With the exception of the pyramids at Giza, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are so much dust blowing in the wind. The most amazing manmade architectural constructions of antiquity, the seven wonders once regaled Greek sightseers. (You can still read their graffiti near the pyramids in Egypt!) While other seven wonders lists have appeared over time, the classic Mediterranean sights selected by the ancient Greeks are revered as the traditional Wonders of the World. Time, fire and earthquakes have demolished the storied Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the immense Colossus of Rhodes, the towering Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the others. Only the Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt, built from 2650 to 2500 BC, remains standing today. Over the centuries, other feats of human engineering have been awarded World Wonders status, including Stonehenge, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. More recently the American Society of Civil Engineers compiled a list of modern wonders that include the Channel Tunnel under the Straits of Dover, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Panama Canal. The search for the recently released New Seven Wonders of the World was initiated in 2001 by the Swiss New Open World Corporation. From a list of 200 monuments, 21 finalists were announced in January 2006 and put to a global internet vote. While some may argue with the selections -- Stonehenge and the Easter Island monoliths didn't make the cut -- the seven new sites chosen are truly deserving of man's admiration. In deference to its inclusion in the original list of Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids at Giza were included again as an honorary, eighth, wonder. The new Wonders of the World are:
- Colosseum in Italy
- Taj Mahal in India
- Petra in Jordan
- Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil
- Manchu Picchu in Peru
- Pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico
- Great Wall of China
- Pyramids at Giza in Egypt
Unlike our ancient ancestors, modern travellers can plan to visit the World Wonders in their lifetime. The new list makes a good start to an eclectic life travel list. Mexico's Esencia Resort now offers a special 7th World Wonder travel package to vacationers who want to visit Chichen Itza. Flight by private jet cuts travel time from an arduous seven to a very accessible three hours, placing the Mexican architectural marvel within the reach of many more travellers. A day trip to the massive 79-foot tall stair-step pyramid (365 steps if you climb to the top!) is the centerpiece of a 5-night, 6-day luxury vacation at the beautiful resort. Click here for more information.
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