The 7 wonders of the modern world

What are the wonders of the world? Every country has that one place, that one architectural fascination, or that one structure that you really want to see. Be it the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Empire State Building in New York, or simply "that crosswalk" in Tokyo. We all have our own wishes as to where we should go next and what we must or would like to see in our lives. Because that is also the beauty of traveling: you are free to decide where you want to go. We don't want to take this decision away from you, because that's also part of it; making it. We want to make it easier for you and today the seven wonders of the modern world before.

An interesting fact: These seven wonders of the world were chosen in a worldwide vote in 2007. More than 90 million people took part at the time.

Petra: The pink city

This wonder of the world is located in southern Jordan and was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in ancient Arabia. Petra was probably founded in the 6th century BC and was an important trading hub that flourished due to its location on the trade routes between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Petra is best known for its unique architecture, with many buildings carved directly into the pink-red rock landscape. Probably the most famous building is Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), an impressive temple with a façade carved into the rock. What's more, the entrance to the city is truly something special. You set off on a 1.2 km long path through a gorge, which prepares you perfectly for the sight of this breathtaking architecture.

With our TripLegend Trip through Jordan you even have the chance to marvel at the rock city by candlelight at night. A wonder of the world that you should definitely visit.

Taj Mahal: The wonder of the world under the sign of love

This building is located in the north of India and took around 22 years to complete after the project began in 1632. The snow-white building with its round domes, imposing decorations and extensive gardens is a symbol of India and is all about love.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. It is said that Shah Jahan was deeply affected by her death and built the Taj Mahal as a monument of eternal love for her.

The Mughal architecture can still be seen today and the Taj Mahal is a fascinating place in India for romantics and romantic souls alike, creating an unforgettable ambience with marble and individually inlaid gemstones. The so-called "love wonder of the world" should not be missing from your itinerary.

Cristo Redentor

This Brazilian landmark, which means "Christ the Redeemer", is located on the summit of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca National Park, which stretches through the heart of Rio de Janeiro, and is one of the most important religious landmarks in the world. At 38 meters high, it also offers an outstanding view of Rio de Janeiro.

The statue was erected as a religious symbol to represent Christian values and to ask for the protection of Rio de Janeiro and its inhabitants. There is also a small chapel in the base of the wonder of the world, which underlines its religious significance.

Chichén Itzá

Located on the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán, this Mayan ruin site was built around the 6th century AD and is still one of the most important archaeological finds in the world. The sites have many buildings that had different meanings for the Maya.

The most striking building in Chichen Itza is El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcán. This pyramid is around 30 meters high and serves as an astronomical calendar. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun creates a shadow play on the pyramid's staircase, giving the impression that a snake (Kukulcán) is gliding down the stairs.

Chichén Itzá was the largest political and trading center of the Mayas at that time and had its heyday around 800-1000 AD. It is said that 40 to 50 thousand people lived in the city during this time. However, it is difficult to give exact figures as no written records have ever been found and estimates are often used.

Great Wall of China

This wonder of the world is the first thing you think of when you think of special landmarks in China. With a length of over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive construction achievements of mankind. And it still is today. Construction began around the 7th century BC and continued for several centuries.

The primary function of the wall was to protect the Chinese empire from invasions and attacks by nomadic tribes and armies from the north. But the days of defense are over and today the wall serves as one of the most popular tourist spots. Particularly exciting: due to its length, you may have some sections completely to yourself if you are there at the right time.

Inca city of Machu Piccu

The Inca city of Machu Piccu is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 2,350 meters, which also gives the city its nickname. The city in the clouds comprises temples, residential buildings and palaces, as well as public buildings. The exact function of the city is still unclear, which is what makes it so magical.

You can find out on site how the Incas lived back then and how they treated each other. A completely different civilization that you can explore. A wonder of the world that has left many visitors speechless.

Colosseum

The Colosseum is located in the heart of Italy's capital Rome. Construction began in 72 AD and lasted around eight years. A landmark of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was large enough to hold up to 80,000 people. For comparison: that's more seats than in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

This architectural fascination was used for entertainment. Theater performances. Sea battles and, of course, gladiator fights, which were the most popular spectacle among the population. The history of the Colosseum still echoes in the corridors today.

So you can see that each of the Wonders of the World has its very own story. We have all seen pictures of these buildings, but you can only really understand the magic if you have been there yourself. If you can take it in with all your senses. Be it the Colosseum, or the city of Petra by night, a place we would like to accompany you to.

Enjoy traveling and set off on your next adventure: it doesn't always have to be a wonder of the world.