Have you visited any of the modern seven wonders of the world? At least one of these breath-taking man-made structures will no doubt feature on most bucket lists so let’s explore each of them to help you decide which ones to visit.

Chichén Itza, Mexico

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Chichén Iyza is a world-famous complex of Mayan ruins which served as a religious, political and economic centre spanning from approximately 800 to 1200.

• Fact: The most recognisable step pyramid, known as El Castillo stands at 80 feet high.
• Fact: There are four sets of stairs, one on each side of the ruins. Each staircase has 91 steps, if you also include the top platform this equates to 365 in total - one for each day of the year.

 Find out more about Chichen Itza >

Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil

The imposing statue is an icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and has watched over the city since 1931.

• Fact: The statue is 130-foot statue has a wingspan of 92 feet. A mix of concrete and soapstone was used to build Christ the Redeemer which weighs in at approximately 700 tonne.
• Fact: The easiest way to access the sculpture is via a cogwheel steam engine train up the steep 2.3-mile slope followed by 200 steps.

 View more information about Christ the Redeemer >

Colosseum, Italy

The majestic Colosseum was built in Rome in approximately AD70.

• Fact: It was used for many years as a stage for gladiator contests, group combats, battle re-enactments and other productions were performed to audiences of between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.
• Fact: Over the years it has undergone structural work and battled the elements and to this date is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.

 Learn more about the Colosseum >

Taj Mahal, India

This stunning ivory-white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal (or Mogul) Emperor of India as a memorial to his deceased wife Mumtaz Maha.

• Fact: Construction of the Taj Mahal started on 1631 shortly after the passing of the Emperor’s wife and took more than two decades at a cost of 32 million rupees (today’s equivalent of $827 million).
• Fact: The Taj Mahal attracts 7–8 million visitors a year.

Discover more about the Taj Mahal >

Great Wall of China

The actual length of great wall is of great debate, with sources claiming anywhere from 4,000 – 13,170 miles in length.

• Fact: Contrary to popular belief the structure is not visible from outer space and is made up from several separate structures.
• Fact: The wall was originally built to protect the Chinese states and empires from invaders and raids, but also acts as a useful boarder control.

Find out more about the Great Wall of China >

Petra, Jordan

Petra, which is Greek for “rock,” is also known as “the city in the rock” or “Rose City” due to the colour of the sandstone cliffs it is carved from.

• Fact: The huge templates, tombs and monuments were not known to the western world until 1812.
• Fact: As well as the impressive rock carved city, Petra has a highly organised water system, which includes ceramic pipes, intricate water channels and cisterns; advanced for a city essentially carved into rocks.

Learn more about Petra >

Machu Picchu, Peru

The ancient city if the Incas is located at an altitude of 7,710 feet, between two peaks; Machu Picchu (Old Peak) and Huayna Picchu (New Peak).

• Fact: The city was built around 1450 but abandoned due to the Spanish conquest a century later. American historian Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to international attention in 1911.
• Fact: The city was home to approximately 1,200 residents at its peak.

Discover more about Machu Picchu >

Join the conversation

Have you seen any of the seven wonders? Join in the conversation on our Facebook or Twitter pages

If you are considering visiting one or more of the seven wonders then please remember to arrange travel insurance with Just Travel cover. You can get a quote online or alternatively call us on 0800 294 2969, remember to save yourself 10% by using discount code NW17.