There are many lists and ratings that must be visited by travelers and tourists. The controversy surrounding these lists does not subside for a minute, some argue that the Kremlin is more magnificent than Hagia Sophia, while others prefer the Acropolis of Athens. We will not argue, because we believe that everything needs to be seen (although this, unfortunately, is impossible), but we will name 7 places that are certainly present in any tourist rating. These attractions are called “7 New Wonders of the World” and the obligatory nature of their visits does not raise any questions. The "legitimacy" of the inclusion of precisely these places in the list of the new seven wonders of the world is confirmed by the vote of people from all over the world. For clarity, we complement the article with beautiful photographs of these fascinating places, after viewing which you will only have to pack your suitcase and order tickets. At the bottom of the article we will place an interactive map on which you will see 7 new wonders of the world.
1
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is the result of a husband’s love for his wife. Probably everyone knows that it was erected by order of the padishah Shah Jahan in honor of the deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal. The wife of the ruler gave him 14 children, but died during childbirth. In memory of his wife, Shah Mahal decided to implement a grandiose project for the construction of a mausoleum-mosque. The construction of one of the wonders of the world lasted more than 20 years, and was completed in the middle of the XVII century. Perhaps the Taj Mahal can be called the most complex and expensive burial in the world, although the interior of the tomb itself according to Muslim tradition is missing. We already wrote about it in our article about the most incredible architectural structures of antiquity.
From the very beginning of construction around the Taj Mahal a lot of rumors and legends have been swarming. It is believed that in the process of work more than 20 thousand workers were involved, as well as more than a thousand elephants. White marble, which is so famous for the mausoleum, as well as other materials were brought from all over the country on a specially prepared ramp. After death, the padishah himself was buried here. Thanks to the perfect symmetry of the Taj Mahal, it looks great on photographs taken from any angle. If you want to take a bewitching shot, we advise you to visit the landmark at dawn, while the area is not yet filled with tourists.
The importance of the Taj Mahal for India cannot be overestimated, because tourists visiting the mosque-mausoleum (about 4 million people a year) make a significant contribution to replenishing the state budget. Unfortunately, in recent years the Taj Mahal has become noticeably yellow, losing its famous whiteness. According to scientists, this is due to the drainage of the Jamna River. If you do not stop the shallowing, the structure of the soil will be changed, which can lead to the destruction of a magnificent building.
2
Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
No less iconic than the Taj Mahal, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located in the most famous city of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. The beginning of its construction in the 20s of the 20th century was dedicated to the celebration of the centenary of Brazil's independence. According to another version, the 38-meter statue was erected due to the separation of the state from the church in 1889, and was supposed to oppose the "sinful" policy of the country's leadership. This version is contradictory, if only because the Brazilian government was the initiator of the construction of the monument.
Interestingly, almost all the elements of the statue were made in France. Yes, the French know a lot about the construction of monuments, because it was they who gave the people of the United States the famous Statue of Liberty. The outstretched hands of Christ symbolize not only the cross, but also speak of the readiness of Jesus to embrace any person, regardless of his life path. The statue is covered with nearly 6 million small stone tiles made by pious women who wrote on the back of prayers or the names of loved ones.
According to statistics, Christ the Redeemer annually suffers from 4 lightning strikes, so the Brazilian Catholic Church keeps the stone from which the monument was made to replace the destroyed parts. In particular, in 2013 and 2014, lightning destroyed two fingers on Christ's right hand. You can get to the foot of the statue on a small train that ran before the erection of the monument, by taxi or on foot.
3
Petra, Jordan
Although the word of Peter means “rock”, under such a boring name is not a boring place. In the Ancient World, in this highland area on the territory of modern Jordan, the capital of Edom was located. The city also had the status of a capital during the heyday of the Nabatean kingdom. Petra was founded around 300 BC. e. Its location at the intersection of two trade routes connecting the Red Sea with Damascus, as well as the Mediterranean (Gaza city) with the Persian Gulf, for many years predetermined the prosperity of all residents until the Romans opened sea trade routes, which shifted the center of spice trade to the West.
To get to Petra you have to go through the narrow canyon Sik. A walk will take only 15 minutes, only enhancing the effect of what you see. Coming out of the canyon, you will find yourself in front of one of the greatest attractions in the world: the rock temple of Al Khazneh. Carved into the rock, it is huge and majestic. The sandstone shimmers in the sun in pink, orange and red shades, which are poured at sunset, "burning" not only the temple, but the whole city. This city was forgotten for several centuries, until in 1812, the Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burkhardt found it. It is hard to imagine the whole gamut of his emotions at the time of the reopening of the city.
If you plan to visit the temple, which is also called the “Treasury of the Pharaoh,” try to get into the city in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Later return to Al Khazne, enjoying its view in the lights of hundreds of candles.
