7 Wonders of the World (Natural, Ancient & New)

Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The 7 Wonders of the World have long been touted as those must-see destinations that you simply have to add to your bucket list. What you may not realise is that there are actually a number of ‘lists’ of seven. There’s the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World of course, but there’s also the 7 Wonders of the Natural World and the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Here are some of the best of the best.

Why the number 7?

You may be wondering why seven? The ancient Greeks believed this particular number represented perfection and plenty, and also it reflected the known number of plants (five) plus the Sun and Moon.

7 Wonders of the Ancient World

The seven wonders of the Ancient World were a series of remarkable architectural feats that were selected by Hellenic travellers. These notable structures present during classical antiquity, told stories of the human imagination and showed the traces of how civilisations left their marks on the world and culture.

Of these wonders, four were destroyed by earthquakes, two by fire and only one remains still standing to this day. Read on to discover the places in the world that were once considered to be the most important in the globe.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The oldest of the 7 and the only Ancient Wonder to have passed the test of time is, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, (who ruled during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom).

Over 4,500 years old this was one of the tallest manmade structures for centuries, taking nearly two decades to build and thousands of labourers using merely just rope, sleds and muscle, the pyramid stands tall as a powerful and impressive display of human achievement.

One of the most iconic sights of the world, over 14 million visitors flock to the monument each year (making it one of the most visited attractions of the world) and walk through the rich built history, marvelling at this true Ancient Wonder!

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

There is much speculation about this particular wonder of the world, this is because as to this date there is no archaeological evidence that it ever even existed!

Although there is no trace of the legendary gardens, they were supposedly built in the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq. Described by Greek travellers as a remarkable feat of engineering they are said to have been a series of ascending tiered gardens, luscious with a wide variety of trees, shrubs and vines, resembling a large green mountain.

We’ll never know if this paradise existed in physical from, but the Hanging Gardens of Babylon live on as one of the Ancient Wonders of the world through stories!

Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek sun god, Helios, that was built on the Greek island, Rhodes. It stood and impressive 33 meters high (approximately the same height as The Statue of Liberty, USA) and was the tallest statue of the ancient world, until its demise from an earthquake.

The mighty statue was built as a testament to the city’s independence after the long siege of Demetrius, symbolising victory and unity, it had a bronze core and was reinforced by iron.

Although the statue only stood for 56 years before crumbling to its knees, the ruins still remain as a popular attraction to visitors, preserved and kept at the entrance of the harbour where you can soak up the rich history of this once wonder of the world.

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The most renowned sculptor of the ancient era, Phidias, created this 12 meter masterpiece to celebrate the fabled god, Zeus, in around 435 BC.

The grand and powerful figure of Zeus was seated on a painted cedar wood throne, holding a sceptre in one hand and the statue of Nike in the other, this monumental work of art was housed in the Temple of Zeus, Olympia, Greece.

It’s not quite known how the Statue of Zeus was destroyed, some claim the ruler of the time Emperor Theodosius II closed the temple and had the statue destroyed, while others allege that it was dismantled and transported to Constantinople, where it was reportedly burned.

Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria

Built on the tiny island of Pharos in the harbour of the port city Alexandria, Egypt. This ancient lighthouse was considered a technical masterpiece of its time and served as a model to all the lighthouses that would follow.

Taking over 30 years to construct and standing over an impressive 100 meters tall, the lighthouse was used as a navigational landmark for voyagers along the Egyptian coast.

Sadly after being hit by multiple earthquakes, this wonder of the word was destroyed, toppling into the sea below. Although no longer standing, those who are diving enthusiasts can visit the ruins remains that rest on the seabed floor.

Temple of Artemis

Located in the ancient city Ephesus, which now stands as uninhabited ancient ruins in western Turkey, lies the Temple of Artemis.

The structure was built to celebrate Artemis, who was the goddess of chastity, hunting and the moon, and it became and important place of worship for the people at the time. Rising high into the clouds, the temple stretched a 115m high and was made up of Ionic style columns and decorated with intricately carved sculptures.

The destruction of the Temple of Artemis came at the hands of an ancient Greek named Herostratus, who looked to sought fame in any way possible and committed an act of arson, burning the temple to the ground.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Designed in 353 and 350 B.C.E by Greek architects, Satyrus and Pythis, this remarkable mausoleum, also known as a tomb was adorned with intricate stonework and sculptural reliefs, reaching approximately 45m tall.

The tomb was designed for Maussollos, a governor in the Persian Empire. The tomb however failed to stand the test of time, and was destroyed by successive earthquakes. Its remains can still be seen today in Bodrum, Turkey and also in the British Museum in London.

