New World Wonders
In 2006 , 21 monuments were short listed amid much controversy by Swiss organization New Open World Corporation for the public to vote online and name the New Seven Wonders of the World. Alongside one honorary wonder , the Pyramid of Giza, these seven winners were unveiled on 7 July 2007.
Chichen Itza , Mexico
Dated: 800 A.D.
From its famed heyday as the Mayan Political and economic center as well as site for human sacrifices, several surviving structures including the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Warriors, the Hall of Thousand Pillars and the Great Ball Court can still be found here.
Colosseum, Italy
Dated: 70 A.D.
Construction of the Colosseum began under the rule of Emperor Vespasian to celebrate a great victory and was used for gladiator fights and cruel blood sports which sacrificed over 9000 wild animals during its inaugural games. More recently, the site has provided the backdrop of concerts by Ray Charles, Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Petra, Jordan.
Dated: ? BC - 40 A.D.
Petra was known as the capital of the Nabatean empire of King Aretas IV hewn out of rose red rock cliffs. Masters of the water technology, the Nabateans provided their city with great tunnel construction and water chambers. Keep an eye out for its appearance in movies such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Mortal Combat: Annihilation .
Great Wall Of China, China.
Dated: 220BC and 1386 - 1444 A.D.
China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang fortified and linked existing defense walls to keep the invading Mongol tribes out, which inadvertently created the largest man-made monument ever to have been built - the Great Wall of China. Although parts of the wall have been preserved, more than 60km of the wall in Gansu province is in danger of disappearing over the next 20 years due to sandstorms.
Machhu Pichhu, Peru.
Dated : 1460
The lost city of Macchu Pichu was built by the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and was only rediscovered three centuries later by American historian Hiram Ringham in 1911 . The site consists of several mystical structures, including the Intuhuatana stones which shamans believe will allow a person to see the spirit world by rubbing their forehead on it.
Taj Mahal, India
Dated : 1648
The Taj Mahal was built by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan to honor the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. Constructed out of white marble and standing amids carefully manicured gardens, it is considered the finest monument of Muslim art and architecture. These days, the monument attracts two to 4 million tourist annually.
Christ The Redeemer , Brazil.
Dated: 1931
Thirsty eight metres tall, this statue of Christ overlloks Rio de Janeiro from its perch atop the Corcovado mountain. The statues has become a symbol of the city and the warmth of Brazilian people who welcome visitors with open arms. Earlier this year the statues was struck by lightning during a violent electrical storm that hit Rio de Janeiro . It remained unharm.
We “me and family” made a trip to Petra in Jordan in April 2007. it was a piece of art and fabulous.
We flew from Berlin to Amman- Jordan. We traveled at modern buses with a guide/driver.
Our route was Amman, Jerash, Ajloun , Petra , Dead Sea.
On the way we experienced architectural, archaeological, historical and cultural places: noble mosques, interesting museums, ancient castle, unique ruins, stone paths, the lowest point on earth with mineral salty water at Dead sea. Also we went to see how nomads live in their tents.
Before our trip we got a lot of warnings and surprising comments on Jordanians’ hostility toward Westerners. Anyhow in every city, town and village we felt ourselves very welcome and every person was polite and hospitable to us.
Our guide was the best possible guide. His knowledge of Jordan, the past and the present is enormous and his driving style is convincing, A trip with him was like a trip with a friend not with a formal guide. From my experience, http://libertytourism.com/Programs.html is one of the best tours at Jordan where all you may need and ask on one place.
Hans Herrman
[Reply]
thank you for your share Hans
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