World Wonders

Drew Mims
Sep 8, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

1. Great Wall of China

Many travel across the world for a glimpse of the winding, ancient pathways of the Great Wall of China. This imposing structure covers an incredible 6700km and was built over 2000 years ago to protect the Chinese states and empires from marauders from the North. Signal towers dotted along the wall’s highest points were used to spot the enemy from afar. While certain sections of the wall are beautifully maintained, others have fallen into crumbling disrepair. The wall itself is a stunning architectural feat, and fits seamlessly into China’s rugged, lush-green landscape.

Location: Beijing, China

Continent: Asia

Year Built: 1878

Visited: October 2016

2. Chichen Itza

There is no doubt that a visitor to Chichen Itza on the Yucatan peninsula will be awed at the astronomical skills of the ancient Mayan people. The fine stone buildings, columned arcades, as well as staggering artwork and stone monuments, is a feast for the senses, dominated by El Castillo, the famous stepped Pyramid. The accuracy of design, being the cornerstone of modern civilization with their incredible understanding and utilization of the 365 -day calendar, will leave anyone impressed.

Location: Yucatan, Mexico

Continent: North America

Year Built: 400 AD

Visited: May 2016

3. Taj Mahal

Built as a symbol of love, beauty and charm exude from the glorious white marble. The lines of symmetry and detail afforded within the Mughal architecture leave you staggered and in wonder that it ‘only’ took 22 years to construct. Shimmering with radiance against the Indian sky, the dome draws your line of sight upwards: It is a truly awe-inspiring site.

Location: Agra, India

Continent: Asia

Year Built: 1630

Visited: May 2020

4. Petra

Amongst the mountains of the Arabah valley in southern Jordan lies the ancient Rose City of Petra. It was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, which flourished in the 4th century BC. Much of the architecture is carved into the awesome mountainous rose-coloured rock. As well as the famous Treasury which contains the tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, you can also explore the ancient city such as a Roman colonnaded street and an amphitheater that dates to the Hellenistic period.

Location: Jordan

Continent: Asia

Year Built: 1812

Visited: June 2019

5. Machu Pichu, Peru

This once-isolated Inca Empire, rising from the misty stepped terraces, blends so naturally in to the surrounding rock escarpments – it truly is an ancient wonder. The Inca trail leads to this incredible high ridge that boasts a citadel made from cut stone and demonstrates the power of the Inca Empire. Whether arriving by the traditional hike, or by train, you will be amazed.

Location: Peru

Continent: South America

Year Built: 1450

Year Visited: February 2015

6. Colosseum

"Are you not entertained?!" The Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheater, built over 1,900 years ago to host gladiatorial contests, executions, animal hunts and other gruesome spectacles. Even in its crumbling state, the Colosseum is a fearsome site to behold. Close your eyes and imagine the roars of more than 50,000 spectators as they watched all the battles and bloodshed.

Location: Rome, Italy

Continent: Europe

Year Built: 70 AD and 82 AD

Visited: December 2017

7. Christ the Redeemer

The buzzing city of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city and host of the 2016 Olympics. Atop the of Corcovado (meaning “hunchback” in Portuguese) is the youngest of the Seven Wonders, the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer. Constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue is 30 metres high and was almost entirely funded by donations by Brazilian Catholics.