The world is full of wonders, from natural wonders to man-made ones. Today, we will talk about the awe-inspiring man-made wonders, from towering skyscrapers to intricately designed mausoleums, insurmountable walls, intricate bridges and tunnels, and temple complexes, a testament to human creativity and engineering ingenuity.
Read on to learn about 12 man-made wonders to see.
Hagia Sophia, Turkey
Originally built on the ruins of Roman temples to serve as a Greek Orthodox cathedral, this splendid example of Byzantine architecture was later converted into a mosque. It was finally turned into a museum in 1935. This museum, with marble columns, golden mosaics, and freestanding domes, is one of the wonders of the world’s architectural history.
Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Burj Khalifa is an iconic landmark of Dubai and the world’s tallest building (828 meters tall). It exemplifies modern architecture, engineering, and human creation’s ingenuity. The building that was thrown open to the public in January 2010 is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dubai. The tower holds eight world records, including the highest number of floors (163), the highest habitable floor, the longest elevator travel distance, and the highest outdoor observation deck.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is a stone city built by the Incas between the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Though it was known to the world only in 1911, it has gained unforeseen popularity and received many titles and recognitions since then. The beauty of this place lies in the walled ruins surrounded by largely untouched landscapes and green jungles. People who have visited call it a magical place.
La Sagrada Familia, Spain
The brilliant Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi designed the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona. Construction began in 1882, and it is still unfinished, almost one century and a half later. Gaudi’s original neo-Gothic design for the church has undergone several redesigns, adaptations, and restructurings; however, its scale, beauty, and grandeur are overwhelming even for repeat visitors. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the uncompleted church for religious worship and designated it as a minor basilica.
Parthenon, Greece
A former temple on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, Parthenon is dedicated to the city’s patron, goddess Athena. Built during the fifth century and altered by changing reins, this structure is a shining example of Greek art and enduring construction.
Taj Mahal, India
One of the most famous man-made architectural marvels, the Taj Mahal, is white marble mausoleum on the mighty banks of the river Yamuna in Agra, India. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz, the Taj is a marvel of Mughal architecture and a symbol of timeless love. It took over 20,000 workers from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe to complete the mausoleum. It used semiprecious stones, including lapis lazuli, jade, crystal, turquoise, and amethyst, embodied in floral designs in white Makrana marble.
Great Pyramid Of Giza
The Great Gizan Pyramid is the oldest and the sole surviving building of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though it is a part of three pyramids, the Great Pyramid is the largest of the Egyptian Pyramids and served as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. The Pyramid was built using over 2 million block stones and stands at an impressive height of 139 meters. To date, scientists haven’t been able to solve the mystery of how these magnificent structures were constructed without sophisticated modern tools and technology.
Colosseum, Italy
The Colosseum is not only the biggest amphitheater ever built but is also considered the largest surviving amphitheater in the world. It hosted gladiatorial games, dramas, reenactments, and even public executions. It could hold over 50,000 spectators who entered through its 80-odd entrances. The fall of the Roman Empire and a series of earthquakes in the fifth century led to the deterioration of this structure. However, it remains modern-day Rome’s most visited tourist attraction.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
A pre-Hispanic city, Chichen Itza was considered one of the most significant Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula. El Castillo, or Pyramid of Kukulcan, an impressive step pyramid, rises over the site’s center. Apart from the Pyramid, the complex also houses the Great Ball Court, the Osario Pyramid, and the Temple of the Warriors. When the sun is at its peak, during spring and fall equinoxes, the setting sun throws shadows on the Pyramid that appear like a serpent slithering down the stairway from the base of a stone snake head.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a huge temple complex built in the 12th century near Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is the world’s largest religious structure. The temple walls are covered with scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana representing Hindu gods. The temple complex even appears on the Cambodian flag and attracts visitors from all around the world.
The Great Wall Of China, China
The Great Wall of China, a series of earthen and stone fortifications, was built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese empire. It was built by adding many walls over centuries. The wall has protected China from external threats and attracted tourists from all over the world.
Millau Viaduct
An unusual choice but an architectural marvel nonetheless, the Millau Viaduct in France is the tallest bridge in the world. Surpassing the height of even the Eiffel Tower, Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge spanning over the Tarn River Valley in southern France. Visitors can even canoe underneath to capture different views of this magnificent structure.