The 7 Wonders of the Modern World are Chichén Itzá, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Rome, Petra, and the Taj Mahal.
We’re talking about seven iconic sites selected from 77 semifinalists through a global vote. The process took place in the 21st century, spearheaded by New7Wonders, which announced the results in 2007.
Want to get to know them?
Here’s the list of the 7 modern wonders and their locations. You’ll also discover how they differ from the ancient wonders.
The 7 Wonders of the Modern World are a list of monuments and sites that represent some of the most impressive works on the planet today.
The initiative was promoted by New7Wonders to create a new list with global reach and turn it into a culturally recognized international reference.
Although the project gained momentum in the 2000s, it wasn’t until 2007 that the selection we know today was announced.
Why Did This New List Emerge?
It emerged as a way to update the famous list of the 7 ancient wonders, which were defined in a completely different historical context.
With that said, let’s see what the new seven wonders of the world are…
The 7 Wonders of the Modern World are:
Chichén Itzá (Mexico).
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil).
Machu Picchu (Peru).
Great Wall of China (China).
Colosseum in Rome (Italy).
Petra (Jordan).
Taj Mahal (India).
To understand why these current world wonders are so famous, here’s a quick look at each:
An ancient Mayan city known for its monumental architecture and for having been one of the most important centers of this civilization.
Official name: Chichén Itzá.
Country/location: Mexico (Yucatán Peninsula).
Key fact: It was a political and ceremonial hub in Mesoamerica and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Among its best-known structures are El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the El Caracol Observatory.
The Christ the Redeemer statue is considered one of Brazil’s most recognizable symbols. It stands out for its panoramic location atop Corcovado, its Art Deco design, and its imposing scale.
Official name: Christ the Redeemer.
Country/location: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado Mountain).
Key fact: Inaugurated in 1931, it stands about 30 meters tall (plus the base), and its arms span roughly 28 meters.
It’s one of the most iconic images among today’s world wonders.
Machu Picchu is an Inca sanctuary built high in the mountains, famous for its spectacular setting and the precision of its stonework.
Official name: Machu Picchu.
Country/location: Peru (Cusco region, in the Andes).
Key fact: It sits at approximately 2,430 meters above sea level and has been part of the World Heritage list since 1983.
Its combination of terraces, temples, and pathways makes it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
The Great Wall of China is a system of fortifications created as a defense against invasions and to protect strategic territories. It’s remarkable for its length and the complexity of building across mountainous terrain.
Official name: Great Wall of China.
Country/location: China (northern regions, near Beijing and others).
Key fact: It is one of the largest engineering works ever undertaken.
Today it remains one of the most recognized historical symbols worldwide and one of the most visited sites in Asia.
A monumental amphitheater of ancient Rome, famous for its architecture and for having hosted major public spectacles.
Official name: Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater).
Country/location: Italy (Rome).
Key fact: It measures approximately 189 by 156 meters and held around 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat and public shows.
Its structure reflects the power of the Roman Empire and is still one of Europe’s most recognizable historical symbols.
An archaeological city famous for its buildings carved directly into rock, with façades that look hewn from a single block.
Official name: Petra.
Country/location: Jordan (south of the country, Wadi Musa region).
Key fact: It was an important trading center in antiquity and is now one of the Middle East’s most iconic destinations.
Its most emblematic structures are Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and Ad-Deir (The Monastery), which showcase the civilization’s architectural mastery.
We round out the list of the 7 modern wonders with the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum renowned for its symmetry and architectural detail.
Official name: Taj Mahal.
Country/location: India (Agra, in the north).
Key fact: It’s one of India’s most representative icons and one of the most famous works of Mughal architecture.
It was built as a symbol of love and remains one of the most photographed and admired monuments in the world.
If your dream is to travel the world, you should include at least one of these wonders in your plan. And if it’s your first time, we also suggest these other basic travel tips.
The differences between the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the Modern World are mainly explained by:
The era.
Their current state of preservation.
The selection criteria.
The following table summarizes the main differences clearly and directly:
7 Wonders of the Ancient World | 7 Wonders of the Modern World |
Era | Antiquity (2nd–1st centuries BC). |
Selection criteria | Traditional list attributed to Greek authors. |
Current preservation | Most were lost or remain in ruins. |
Still standing? | Only 1 (the Great Pyramid). |
Take advantage of the fact that these wonders are standing to visit them. Plus, it’s easier than ever to plan with the help of AI travel planners. You can even organize an itinerary that fits your budget—just compare options.
The new seven wonders of the world were chosen by millions of people from different countries through a global vote. Unlike other historical lists created by experts, the key factor here was public participation.
It’s worth noting that UNESCO stated it did not participate in Bernard Weber’s (New7Wonders) initiative and that this list is not part of the World Heritage program. That’s why this selection is known as a popular, internationally scoped list.
The 7 wonders of the world today have a huge impact on international tourism. Many of these places receive millions of visitors each year and have become must-see stops.
For example, Machu Picchu draws around 1.6 million visitors annually. The figure for the Taj Mahal is even higher, with 6.9 million between fiscal year 2024–25.
But beyond tourism, these wonders also hold historical and symbolic value. Not only do they represent different civilizations and architectural styles, they also reflect key moments in their countries’ histories.
They also remain relevant in today’s culture as educational references that spark interest in the past—while reinforcing the importance of preserving heritage.
And if you decide to travel alone to one of these destinations, you will see for yourself why they are considered unique and capture the world's attention.
The 7 Wonders of the Modern World have become a global reference because they bring together history, culture, and architecture. Each offers something different, from incredible natural scenery to ancient cities and monuments that tell centuries-old stories.
If you enjoy visiting iconic places, this list is a great starting point. The key before you pack is to plan ahead so the experiences truly stay with you.
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The 7 Wonders of the Modern World are Chichén Itzá, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum in Rome, Petra, and the Taj Mahal—all chosen for their cultural significance and global popularity.
Yes. Mexico has one of the 7 modern wonders: Chichén Itzá, located in Yucatán. It’s one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country and stands out for its historical importance within the Maya civilization.
The ancient wonders were a classical selection of works from the Mediterranean and Hellenistic world, and only one is still standing. The modern wonders were chosen in the 21st century by public vote and remain active tourist destinations.
Yes. All 7 Wonders of the Modern World are still standing and can be visited today. Some have been restored or preserved over time, but all remain real, living monuments.
The selection was determined through an international campaign organized by New7Wonders, where the public chose the winners from multiple options. In other words, the list wasn’t defined by a technical committee but by an open vote across many countries.
Sources:
Announcement of the 7 Modern Wonders
Machu Picchu: World Heritage since 1983
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