Seven Wonders (as we know now)

Between impossibly high mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, planet earth has no shortage of marvels that are out of this world in their uniqueness and beauty. The Seven Wonders is an organisation that was created with the intent of protecting and promoting these beautiful pockets of nature that are scattered across the globe.

The New Seven Wonders of the world are the human-made structures which was a new list compiled to recognise and preserve the impressive achievements of manmade constructs.

7 Natural Wonders of the World

Chosen in 1997 by the broadcasting network CNN in collaboration with the Seven Wonders organisation, the following list is the wonders of the world which were felts to express the Earth’s beauty. Thought to be some of Mother Nature’s most precious treasures.

Grand Canyon

Located in the United States, Arizona, this geological phenomenon is a product of tectonic uplift and has been carved out and shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. This natural wonder is believed to be around 70 million years old, older than the oldest known dinosaurs!

The layers of rock reveal the Earth’s geological history, the Grand Canyon stretching a vast 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide this terrestrial spectacle is truly a sight to behold.

People travel far and wide to this stunning destination, receiving close to 5 million visitors each year, renowned for its breathtaking views, colourful landscape and refreshing hiking trails. It’s no surprise that this natural wonder is on most people’s bucket list!

Great Barrier Reef

This gem of the world can be seen from outer space and is the earth’s biggest single structure made by living organisms, so there’s no question as to why this remarkable coral reef has been considered as one of the 7 natural wonders.

The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia and is renowned for its stunning biodiversity. Covering an area of a whopping 344,400 square kilometres the coral reef is bigger than United Kingdom, Switzerland and Holland combined!

This vast and diverse ecosystem is bursting with life, home to over 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. Also a habitat for Green sea turtles and Dugongs, both of which are species who face extinction.

Because of its diversity and scale the Great Barrier Reef is considered an extremely important ecosystem, one that has come under threat due to climate change. Therefore conservation of the reef and allowing it to rebound and repair itself naturally is essential to keeping this natural wonder in existence.

Harbour of Rio de Janeiro

Iconic and breathtaking, this is the world’s largest natural deep-water bay and has been considered a natural wonder for its sheer impressive size!

‘Rio de Janeiro’ translated literally as River of January, this beautiful bay took its name from the Portuguese explorers who first entered the bay on January 1st in 1502.

The bay is surrounded by mountainous landscapes of granite rock, one of the best views of Rio, its stunning harbour and the landscapes beyond is up the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain!

Mount Everest

No list of the Natural Wonders of the World would be complete without including Mount Everest, the highest spot on earth (with an elevation of 8,850m high into the sky!). The mountain is part of the Himalayas, a mountain range that was created when the Eurasian and Indian plates collided.

Today, this legendary mountain sits on the border between Tibet and Nepal. This particular mountain holds a sacred place in the people’s hearts of the surrounding lands, hailed as “Holy Mother” or “goddess of the sky”, its believed that the mountain is blessed with spiritual energy and should be honoured by all those who pass by.

Mount Everest continues to captivate the imagination of adventurers, every year approximately 800 people try to reach its dangerous but breath taking summit.

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

These spectacular dancing ribbons of light are a natural phenomena that can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Colours of blue, red, yellow, green, and orange light shifts and warps in the night sky as a product of an interaction between solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field (this is of course a very brief summary, there’s much more science behind this natural wonder).

Before the scientific explanation, there were many myths and legends surrounding the mysterious lights in the skies. One Nordic legend claims that the shimmering glow of the aurora was the last breath of brave soldiers who died in combat.

The Northern Lights have had sightings in various pockets of the globe. However, the most popular destinations to see this magical light display are in Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden, and the best time is when the sky is at darkest between the months of October and April.

Paricutin Volcano

This natural wonder earned its title when humankind quite literally witnessed its birth! From 1943-1952 this famous volcano grew out of a Mexican cornfield over the course of several years and ended up reaching an impressive 2,800 meters into the sky.

Paricutin Volcano, at the time of erruption, caused devastation to the surrounding town and its agricultural land, but today it is a popular tourist destination where people can walk around the hardened lava fields and explore the volcano’s cone.

Standing as testament to the dynamic force of nature, Paricutin has been an outstanding example of understanding the origins of volcanic eruption and has continued to inspire scientists and their research for years, and for many more to come.

Victoria Falls

Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe lies one of the world’s largest waterfalls, the glorious natural wonder, Victoria Falls.

This vast body of water stretches a width of 1,708 meters and falls from a height of 108 meters. Probably impossible to imagine unless you see it for yourself, it’s recorded to have 500 million litres of water cascade every minute!

This exceptional geological wonder attracts people from all over the world to see its outstanding beauty, the water gushing out at so much speed that the spray of water creates a refreshing mist (where rainbows can sometimes be spotted).

