30 Greatest Man-Made Wonders of the World

The 30 Greatest Man-Made Wonders of the World.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today.

Great Wall of China (China)

The Wall was first built in the 7th century BC by the state of Qi in order to defend against raids from neighboring nomadic tribes. Over time, various Chinese dynasties added to and strengthened the wall, with the majority of the current structure dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles and is made up of brick, stone, tamped earth, and wood. It features watchtowers, barracks, and beacon towers along its length, as well as the famous “crenellated” battlements.

Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built around 2560 BC during the reign of the Pharaoh Khufu. It is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. The pyramid is made of limestone and granite and is estimated to have taken around 20 years to build. It features an internal system of corridors and chambers, including the famous King’s Chamber and the Queen’s Chamber.

Petra (Jordan)

Petra is believed to have been established around the 6th century BC by the Nabataean Arab tribe. It was an important hub for trade and commerce and is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. The city is also known for its elaborate tombs and temples, such as the Treasury and the Monastery. Petra’s architecture is a blend of Nabataean, Roman, and Greek influences, and the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Colosseum (Rome)

The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It was built between 70-80 AD during the reign of the Flavian emperors. It was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and dramas, and could seat up to 80,000 people. The Colosseum is made of concrete and stone and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman engineering. It features a complex system of underground tunnels and rooms, as well as an elaborate system of drainage to control flooding during mock sea battles.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century by the Inca Empire. It is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site, but its exact purpose is still unknown. The citadel is made up of more than 150 buildings, including temples, houses, and terraces, and is known for its sophisticated dry-stone walls and impressive stonework. Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Chichen Itza (Mexico)

The amazing structure was built by the Maya civilization between 600-900 AD. It was a major religious and political center and is famous for its large pyramids, such as the Temple of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court. Chichen Itza also features other ceremonial structures, including the Temple of the Warriors and the Temple of the Jaguar. The city was likely one of the mythical great cities, or Tollans, referred to in later Mesoamerican literature.

Taj Mahal (India)

The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The mausoleum is made of white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid with precious stones. It is surrounded by formal gardens and features a reflecting pool and several outbuildings, including a mosque and a guest house. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Great Buddha of Kamakura (Japan)

The Great Buddha of Kamakura was built in 1252 and is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha. It is located at the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura, Japan and is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, after the statue in Nara’s Todai-ji temple. The statue is 3.3 meters tall and is a popular tourist destination, with visitors allowed to go inside the statue to view the interior structure.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

This temple was built in the 12th century by the Khmer king Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It later transitioned to a Buddhist temple. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and is known for its intricate carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the daily life of the Khmer people. The temple is surrounded by a moat and an outer wall and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hagia Sophia (Turkey)

The cathedral was built in 537 AD by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. It served as a cathedral for almost 1,000 years, before it was converted into a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome and its beautiful mosaics and frescoes, many of which were plastered over during its time as a mosque but have since been restored. The Hagia Sophia is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in the 12th century and is the bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. The tower’s lean began during construction due to an inadequate foundation on one side. It’s made of white marble and is famous for its tilt, which is approximately 4 degrees. The tower is open to visitors and features an internal spiral staircase to the top, offering great views of the city.

Stonehenge (England)

A prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It was built in several stages between 3000-1500 BC and is believed to have been used as a place of worship and as a calendar to mark the movement of the sun and moon. The stones used to build Stonehenge weigh around 25 tons each and were brought from as far away as 150 miles. The exact purpose of Stonehenge is still unknown, but it is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Parthenon (Greece)

The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built in the 5th century BC and is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture. The temple is made of marble and is famous for its intricate sculptures, including the famous frieze that runs around the top of the temple. The Parthenon was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century AD and then into a mosque in the 1460s. It is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Alhambra (Spain)

It is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. It was originally built as a fortress in 889 AD and later converted into a palace in the 14th century by the Nasrid dynasty. The palace is famous for its intricate Islamic architecture, tilework, and calligraphy, as well as its beautiful gardens. The Alhambra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

The Eiffel Tower (Paris)

The Eiffel Tower is an iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair and is now one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It stands at 324 meters tall and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The Eiffel Tower is open to visitors and is a popular tourist destination.

The Sydney Opera House (Australia)

A performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and was opened in 1973. It is famous for its unique sail-like design and is one of the most iconic buildings in Australia. The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and host various performances, tours, and events.

The Great Canal (China)

Also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Great Canal of China is the longest and oldest canal in the world. It stretches over 1,100 miles and connects the Yellow River and Yangtze River. It was built in the 5th century AD and played an important role in the economic and cultural development of China. It was used for transportation of goods and people, irrigation and flood control. The Great Canal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

The Forbidden City (China)

The Forbidden City is a palace complex in Beijing, China. It was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its intricate architecture and design. The Forbidden City is made up of over 9,000 rooms and is surrounded by a moat and a wall. It features several halls, palaces, and courtyards, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.

The Vatican City (Rome)

The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world by both area and population and is home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. It is famous for its museums, art, and architecture, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. The Vatican City is open to visitors and is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history and religious significance.

The Brandenburg Gate (Germany)

The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany and was built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II. It was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans and is a symbol of unity and peace. The Brandenburg Gate is a popular tourist destination, with visitors able to go to the top and enjoy the view of the city.

The Golden Gate Bridge (USA)

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It was completed in 1937 and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the modern world. The bridge is 8,981 feet long, and the main span is 4,200 feet long. It offers beautiful views of the bay and the city and is a popular tourist destination.

The Statue of Liberty (New York)

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal statue located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, USA. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886 and is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue stands at 151 feet tall and is made of copper. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city and the harbor. The statue is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the United States.

The Tower of London (UK)

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. It was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. The Tower of London is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, known for its White Tower, Crown Jewels, and Yeoman Warders. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the tower and its significance in British history.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge (Australia)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design. It was completed in 1932 and offers great views of the city and the harbour. Visitors can take a guided walk or climb to the top of the bridge for a panoramic view of the city.

The Palace of Versailles (France)

The Palace of Versailles is a royal palace located in Versailles, France. It was built in the 17th century by Louis XIV and was the residence of the French royal family until the French Revolution. The palace is known for its grand halls, gardens, and famous Hall of Mirrors. Visitors can take a tour of the palace and learn about the history of the French monarchy and the palace’s role in French history.

The Kremlin (Russia)

The Kremlin is a fortified complex in the center of Moscow, Russia. It is the official residence of the President of Russia and is also home to the Russian government. The Kremlin is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the Kremlin and its significance in Russian history.

The Tower of Belem (Portugal)

The Tower of Belem is a 16th-century fortress located in Lisbon, Portugal. It was built as a defense against invaders and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist attraction. The tower is known for its intricate Manueline architectural style, including ornate carvings and sculptures. Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city and the river.

The Hagia Irene (Turkey)

The Hagia Irene is a former Eastern Orthodox church located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the oldest church in Istanbul and dates back to the 4th century AD. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. It is known for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes, as well as its acoustics. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the church and its significance in Byzantine history.

The Mont-Saint-Michel (France)

Mont-Saint-Michel is a small island located in Normandy, France. It is home to a medieval abbey and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its stunning architecture and its unique tidal island location, where the island is cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tide. Visitors can take a tour of the abbey and learn about the history of the island

The Palace of Westminster (London)

The Palace of Westminster is a complex of buildings in London, England, that serves as the meeting place of the British Parliament. It includes the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was built in the 19th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a tour of the palace and learn about the history of British politics and government.