4
Great Wall of China
Do you know that the Great Wall of China is the only human structure that can be seen from space without the use of optical instruments? You know, then forget it, because this is just a myth, warmed up by American comics in the 30s of the XX century. Not only does the Great Wall of China, even from the moon, is seen no wider than a human hair, so it also merges with the soil, which obviously does not add contrast to it. Although the name “wall” itself is not entirely true, after all, we are talking about several walls built at different times and having gaps. The reason for the construction of all sections of the walls was protection from the attacks of nomadic tribes. The construction of the first wall dates back to the III century BC. e., although some historians claim to find traces of buildings from 700 BC. This wall was supposed to prevent the raids of the Hunnu people, and become the visible border of the Chinese state. The latest building dates back to 1300 years. She defended the Ming Dynasty that ruled China from Mongol attacks. If you connect all sections of the wall and align them “to the ruler”, its length will exceed 20,000 km. It climbs over the hills, crossing 9 modern Chinese provinces.
It is interesting that during the construction of the first sections of the Great Wall of China, which today is almost completely destroyed, about a million Chinese were involved, which was then a fifth of the state’s population. Despite the grandeur of the structure, researchers doubt its practical value. It was not difficult for the mobile army of the Mongol khans to circumvent the wall or to give a bribe for the passage. Often, nomads bribed the guards, who let them through the wall, where they robbed with impunity.
5
Colosseum, Italy
Looking at the Roman Coliseum, it is hard to believe that such a magnificent building "grew" in just 8 years of construction. Although this antique stadium is correctly called the Flavian Amphitheater, the name Colosseum has taken root among the people, which was applied to all buildings for gladiatorial battles in the Roman Empire.
The construction of the Coliseum was completed in 80 AD. e. During the sold-outs, he gathered more than 50 thousand spectators who contemplated the gladiators fighting among themselves, their battle with animals or dramatization of historical events of the Ancient World. The amphitheater became a symbol of both the greatness and the decline of Rome, when the inhabitants of the capital only did that they attended entertainment events, leaving labor for numerous slaves.
The destruction of parts of the Coliseum occurred as a result of earthquakes, vandalism, robberies and fires. Despite the fact that today we can only observe the ruins of one of the wonders of the world, even in this form the structure is amazing in its scale and compels to pay tribute to the skill of ancient architects and builders.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is a very interesting article about the most beautiful places in Italy.
6
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient city located on the territory of modern Peru. Due to its high location (more than 2,400 meters above sea level), it is often called the "city among the clouds." The name itself translates as "old peak". It is believed that the city was created by the Inca ruler Pachakutek in the middle of the XV century. Machu Picchu was not a full-fledged city, but rather a sanctuary and residence of the Inca rulers. Its population did not exceed 750 inhabitants, and the city itself lasted less than a century, until it was plundered by the Spanish conquistadors. It is noteworthy that all the inhabitants of the "old peak" mysteriously disappeared, giving rise to myths and legends about the Inca curse.
Forgotten for many years, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in the second decade of the 20th century by US scientist Hyrum Bingham. Although the city was abandoned, several peasants lived here, hiding from the army or paying taxes. Excavations and restoration of a number of buildings allowed to restore the ancient city, showing all its beauty and grandeur. Now, Machu Picchu receives so many tourists every year that UNESCO decided to limit the flow of travelers to 2500 people per day so as not to harm the historical monument. Most-beauty.ru included Machu Picchu in the list of the most beautiful places on the planet, as well as in the rating of the most romantic places on earth.
To get to Machu Picchu you should take a train to Cuzco and get to Aguas Calientes, from where you can walk or take the bus. Hiking enthusiasts make a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, breaking the route from Cuzco in 4-6 days. To avoid a huge number of tourists, we recommend visiting this sacred place just before sunrise or at sunset.
7
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the city of Chichen Itza, was one of the main settlements of the Mayans, from where the entire territory of this ancient people was controlled. The heyday of the city falls on the period from VI to XII centuries of our era. Scientists still have not agreed on a translation of the name of the city. The most popular version says that the name of the ancient Mayan capital is translated as “at the mouth of the Itza well”. This version is supported by a large number of underwater rivers and funnels filled with fresh water, which played an important role in the life of the Yucatan population in general and Chichen Itza in particular.
In fact, the city experienced two periods of its heyday, the first (VI-VII centuries) is associated with the Mayan culture, the second (X-XI) is characterized by the rule of the Toltecs, who captured the region in the 900s. e. The reasons for the desolation of Chichen Itza are still unknown, but by the time the Spaniards arrived, it was already abandoned by people, being a sacred place for Mayan peasants making a pilgrimage to the shrines.
If you watched at least one Hollywood movie or cartoon about the Mayan civilization, you definitely saw the constructions of Chichen Itza, so beloved by directors from the USA. The easiest way to get to the ancient city is by starting the journey from the Mayan Riviera or Cancun. To avoid crowding of tourists it is better to visit Chichen Itza in the early morning. If you arrive here at the vernal equinox (March 21), you can see the famous “snake effect” sliding down the main pyramid of the ancient city.
And photos of the great and mysterious ancient pyramids of the planet can be found on our website most-beauty.tu.
Summarize
And here is a map of the described places:
We showed you seven new wonders of the world. Someone may not agree with the objectivity of the inclusion of precisely these objects in this list. But it is very interesting for us to hear your opinion both about the list itself and about some wonders of the world separately. We are waiting for your comments.