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Victoria Falls on a full moon you can witness a lunar rainbow also known as “moonbow”, this gorgeous phenomena takes place when a rainbow can be seen in the light of the moon at night!

New 7 Wonders of the World

Given that the previous 7 wonders of the world were decided in the 2nd century (and only one of them is still standing) it was decided there would be a new vote, and more than 100 million people took part in having their say and casting a vote on what they thought deserved to be on the list. The following, much like the wonders of the Ancient world, are all products of humankind and traces of our marks made on the world.

Colosseum, Italy

The Colosseum in Rome was constructed in the 1st century by the order of Emperor Vespasian and it is the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators!

Hosting a variety of entertainment from gladiator fights to animal hunts, the amphitheatre became an iconic symbol of ancient Rome and all its grandeur.

Today the Colosseum remains as a major draw for tourism revenue in Italy, not only that but this impressive feat of engineering is testimony to the skill and achievements of the Roman Empire, making it one of the new wonders of the world! Indeed, this iconic monument is so important that you have to see it even if you only have a long weekend in the city.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is an impressive complex of Mayan ruins which is located in the state of Yucatan, eastern Mexico. It is one of the most visited sights in the whole country and is rich with history and culture.

The Mayans mad Chichen Itza their home, it was a sacred city and a place of worship and ritual. In fact on the archaeological site there is the Sacred Cenote (Well of Sacrifice) where the Mayans used to give their gods human sacrifices and other rituals as an offering.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Looming high over one of the Natural Wonders of the world, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ stands, blessing the people of Brazil.

The statue of Christ, with his arms outstretched across the mountainous landscape, was erected in 1931 and ever since has become and iconic symbol of Rio. It’s an impressive 30 meters tall and stands on a peak that is 710 meters above sea level.

Not only does the monument provide stunning views, but people from all over the world are mesmerised by this masterpiece of a statue, making it a true wonder of the world we know today!

Great Wall of China

Stretching from the east coast and far into the western deserts, and winding through over 400 different towns, The Great Wall of China is the largest human made project in the world!

The Great Wall is not just a trail that will take you forever to hike, but its also a series of fortifications including beacon towers, as its original purpose was built to protect the Chinese empire from foreign invaders.

Over 7,000km long, its construction has lasted over 2,000 years and it remains to be a cultural icon of China.

Machu Pichu, Peru

Considered to have healing and transformative energy, Machu Pichu is the remains of an Incan citadel is tucked away in the rocky countryside of the Andes Mountains of Peru, South America.

The settlement is 2,430 meters above in the clouds and offers stunning luscious green views from its peak. By far one of the most visited wonders of the world, this ancient city is a precious treasure to the civilisations that were before us!

Petra, Jordan

Petra is a symbol of Jordan, standing as a spectacular sandstone city, it was built in the 3rd century by the Nabataeans. They carved gorgeous and intricate palaces, temples and tombs from the soft rock cliff faces, a true marvel to behold!

One of the oldest cities in the world, Petra remains only 15% uncovered. An important trading city of its time, it is believed to have once been the home to almost 20,000-30,000 people.

The ‘city of pink’ is renowned for its remarkable beauty, so much so that its even made it on to our screens as a popular setting for filming locations, you may recognise the ancient city in films like that of Indiana Jones or The Mummy Returns.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is a marble white jewel of Muslim art located in Agra, India. In Hindi its name literally translates as “palace of the crown” and its beauty stuns visitors who travel to see it from all corners of the world.

Seen as a symbol of love, the Taj Mahal was ordered to be built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a tomb for his favourite wife.

This masterpiece of architectural style is unique in its beauty and presents a magnificent blend of different cultures from within the city, not to mention its beautiful surrounding gardens that captivate all those who visit. A true wonder of our world!

New 7 Wonders of Nature

As previously mentioned, there are a number of ‘lists’ of seven, this is because of The Seven Wonders organisation started an initiative in 2007 where they compiled a list of the Earth’s natural wonders and allowed the public to cast their vote on an internet poll.

Amazon Rainforest

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that this natural wonder was voted high on the list. Covering an enormous 6.7 million square kilometres and spanning over 8 different countries, this vast lusciously vegetated landscape is home to at least 10% of the world’s known biodiversity.

Its greatest threats are deforestation, and much like the rest of our natural wonders on the planet it remains threatened by climate change.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay directly translates as “descending dragon” and is a famous destination in northeast Vietnam.

This beautiful natural wonder is steeped in myths and folklore, the popular legend of Ha Long bay is that a Mother Dragon and her children were hailed by an emperor to fend off an invasion. As the enemy was defeated, emerald islands were scattered across the bay (supposedly the teeth of the dragons) and these were left to create an impossible-to-penetrate barrier to discourage any future invasions.

