Almost everyone has a mental list of desirable places, attractions, or wonders in the world. Whether it’s the Grand Canyon, Venice, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, or Machu Picchu, we tend to identify these places through compelling stories told by others or visually appealing images that tap into our imagination and curiosity about the world and its fascinating corners. Defining these wonders is inherently personal and subjective. They’ve probably been used before in books and travel guides, but the challenge of deciding which 10, 20, or 101 locations to include, whether that be the result of the rate of list creation or an inclination among writers to avoid the mental anguish of making the decision, is just as difficult and emotional as it would be for any traveler choosing which wonders to visit in person.
Importance of Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
Travel and interaction with different people bring rewards, benefits, and personal growth and new discoveries. Indeed, the opportunity to go to different places and experience diverse cultures, then seeing wonderful architectural masterpieces and appreciating the presence of natural treasures is an enlightening experience. Since confident knowledge cannot be imposed, residents feel or are indeed entitled officially to feel protective about their cultural heritage. Their heritage is what makes them unique, special, and proud of their roots. Seeing strange but wonderful sights, people, language, and the native ways of life far from home and making new discoveries in natural settings can be both humbling and enlightening experiences. There are many reasons to visit different parts of the world. Most visitors are attracted by a variety of local traditions, culture that manifests itself in folklore, and local customs with a unique local flavor. Cultural elements such as theater, music, and dance can also be interesting draw cards. Then, of course, there are historical elements worth experiencing, such as monuments, archaeological remains, and restored churches, tombs, and palaces.
Importance of traveling and experiencing different cultures – Every year, numerous people venture out of their domestic comfort zones and head towards foreign nearby or far away lands, each seeking to satisfy their thirst for exploration, discovery, and adventure. An undoubtedly large number embrace traveling and assertion of independence through tourism. People travel for different reasons. These reasons can be broadly divided into personal, adventure, family, friends, romance, different culture, relaxation, health, and business or professional reasons. Experts believe that traveling is a method of learning far superior to any classroom lecture. It is not surprising that the best reward of visiting different parts of the world lies in gaining the knowledge that cannot be obtained from the classroom where theories are taught.
The Seven Wonders of the World
While some of the wonders are certainly grand, researchers have put forth the idea that the wonders were not ranked exclusively on size. At the time the guide was compiled, some two thousand years ago, the scale of the then largely unknown world beyond the nearby hills was limited. Huge structures, especially if not built by a visitor’s own people, would naturally have been placed near the top of the list, but compelling the ancients to embark on potentially dangerous voyages, spanning the known world, is probably greater than simply looking for the biggest statue or wall. The more curious the new wonder, to some extent, the crazier for the visitor. The creative prosperity and technological skills of the cultures where they were built are fascinating to the visitors who want a reminder of the splendor of the civilization that realized them in the ancient wonders.
The seven wonders of the world are truly the ultimate treasures of antiquity, as first recorded by the Greeks centuries ago. It’s one thing to read about the wonders and another to actually see them in person, confirming in the flesh their remarkable cultural and colossal physical legacy. The seven wonders of the world listed here are what might be termed the ‘original wonders’, rather than the wonders of today, as ranked and promoted in whatever format or promotional means are up-to-date. One of the original wonders was destroyed (the Lighthouse of Alexandria), so naturally it’s not visible today. Although the Pyramid of Giza still exists, in fact all the original seven wonders still exist, the list can be unreliable, so consider only the most well-known wonders really worth visiting. The original seven wonders were a sort of travel guide for curious ancient visitors, perhaps as questioning as anyone, and the choice of the wonders is really motivated by curiosity.
