The Wonders of the World are a collection of architectural and natural monuments that have left an indelible mark on human history. From the mighty Great Wall of China to the majestic Taj Mahal, these wonders not only amaze us with their beauty, but also with the stories and mysteries that surround them. In this article, we explore the history, mysteries and curiosities of the 7 Wonders of the World, each a reflection of human ingenuity.

1. The Great Wall of China

Descriptión:
The Great Wall of China is one of humanity’s most iconic structures. Stretching more than 21,000 kilometres, this ancient fortress was built to protect the Chinese empire from nomadic invaders from the north. It is one of the most impressive Wonders of the World for its size and history.

History:

Construction of the Great Wall of China began in the VII BC, but most of the sections visible today were built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Over the centuries, the wall was not only a military barrier, but also a symbol of the determination and ingenuity of the Chinese people.

Mysteries:

The wall hides many secrets. It is believed that some sections were built over ancient burial grounds, which has fuelled ghost stories and supernatural legends. In addition, the use of different materials in different sections has puzzled historians, who speculate about the methods used for its construction.

Curiosities:

• The Great Wall is not a single continuous structure but a series of interconnected fortifications, some of which are in ruins.
• Some sections of the wall are wide enough to allow the passage of vehicles.

2. Petra, Jordan

Descriptión:
Petra is an ancient Nabataean city located in the Jordanian desert. Famous for its impressive rock-cut buildings, Petra was one of the most prosperous cities of antiquity. Today, Petra is considered one of the Wonders of the World for its incredible architecture and the mystery surrounding its history.

History:

Petra was founded in the VI BC. and became a thriving commercial centre due to its strategic location. Its unique architecture, which combines elements of the Nabataean tradition with influences from other cultures, makes it a fascinating site for historians and archaeologists.

Mysteries:

One of the great mysteries of Petra is how the Nabataeans, without advanced tools, were able to carve these monumental structures into the rock with such precision. In addition, many believe that the city was a secret religious centre, with temples and structures that have yet to be fully explored.

Curiosities:

• The ‘Treasure’ of Petra, which appears in several films, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, is not a treasure, but a real tomb.
• Petra was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, although it was already known to the local inhabitants.

3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Descriptión:
Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer is one of the most iconic statues in the world. With its arms outstretched towards the city, this monumental figure represents peace and welcome. It is one of the modern Wonders of the World, recognised both for its size and the meaning it holds for the people of Brazil.

History:

The statue was unveiled in 1931 and is 30 metres high. Christ the Redeemer was designed by sculptor Paul Landowski and built in concrete and stone. It is a symbol not only of the Christian faith, but also of Brazilian culture.

Mysteries:

One of the mysteries of Christ the Redeemer is the precision with which its outstretched arms were designed, without the use of advanced technologies. In addition, there are theories about the methods of financing the statue, which was built with the support of church, government and private donors.

Curiosities:

• Christ the Redeemer was named one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World in 2007.
• It is 700 metres above sea level, which allows it to overlook the entire city of Rio de Janeiro.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

Descriptión:
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Peruvian Andes, famous for its perfectly interlocking stone structures. This archaeological site, considered one of the Wonders of the World, attracts millions of tourists every year due to its mysticism and stunning location.

History:

Machu Picchu was built in the XV century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacutec. The city was abandoned in the XVI century, probably due to the Spanish invasion, and remained hidden until its rediscovery by the explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Mysteries:

The main mystery of Machu Picchu is how the Incas managed to build such an advanced city without metal tools. The ‘dry stone’ technique, which uses stones fitted together without mortar, remains an enigma to archaeologists. In addition, the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a matter of debate.

Curiosities:

• Although Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911, it was known to the locals long before Bingham’s arrival.
• It is considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Latin America.
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5. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Descriptión:
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This city was an important cultural and religious centre, famous for the pyramid of Kukulkan, which is one of the main attractions of this Wonder of the World.

History:

Chichen Itza was founded around the V century AD and reached its peak between the IX and X centuries. During this time, it was one of the most influential centres of Mayan civilisation, with a vast trade network and a rich cultural life.

Mysteries:

The main mystery of Chichen Itza lies in its astronomical and architectural knowledge. The pyramid of Kukulkan is perfectly aligned with the movements of the sun, creating a unique visual phenomenon during the spring and autumn equinoxes. In addition, the purpose of structures in the city, such as the observatory, remains a mystery.

Curiosities:

• During the equinoxes, the shadow cast by the pyramid of Kukulkan creates the illusion of a snake slithering down the stairs.
• El juego de pelota maya, que se jugaba en Chichen Itzá, era mucho más que un deporte; también tenía un significado religioso y político.

6. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Description:
The Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheatre ever built, a testament to Roman engineering. Considered one of the Wonders of the World, the Colosseum was the scene of public spectacles such as gladiatorial battles and mock naval battles.

History:

Built in the I century AD, the Colosseum could hold up to 50,000 spectators. For centuries, it was the centre of entertainment in Rome, and its spectacles were part of the daily life of the Roman Empire.

Mysteries:

Aunque es conocido por sus combates de gladiadores, el Coliseo también guarda muchos secretos sobre la vida en la antigua Roma. Se cree que algunos pasajes secretos conectan el Coliseo con otras partes de la ciudad, y aún existen teorías sobre cómo se gestionaban los espectáculos tan elaborados.

Curiosities:

• Despite its age, the Colosseum remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
• The Colosseum has been restored several times due to damage caused by earthquakes and looting.

7. The Taj Mahal, India

Description:
El Taj Mahal es un mausoleo de mármol blanco ubicado en Agra, India. Mandado construir por el emperador mogol Shah Jahan en memoria de su esposa Mumtaz Mahal, el Taj Mahal es una de las Maravillas del Mundo más románticas y emblemáticas del planeta.

History:

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. This masterpiece of Mughal architecture combines Islamic, Persian, Ottoman and Indian influences and is considered one of the most beautiful structures ever built.

Mysteries:

Existen teorías que sugieren que el Taj Mahal podría haber sido originalmente un templo hindú, debido a ciertos elementos arquitectónicos presentes en su diseño. Además, se dice que Shah Jahan tenía planes de construir un «Taj Mahal negro» para sí mismo, pero nunca pudo llevar a cabo este proyecto.

Curiosities:

• The Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
• Cada año, millones de turistas visitan este monumento, considerado una de las Maravillas del Mundo más famosas y visitadas.

Conclusion

The Wonders of the world are not only testaments to the architectural and cultural magnificence of past civilisations, but also symbols of human perseverance. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, each of these wonders continues to amaze and inspire those who have the privilege of visiting them, discovering more about their history, mysteries and curiosities.