Known for its sparkling waters and intriguing limestone islands topped with rainforests, it’s easy to see how this gem of the world has made it onto a 7 wonders list!

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

This magnificent series of over 275 individual waterfalls is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and the sheer roar of its cascading water can be heard from miles away!

The semicircular waterfall is 80 meters high and an impressive 2,700 meters in diameter, making its a remarkable natural landscape to take in.

Jeju Island

South Korea’s largest island, where right at the heart lies Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain and ancient volcano. In fact, the island was created entirely out of volcanic eruptions.

This beautiful geological spectacle is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including that of the Jeju horse, which is native to the island!

Dotted with natural gems like waterfalls, caves and hiking trails and plenty more, the island is hub of activity with lots to do and see! It’s also been a popular filming location for Korean soap operas.

Komodo Island

As the name suggests, this is the original habitat of the largest lizard species in the world, the Komodo Dragon.

This Indonesian island has been coined a natural beauty for its crystal clear turquoise waters, striking pink sands and gloriously green hills. It’s rich with biodiversity and thanks to its cannibal inhabitants, it remains untouched and unharmed (excluding the impending climate change of course) by us humans, although you are able to visit the island via a guided tour!

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa is a National Park rich with biodiversity and jaw dropping cave formations. One of its biggest draws to be considered one of the natural wonders of the world is its mysterious cave systems of limestone.

The underground river cave stretches more than 24 kilometres long, and is one of the most important and protected natural areas in the Philippines. Some parts of the river below are so deep that they remain unexplored due to there not being enough oxygen down there.

In 2010 environmentalists exploring the underground river cave discovered it had a ‘second floor’, which allows for the formation of small waterfalls. This natural beauty was officially considered a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.

Table Mountain

Over 500 million people voted for Table Mountain as one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world!

Rich with biodiversity and serving as Cape Town’s iconic landmark, this South African treasure has a distinctive flat-topped summit which is travelled to often by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, transporting visitors to its peak of stunning views.

The mountain is home to a diverse array of wildlife, one species of particular note is that of the Table Mountain Ghost Frog, only found on the very slopes of this natural wonder!

New 7 Wonders Cities

Announced in 2011 and officially decided in 2014, the New 7 Wonders foundation sought to decipher the top 7 Wonders Cities of the world (this again, was based on an internet poll).

Beirut, Lebanon

The capital of Lebanon, Beirut is one of the oldest cities in the world with traces of settlements dating back as far as 5,000 years ago.

Unfortunately it is a city with a tenuous political situation, with the ongoing unrest causing the city to have to rebuild itself many times. That being said, this has resulted in quite a unique eclectic variations of architecture within the city.

Often referred to as the “Paris of the Mediterranean”.

Doha, Qatar

Known as the “Pearl Island”, this capital city and main financial hub of Qatar, is a completely artificial island and is considered one of the fastest growing cities in the world!

In a sense of what the modern city entails, this has been considered one of the most beautiful (and wealthiest!) cities in the world. It’s place on the New 7 Wonders Cities is perhaps more testament to the evolution of humankind and how cities have developed to this point.

Durban, South Africa

This beach city in South Africa is home to the busiest port in the whole continent of Africa!

It’s a paradise for surfers, with its vast stretches of golden sands. It’s blend of green luscious hills and modern city life make it an idyllic destination, not to mention its diverse cultural scene.

Havana, Cuba

With a population of 2.1 million, Havana is Cuba’s capital city and its a colourful and vibrant splash of colour! Founded in the early 16th century by Spanish colonialists, this port city became of great importance for Cuba as the majority of imports and exports had to pass through the city.

Although traditional Spanish architecture frames the city, African and Caribbean influences can be felt throughout. Not just a pretty city, Havana is bursting with culture, music, great food and plenty more. It’s not a surprise this beauty is considered to be a wonder of the world!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Recognised for its towering skyscrapers, this capital city is the largest city in Malaysia. It’s a modern sparkling city and cultural hub with delicious food and unique sights.

Kuala Lumpur is also home to the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, with each of them reaching 452 meters high into the sky!

La Paz, Bolivia

The highest capital city of the world, La Paz is perched atop of the Andes mountain range, nestled in a canyon that was created by the Choqueyapu River.

La Paz is one of the oldest settlements in South America and archaeological treasures, like traces of cave paintings, dating from as far back as 11,000 BCE have been found where the city stands to day.

Vigan, Philippines

Vigan remains as one of the few towns that show traces of when the Spanish colonised the Philippines. The city differs from others in the country, renowned for its cobble stoned covered streets and Spanish influenced architecture.

It was chosen as a 7 Wonder as it is the best preserved Spanish colonial town in all of Asia.

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