New Seven Wonders of the World
1/31/07
You’ve probably heard about the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, but can you name them? The list of seven ancient structures was compiled by Greek historians many, many years ago. And while they may still impress visitors today, in a world so wide, with civilizations so interesting, are these really the best of the best? Surely, there are wonderful monuments, statues and constructions either outside the Mediterranean ring or that were developed in a broader time frame.
The New7Wonders Foundation certainly thinks so. They have launched a global campaign to identify the New 7 Wonders of the World. Visitors to their site can vote for what they believe to be the most wonderful, awe-inspiring sites of the world. The 7 winners will be announced 07/07/07 in Lisbon, Portugal.
What will you vote for? Here are some of the contenders…
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, a megalith circle, is located near Amesbury in the English county of Wiltshire. It has been estimated that the three phases of the construction required more than thirty million hours of labor. And while the full significance of the structure is yet to be determined, speculation on the reason it was built is rampant and ranges from human sacrifice to astronomy.
Eiffel Tower
Perhaps no structure is more iconic than Paris’ Eiffel Tower. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 for the World's Fair. And, while it’s hard to believe today, at the time its unusual design was thought of as an eyesore. Now it is one of the most visited spots in the world!
Neuschwanstein Castle
American tourists are already familiar with Neuschwanstein; the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland was modeled on it. King Ludwig II dreamt of living in his own Medieval castle, so despite having no practical need for one, he built Neuschwanstein.
The Great Wall of China
The longest structure on earth, the Great Wall of China stretches from from Shanhai Pass in the east to Lop Nur in the west. Urban legend said the wall could be seen from the moon, and while this is no longer believed to true, it might be visible from the earth’s orbit.
If you’re not entirely sure what warrants “Top 7” status, find out for yourself by visiting these and other “wonder”-ful sites on your Travel & Company tour.