Ancient Wonders vs. Modern Wonders
The seven ancient wonders were described by the Hellenic culture, which influenced the subsequent Ancient Rome. They focused on stones: statues, temples, and a tomb. Four of them are in close proximity to the sea. Their location was subjected to limits imposed on early travelers, who had to deal with restrictions in their journeys, declining available means of transportation, the risk, very high in ancient times, of armed conflicts, difficult internal political division, or the wrath of Gods at places where daring to exhibit too much power was considered provocative. Boundaries guaranteed the challenges of ambitious people were geared towards great outcomes. The ancient wonders seemed to combine exceptional engineering and architectural capabilities with a religious potency of the extraordinary monuments’ purpose, blending technological skills with a deeper human connection and creativity. Seven wonders were selected both for their beauty and meaning.
The seven wonders of the world is an explorer’s dream. In fact, just hearing the title sparks an instant interest no matter what one’s age or educational background. People have been fascinated by these amazing architectural structures from antiquity to the present day. And while most are familiar with the structures of the ancient wonders, few people know that seven new wonders of the world were established in 2007 after an international global poll by the New7Wonders Foundation. The 21 finalists from all the world’s continents were selected by more than 100 million votes and a fifteen-year-long preparation. The list was introduced as a way to promote tourism in the 21 shortlisted monuments and symbolize global heritage throughout the world. Though not categorized in the same way as the architects of the ancient ones, these 21 landmarks are astonishing and emotionally stunning just like the ancient ones.
Criteria for Inclusion
Before the list of the most breathtaking wonders of the world can be established, we should first establish the criteria for inclusion. Anyone who thinks that something is breathtaking and inspiring may consider something or the other to be a wonder. Even sand dunes are majestic to look at. Today, of course, they are not included in the wonders of the world. However, history has revealed that they were considered wonders in the past because people from all over the known world traveled some distance just to see the sand dunes of the Libyan desert. It was even said that some of the sand dunes could be higher than the possibility of seeing the head from a camel above. The present wonders are of a different type. Their size is definitely a factor, as frequently they were the largest of their kind in the world when they were constructed and many are today still among the largest. They are also architecturally significant, as their construction requires the understanding of architectural principles that are unknown to humankind. Their construction required an enormous amount of resources in the form of the workforce, time, and energy. Moreover, they are significant to humankind as they were used for a specific purpose or function. It is actually the interconnectedness of these factors that makes these wonders truly breathtaking and inspirational. The Inca civilization displayed an amazing architectural feat when they built an entire city with structures, including individual rocks so huge the labor of raising them would be considered mining the monoliths. Rick and Dan mention that the stones are at least 800 tons a piece, although the large stone of Baalbeck that was discovered that weighed a few hundred pounds more. However, the monolith structure cannot compare with the well-known magnificent architectural design of the stone-carved city. In the case of the Inca ruins, the architects on the mortaring of the seams that hold the rocks together were so tight that you couldn’t even insert a thin laboratory spatula blade in her several would layers. These wonders of the world were the largest structures in the world at the time of their construction. Further investigation can be done to reveal how the largest structures of the past compared, using present methods of direct comparison, with their counterparts in the world today. This would actually be a very interesting and relevant study that would help one understand the comparison even from the most cost-benefit point of view.
The Importance of Establishing Criteria for Inclusion in the List of the Most Breathtaking Wonders of the World
There are a number of wonders in the world. They include the Pyramids of Egypt, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Pharos of Alexandria, and many others. People are fascinated by these wonders and are always interested to learn more about them, as they are inspirational works. Considering this aspect, how can the most breathtaking wonders of the world be identified? A criterion can be created to include the most breathtaking wonders of the world.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
It is incredible to think that when the United States was founded over 200 years ago, the Pyramids were already standing for 4,500 years! While the Great Pyramid and two adjacent are the most famous, there are over 100 pyramids in the area. When you visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the amazing Sphinx as well. Despite the 4,500 years, the Pyramids are still in excellent condition, making them even more amazing to see in person.
