A Journey through the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Plus One

From the Colosseum to Chichén Itzá, the Seven Wonders of the Modern World—together with the Panama Canal—tell the story of how human ingenuity created timeless works that unite history, technology, and universal symbolism.

A journey across extraordinary eras and places, where human creations defy time and imagination. From the Colosseum in Rome to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, passing through the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu in Peru, the 7 Wonders of the Modern World are not just tourist landmarks, but gateways to extraordinary ages and places—concrete examples of creativity, daring, and dreams turned into reality.

1. Colosseum (Italy)

Symbol of ancient Rome, the Colosseum (or Flavian Amphitheater), built between 72 and 80 AD, could host up to 50,000 spectators for gladiator fights, shows, and public games.

Its tiered arches and underground corridors reveal advanced construction techniques that, despite centuries of earthquakes and plundering, continue to amaze for their grandeur and functionality.

 

2. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)

Standing 38 meters tall atop Mount Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio de Janeiro. Built between 1922 and 1931, its reinforced concrete structure clad in soapstone has withstood time and weather, making this Jesus statue in Brazil a universal symbol of peace and welcome.

3. Great Wall (China)

Built starting in the 3rd century BC to protect the Chinese Empire, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers across mountains and deserts. More than just a defensive barrier, the longest wall in the world also served to control the Silk Road and strengthen imperial power, showcasing centuries of technical and strategic mastery.

4. Machu Picchu (Peru)

The ancient Inca city, dating back to the 15th century, sits at 2,430 meters above sea level. Rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu combines agricultural terraces, temples, and dwellings perfectly adapted to the mountain landscape.

The history of Machu Picchu, the precision of its construction and its harmony with the natural environment make it an enduring example of sustainable design and ingenuity.

5. Petra (Jordan)

The Nabataean capital carved into pink sandstone, Petra in Jordan fascinates with its monumental façades such as the Treasury and the Monastery. Beyond its beauty, the Nabataeans developed sophisticated water systems to thrive in the desert, showing how art and engineering could merge in remarkable ways.

6. Chichén Itzá (Mexico)

Center of the Maya civilization between the 7th and 10th centuries, Chichén Itzá is home to the Pyramid of Kukulkan, where during the equinoxes the play of light and shadow creates the illusion of a serpent descending the steps. Temples, astronomical observatories, and ritual ball courts reflect a civilization that combined religion, science, and architecture with extraordinary precision.

7. Taj Mahal (India)

Built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal, the most famous Indian landmark, is a Mughal masterpiece of white marble inlaid with precious stones.

This mausoleum, a symbol of eternal love, offers a visual experience that changes with the light of day, blending art, engineering, and landscape design into timeless harmony.

Often, these seven wonders are joined by the “8th Wonder of the World”—an achievement that completes the journey through humanity’s most extraordinary creations.

8. Panama Canal (Panama)

Inaugurated in 1914, the Panama Canal revolutionized global trade by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The modern expansion—built by Webuild with the new Panama Canal locks, the Agua Clara and Cocolí locks—allows passage for ships larger than ever before. This extraordinary structure combines scale, engineering, and global impact, standing as the 8th Wonder of the World.

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