7 Wonders of the World 2025, Names, Location, Old & New List

7 Wonders of the World: Across the globe, there are countless architecture that leave us in amaze, some crafted by human hands and others formed by nature itself. From grand churches and temples to monumental tombs, mosques, and entire cities, these creations have endured for centuries, constantly reminding us of human artistry. While the world is filled with incredible landmarks, there are seven in particular that are celebrated for their exceptional design and craftsmanship. These 7 Wonders of the World include the Great Wall of China, Petra, the Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer-each a testament to the brilliant minds and skills of their creators.

7 Wonders of the World

In 2000, the Swiss Foundation started a campaign to select the 7 Wonders of the World from the existing collection of 200 monuments. Out of the 200 monuments and landmarks under consideration, seven were chosen to be recognized as the New 7 Wonders of the World. These include the Giza Pyramid, the Great Wall of China, Petra, the Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer. Although the Great Pyramid of Giza is an iconic monument, it was not included in the official list of the Seven Wonders of the World, being recognized more as a historic landmark. Below, we provide a table showcasing the New Seven Wonders of the World.

List of 7 Wonders of the World

Below we have shared some facts related to each of the 7 Wonders of the World For a better understanding and to stay updated with the unknown facts.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stands as one of the most massive construction projects in history. It is often referred to as a “wall” due to its dual structure, consisting of parallel walls spanning vast distances. This extensive network of fortifications was designed to safeguard the Chinese empires and their borders. Throughout history, various sections of the wall were built, starting as early as the 7th century BC, but the most iconic parts were constructed during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The entire system, including its branches, stretches over 21,196 kilometres. In 1987, it earned a UNESCO World Heritage status, drawing tourists from across the globe.

Petra, Jordan

Located in a secluded valley in between sandstone mountains, Petra is a historical and archaeological wonder in southern Jordan. Originally known as Raqmu, Petra became the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, an Arab tribe that made remarkable advancements in trade, architecture, and water management. The city flourished as a trade hub, particularly for spices. The rock-cut structures, which change hues under different sunlight, earned it the nickname “Rose City.” Petra’s complex water system and stunning architecture continue to captivate tourists.

The Colosseum, Italy

Located in Rome, the Colosseum (also called the Flavian Amphitheater) is an architectural marvel from the first century AD. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and completed by his son Titus in AD 80, this oval-shaped arena was designed for large-scale public spectacles. Made primarily from concrete and sand, the Colosseum features a series of intricate vaults and remains the largest amphitheater ever built. Today, it stands as an enduring symbol of Imperial Rome, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza, located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, was once a thriving city of the Maya civilization. At its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries CE, the city served as a center for trade and culture. The city’s most famous structure, the El Castillo pyramid, is a testament to the Mayans’ astronomical knowledge, with 365 steps representing the days of the year. Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, attracts tourists from around the world to explore its ancient temples and ball courts.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel built 7,970 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Believed to have been built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site was abandoned by the 16th century but remained hidden from the outside world until American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, agricultural terraces, and sacred temples, Machu Picchu remains one of the most well-preserved pre-Columbian sites in the world. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 and continues to draw explorers and history enthusiasts.

The Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is an architectural masterpiece and symbol of eternal love. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is renowned for its stunning white marble dome and intricate design. The Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete and employed 20,000 workers, also features a vast garden and reflecting pool. It houses the tombs of both Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions each year.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer, a monument statue of Jesus Christ, stands at the top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This Art Deco statue, designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, was completed in 1931. The 30-meter (98-foot) tall statue, with outstretched arms measuring 28 meters (92 feet), is made of reinforced concrete and covered in mosaic tiles. It overlooks the city of Rio and is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. In 2007, Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

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Original 7 Wonders of the World

Of the Original 7 Wonders of the World, only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains intact today. The others were lost to history, destroyed over time by natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires. Among them, the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon are believed to have been built near the Euphrates River, in present-day Iraq, by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 B.C. Ancient Greek poets described the gardens as a marvel, reportedly rising to a height of 75 feet atop a large, square, brick structure. The complete list of the Original 7 Wonders of the World includes:

1. Great Pyramid of Giza – Egypt
2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon – Ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia – Greece
4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus – Turkey
5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – Turkey
6. Colossus of Rhodes – Greece
7. Lighthouse of Alexandria – Egypt

7 Wonders of the World Selection Process

The concept of the 7 Wonders of the World dates back to the 5th century BCE, when Greek historian Herodotus first made a list of the most remarkable man-made structures he encountered during his travels. These wonders reflected the inspiring achievements of ancient civilizations in architecture and engineering.

In contrast, a modern list, known as the New 7 Wonders of the World was finalized in 2007 through a global public voting campaign initiated by the New7Wonders Foundation. Millions of people from around the world participated, selecting monuments they believed best represented human creativity and heritage.

While there were no rigid criteria for selection, the chosen wonders typically stood out for their historical significance, architectural brilliance, cultural impact, and visual amazement.