United Arab Emirates Dubai 1 Day Guided Van $92 US Vietnam Ninh Binh 1 Day Guided Bike $79 US Spain Madrid Balloon 1 Hour Hot Air Balloon $202 US Scotland Edinburgh 8 Hours Guided Walking Tour $64 US South America Galápagos 16 Hours Guided Cruise $1068 US Sri Lanka Anuradhapura 6 Hours e-Bike Rental $48 US Turkey Ephesus 6 Hours Guided Tour $88 US Jordan Wadi Rum 2 Days Private 6-hour Tour $160 US England Stonehenge 13 Hours Guided Bus $75 US India Agra 4 Hours GetYourGuide Morning Ticket $22 US United States Grand Canyon 11-15 Hours Las Vegas Bus and Helicopter $300 US Malaysia Kuala Lumpur 3 Hours Guided Afternoon Tour $43 US Current price information as of May 6, 2021 As the United States developed, modern Americans found themselves in the unusual position of having been to reach this ancient wonder before they had explored their homeland.
Everybody has seen the Great Pyramid of Giza. It should be on every traveler’s list, as it is one of the most incredible buildings ever created. As the United States developed, modern Americans found themselves in the unusual position of having been to reach this ancient wonder before they had explored the ‘wild Wild West’ of their homeland.
Historical Significance and Construction
Another breathtaking wonder with an overwhelming historical significance is the Taj Mahal in India. Emperor Shah Jahan built this white marble mausoleum in Agra, between 1632 and 1653, in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular building is adorned with an assortment of delicate ornamentations, numerous minarets, and gigantic decorative arched doorways that seem to fascinate more than 3 million visitors each year. The temple also offers a stunning garden with reflecting pools. Muslim faithful still visit the temple to offer just footsteps away from it as a tribute to the memory of his favorite wife.
One of the few places in the world known for its historical significance is the Great Wall of China. This ancient wonder was constructed 7,000 years ago and is still standing in full display. It stretches for 3,947 miles and was made from different materials such as earth, brick, stone, and wood. Jaw-dropping albs of snow and icy emanating from its surface are the result of ancient miners’ tunneling through its depths. From being a military defense system, it became an emblem of Chinese civilization and an iconic symbol of the vast country.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China leaves a powerful impression by its massive size and sterling historical significance. What is fascinating is that the Great Wall was not merely a superfluous cooking-off of raw materials but it is a testament to the wit and wisdom of the Chinese people. The Great Wall was not only built for defense, but the Ming rulers also wanted to win their people without a fierce war because of the Motherland remaining firmly part of the Great Wall. The Great Wall once worked ethno-politically because it prevented the intrusion of other stronger political entities simultaneously, still upholding China’s integrity. The Great Wall represents the intelligence of the Chinese people in ancient times, building on their own great civilization over thousands of years. The Great Wall has been praised as one of the eight wonders of the ancient world by the ancient Chinese, is the only wonder kept in our time.
Built over a period of two thousand years, the Great Wall is one of the world’s most notable ancient architectural wonders, stretching along the border over 21,196 kilometers. It takes over 2 1/2 hours to fly over the entire length of the Great Wall. It is said that the wall can be seen from the moon without the aid of a telescope. The Great Wall of China has become the symbol of the country. It is the largest man-made structure on earth today. The wall has yet to serve its original purpose, as its primary usage was to protect the Chinese nation, limiting the invaders to the north. It is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall and was made a World Heritage Site in 1987. The Wall is built of square blocks of locally quarried granite, and the height and thickness of the wall vary from three to five meters (3.3 to 5.5 yd). On the top of the wall, parapets were built to protect soldiers from falling and to provide a grip and support.
Length and Historical Significance
The means of assessing this architectural attribute are naturally dependent on the particular special category of uniquely important places to which the sites evaluated belong. The total number of selected sites with this World Heritage Statute is currently two hundred forty-seven and is essentially representative of the entire world. Rather than comparing each site’s measurements of length, height, or area with some average value and thus deriving a standardized index later able to mirror differences in unique properties of the sites, a number of statistical indicators can be used to judge them independently – from first principles, beginning to distinguish among the categories of grounds surveyed as of date 30/10/2000. On the basis of recent national and international regulations, conventions, and guidelines envisaging the task of standing up for World’s significant heritage, all the appointed properties have been listed into ten categories, which fully consider the greatest complexities and contradictions that contemporary culture encompasses. Since this methodology was exclusively oriented towards statistical validation, so as to provide new resolutions to debates and, at the same time, to nourish concerns and celebrate genius loci through possible enhancement proposals, the outcome of the work was presented in the form of a numerical catalogue only.
