New 7 Wonders of the World – A Modern World Heritage Project: Winners and Finalists

新・世界七不思議 ～現代の世界遺産を選ぶプロジェクト～受賞とファイナリスト Culture & History
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The New Seven Wonders Project

The New Seven Wonders of the World project was launched in 2001 with the ambitious goal of selecting outstanding monuments—true “wonders”—from a pool of 200 historical sites. Under the leadership of Bernard Weber, a visionary of Canadian-Swiss heritage, the initiative was managed by the New 7 Wonders Foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland. Utilizing free web and telephone voting, the project engaged a global audience in a popular, participatory process.

 

Project Overview and History

  • Launch and Voting Process
    The project began in 2001, inviting participants from around the globe to vote for their favorite monuments online and via telephone. Although the system allowed multiple votes per person, which led to some concerns over statistical reliability, the public response underscored the widespread enthusiasm for celebrating cultural heritage.

  • Organization and Funding
    The New 7 Wonders Foundation operated solely on private donations and revenue from broadcasting rights—public funds were never involved. The initiative was orchestrated by New Open World Corporation (NOWC), a commercial enterprise that benefited from licensing agreements and sponsorship revenues.

  • Announcement of Results
    After narrowing down the entries to 21 candidates, the final seven wonders were unveiled on July 7, 2007, at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz, marking a historic celebration of global heritage.

 

Official Recognition and Global Impact

  • A Prestigious Honor
    Among the ancient wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza was granted an honorary status as the sole surviving monument from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolizing its unmatched historical and architectural significance.

  • International Relations
    Although initial perceptions suggested that UNESCO provided advisory support to the project, the agency maintained a formal distance from the initiative during both 2001 and 2007.

  • Nationwide Campaigns
    Countries around the world rallied behind their iconic monuments with massive promotional campaigns:

    • In Brazil, the Christ the Redeemer statue inspired widespread support through free voting drives and collaborations with major sponsors such as Banco Bradesco and Rede Globo, amplified via television and SMS outreach.
    • In Peru, Machu Picchu received an enthusiastic boost as the Peruvian government launched a dedicated public relations campaign, igniting national pride.
    • Similarly, other countries including India, Jordan, and Mexico saw vigorous local campaigns championing their cultural landmarks.

 

Winners of the New Seven Wonders

  1. Great Pyramid of Giza (Honorary Status)

    • Location: Giza, Egypt
    • Construction Date: circa 2560 BC
    • Details: Constructed during the era of the ancient Egyptian dynasties, this monumental pyramid stands as the sole surviving wonder among the original seven, celebrated for its sheer scale and sophisticated engineering.

  2. Great Wall of China

    • Location: China
    • Construction Date: circa 700 BC
    • Details: Stretching across northern China, this formidable defensive barrier was built and rebuilt by successive dynasties. It remains an enduring symbol of Chinese culture and military ingenuity.

  3. Petra

    • Location: Ma’an Region, Jordan
    • Construction Date: circa 312 BC
    • Details: An ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, Petra was once a thriving trade center. Today, its breathtaking rock-cut architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to captivate visitors.

  4. Colosseum

    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Construction Date: AD 80
    • Details: This iconic amphitheater of the Roman Empire once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Its advanced construction techniques and historical significance make it one of the world’s most recognized landmarks.

  5. Chichen Itza

    • Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
    • Construction Date: circa AD 600
    • Details: A premier example of Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza is renowned for its astronomical observatories and architectural precision. Its pyramid-temple, El Castillo, stands as a testament to the ancient world’s scientific and artistic achievements.

  6. Machu Picchu

    • Location: Cusco Region, Peru
    • Construction Date: circa AD 1450
    • Details: Hidden amidst the Andes, this Incan citadel is famed for its stunning vistas and masterful stone masonry. Often dubbed the “Lost City,” Machu Picchu continues to inspire awe and wonder among travelers worldwide.

  7. Taj Mahal

    • Location: Agra, India
    • Construction Date: circa AD 1643
    • Details: Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece crafted from white marble. It is celebrated as a symbol of love and a pinnacle of Indo-Islamic art.

