The new 7 wonders of the modern world.

May 04, 2012

The new 7 wonders of the modern world.

The task of choosing the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World was carried out by the thousands and thousands of people from all countries who voted by mail or text message to your favorite and who were part of an international competition: the idea was to choose between structures created before the year 2000 and that were in place at present, excluding the Pyramids of Egypt, belonging to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

1. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal was ordered built by the Muslim emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, who died giving birth to their fourteenth child. This succession of buildings were erected between the years 1631 to 1654 through the efforts of 20,000 workers colozal. The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Islamic architecture, Persian, Indian and even Turkey. The monument has been especially well known for the romantic character of its inspiration. Although the mausoleum covered by the dome of white marble is the most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated set of buildings.

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza , in Yucatan , Mexico, is one of the major archaeological sites of the peninsula and the first of the New Seven Wonders of the World in America. Witness the time when the Maya began to lose its power. The area is a World Heritage Site since 1988. The massive architecture that has survived to this day and today is emblematic of the field, has a clear Toltec influence. The god who presides over the site, according to Mayan mythology, is Kukulcan, Maya representation of Quetzalcoatl, god of the pantheon taken from the Toltec culture. That said, consider that Chichen Itza was a city or a ceremonial center, which went through various periods constructive and influences of the different peoples that occupied it, which led it since its foundation.

3. Christ Redeemer, Brazil

The Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro took four years to build, and has the best record: no one died during construction, a rarity in those days. Opened in 1926, is a Herculean work of engineering, architecture and sculpture. Considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. It is recognized as one of New Seven Wonders of the World next to Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Chichen Itza, and Petra.

4. Machu Pichu, Peru

Second New Wonder of the Modern World in South America, Machu Picchu , the citadel of the Incas, the result is a gem of architecture and engineering set in incredible scenery in Peru. Erected in the mid-fifteenth century on the eastern slopes of the central Andes, is visited and captured in photos by thousands of tourists each year. Machu Picchu is considered both a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Its unique architectural features and landscape, and the veil of mystery that has woven around much of the literature published on the site, have made him one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet

5. Great Wall, China

The Great Wall of China is also the second wonder of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World in Asia, an ancient fortification designed to protect the borders from invasion to be built and rebuilt between centuries BC V and XVI. Today only retains 30% of what it was. It has 8,851.8 kilometers long extending from the border with Korea to the Gobi Desert. In any of its images, is revealed as a monumental work. One of the most striking sections of the Ming Great Wall is where steep slopes back. Walk 11 km long, 5 to 8 meters high and 6 meters at the bottom, up to 5 meters at the top. Has 67 watchtowers and is at 980 meters above sea level.

6. Roman Colosseum, Italy

The Coliseum is the only one of the most popular landmarks in Europe. Located in the center of Rome and is the symbol of classical antiquity that remains from the first century when it was built by the Roman Empire. Originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and Colosseum but was popularized by the Colossus of Nero , a large statue that was located next to it. The Coliseum is also a wonder, one of the most photographed monuments in the world. The Colosseum was used for nearly 500 years, celebrating the last games ever in the sixth century, much later than the traditional date of the fall of Western Roman Empire in 476 d. C. Just as gladiator fights, many other public spectacles were held here, as naumaquias, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

7. Petra, Jordan

Petra , in Jordan was the ancient capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Its beauty is that this city was literally carved and sculpted in stone. In the middle of a narrow valley, the Petra settlement extends from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. By the eighth century, changing trade routes and suffered earthquakes, led to the abandonment of the city by its inhabitants. Was forgotten in the modern era, and the site was rediscovered for the western world by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Many buildings whose facades are directly carved into the rock, forming a unique monument from December 6, 1985, is inscribed on the List of World Heritage of UNESCO. The area surrounding the site is also, since 1993, National Archaeological Park.