitably comes to mind.
The ancient amphitheater served as the backdrop for gruesome gladiator fights and grand spectacles. A series of passages and tunnels beneath the Colosseum held gladiators and animals prior to events.
Fifty thousand Roman citizens entered through eighty entrances; the design helped guests find their seats quickly.
Most people know the Colosseum for its brutal gladiator fights and wild animal hunts. But fewer realize that the arena was sometimes transformed into a site for naval battles.
The ancient behemoth was flooded from time to time to bring marine entertainment inland. They employed specially designed flat-bottomed ships during the battle to navigate the shallow waters effectively.
5. Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Built 1926 -1931)
High above the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Christ the Redeemer statue stands as a symbol of faith and hope.
Made of concrete and stone, the statue’s sturdy construction helps withstand the frequent lightning bolts its high altitude attracts.
Soapstone tiles cover the entirety of Christ the Redeemer. The builders wrote secret messages on the stones. Some wrote wishes; others wrote blessings or prayers.
Regardless, those inscriptions are known only to the 1920s construction crew and forever lost to the rest of us.
Today, the statue sometimes serves to promote various events and initiatives. For example, in November 2023, Christ the Redeemer was illuminated with a message welcoming Taylor Swift’s for her Eras Tour.
6. Chichen Itza, Mexico (Built Century 5-13 AD)
Hidden within the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula in Southeast Mexico, the ancient city of Chichen Itza is a window into the ancient Maya civilization. Historians believe it housed the most diverse Mayan population.
Sound behaves differently in Chichen Itza. Visitors cite strange echoes that shouldn’t be possible.
Clapping at the end of one court creates nine echoes in its center. A clap from the front of the pyramid’s staircase echoes like the chirp of the Mayan serpent god Kukulkan.
Archaeologists suspect a massive water-filled cavity lies underneath the temple dedicated to this god.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru (Built Mid-15 Century AD)
Perched atop the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
The Incas integrated its terraced fields and stone masonry into the surrounding landscape.
The Lost City of the Incas was abandoned a century after construction and rediscovered by Americans in 1911.
Parts of the citadel remain sealed to this day; many speculate that the Incans buried massive stockpiles of gold in those chambers.
The Greatest Man-Made Structures in Existence
These wonders are a testament to the limitless creativity of humankind. They serve as living stories of triumph and perseverance.
Each required strength, ingenuity, and talent. Regardless of their storied histories, the Seven Wonders of the World are living testaments to what people accomplish.
Which one is at the top of your travel bucket list?
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.