  8. Christ the Redeemer

    • Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • Construction Date: AD 1931
    • Details: Overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, this colossal statue of Jesus Christ has become an emblem of Brazilian culture and faith. Its 30-meter-tall figure draws millions of visitors each year.

 

Finalists of the New Seven Wonders

  • Stonehenge

    • Location: Amesbury, United Kingdom
    • Construction Date: circa 2400 BC
    • Details: This prehistoric stone circle is shrouded in mystery regarding its purpose and construction, speculated to have served astronomical or ceremonial functions.

  • Acropolis of Athens

    • Location: Athens, Greece
    • Construction Date: circa 447 BC
    • Details: Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the Acropolis is home to several ancient temples, including the Parthenon, representing the zenith of Classical Greek civilization and art.

  • Hagia Sophia

    • Location: Istanbul, Turkey
    • Construction Date: AD 537
    • Details: Originally built as a cathedral for the Byzantine Empire and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period, Hagia Sophia is celebrated for its majestic dome and intricate mosaics, marking a milestone in architectural innovation.

  • Angkor Wat

    • Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
    • Construction Date: AD 1113
    • Details: Initially constructed as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary, Angkor Wat is famed for its elaborate bas-reliefs and expansive complex, reflecting Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Moai Statues

    • Location: Easter Island, Chile
    • Construction Date: circa AD 1250
    • Details: These enigmatic monolithic statues, carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people, are celebrated for their distinctive features and serve as a powerful reminder of the island’s ancestral legacy.

  • Timbuktu

    • Location: Timbuktu, Mali
    • Construction Date: circa AD 1327
    • Details: Once a thriving hub on trans-Saharan trade routes, Timbuktu is renowned for its ancient manuscripts and cultural legacy, symbolizing Africa’s rich tradition of learning and scholarship.

  • Alhambra Palace

    • Location: Granada, Spain
    • Construction Date: AD 1333
    • Details: This majestic complex of palaces and fortresses showcases the intricate artistry of Islamic architecture. The Alhambra stands as a testament to the historical exchange between European and Islamic cultures.

  • Kremlin and Red Square

    • Location: Moscow, Russia
    • Construction Date: AD 1561
    • Details: As the historic center of Russian power, the Kremlin and its surrounding Red Square are celebrated for their monumental architecture and enduring significance in Russian cultural and political life.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    • Location: Kyoto, Japan
    • Construction Date: AD 1633
    • Details: Nestled in the hills of Kyoto, this Buddhist temple is famed for its wooden stage that offers breathtaking views. Its harmonious blend of historical architecture and natural scenery makes it a beloved cultural treasure.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle

    • Location: Füssen, Germany
    • Construction Date: AD 1869
    • Details: Commissioned by King Ludwig II, this fairy-tale castle, with its romantic architecture, has inspired countless films and storybooks, making it one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks.

  • Statue of Liberty

    • Location: New York, USA
    • Construction Date: AD 1886
    • Details: A generous gift from France, the Statue of Liberty embodies the ideals of freedom and democracy. Rising majestically in New York Harbor, it has become a universal symbol of hope for immigrants around the world.

  • Eiffel Tower

    • Location: Paris, France
    • Construction Date: AD 1887
    • Details: Originally built for the 1889 World’s Fair, this iron lattice tower was once intended as a temporary exhibit. Today, it stands as an enduring icon of Paris, celebrated for its innovative design and dazzling night views.

  • Sydney Opera House

    • Location: Sydney, Australia
    • Construction Date: AD 1973
    • Details: With its instantly recognizable sail-like roofs, the Sydney Opera House is not only an architectural marvel but also a vibrant hub for international arts and cultural performances.

 

Conclusion

The New Seven Wonders of the World project has been a transformative global campaign that not only brought modern architectural marvels to the forefront but also rekindled pride in each nation’s historical and cultural heritage. Through dynamic voting and extensive promotional efforts, the project transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, ensuring that both the awarded sites and the illustrious finalists received the recognition they deserve.

Source: Wikipedia – New 7 Wonders of the World

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