It isn’t a standardized parameter for assessing attractions, but there is nothing surprising or strange about its correlation. It seems that the place offering a wider array of mechanisms for inspiring awe resonates with a larger group of travelers and, depending on the method of assessment, is assessed at its higher, medium, or base – standard of comparison significance. Of course, it is also completely justified to get to know well whatever kinds of “attraction” architecture and way of the world – “in the vicinity” of area in the vicinity of Man-made nature – anticipate with specific elements of landscape, lifestyle, and tradition in order to build potential for attracting tourist attention. However, the process of assessment of special categories of uniquely important places can involve ‘architectural attribute’ categories offering information not only on dimensions, volumes, or other static features of the objects in question, but also the technologies that rendered them unique, focused on providing insight into the architectural qualities that have secured for the properties in question the added designation of World Heritage.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu itself is the major magnet in drawing people to Peru, even if you have to join the hordes of visitors on a pilgrimage. If we were disappointed in many of Peru’s other traditional attractions – particularly after the mystical pulls of Bolivia – we weren’t in the slightest with Machu Picchu. The ruin’s excellent natural setting – looming over the roaring Urubamba River 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) below and surrounded by a verdant ridge of dense coca leaves – helps set the spell. The site entirely commands the steep, jungle-clad land plateau and was the function of an elaborate waterway system to irrigate farmland and dispose of wastewater. Only then can you truly start to fathom the scale of work involved in building Machu Picchu.
One of South America’s most popular tourist attractions, this grand, mysterious maze of an Incan palace is thought to have been built for Pachacuti, the emperor who transformed the mountain kingdom of Cuzco into the vast Inca Empire during the early 15th century. And it lay hidden from the outside world until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it. There are many theories as to what Machu Picchu really is. Was it an ominous center of assembly and worship, a secluded Tibetan-like bard’s grove for higher learning, an emperor’s vacation retreat, or just an empty summer palace? Your guess is as good as any, although most favor either the portentous or the educated theories. Furthermore, the Quechua people certainly have their own concrete, mystical answer to what Machu Picchu is and what it means to them.
Inca Civilization and Discovery
And tourists are not the only ones who come here. The preservation and conservation of such a site are a massive undertaking. Funding for this immense bureaucracy depends, in large part, on the sheer number of visitors. People have been coming here in ever-increasing numbers, for the city’s reputation is spread by word of mouth and its fame endorsed by the 1911 book by Hiram Bingham. Wealth, power, and prestige, the exclusive preserve of a very few in the time of the Inca, are, however, available to the individual castle-dwelling modern-day Incan tourist and any donations are more than welcome. Enjoyment – indeed our very freedom to view – comes at a high price.
Lying at the foot of Machu Picchu is the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes. Strategically located at this integral access point, taking these visitors to the world-famous archaeological wonder next door has not only transformed the town but instigates, every day, a cacophony of noise, excitement, and nerves. Tourists, of which there are many – you could probably age a tree by counting the thousands of camera clicks per day – scurry across the tracks with multiple-sized backpacks, poles in hand, cans of oxygen tumbling from their pockets. They are about to cross a threshold and undergo a ritual seen nowhere else: their scenarios and selfies and travels the subject of scrutiny, reflection, and empathy for the Inca communities that still live on the high plains above.
Petra, Jordan
On a small scale, Petra is perhaps best known for the exquisite detail of its treasury and other monuments, but this is definitely not a small site. The view as you enter the city is like something out of the movies. The path narrows as you walk further through the city, but every corner you turn is sure to provide a new and fascinating view. With a bit of time and effort (it takes one hour and fifteen minutes to reach the top on average), you can also ascend the monastery and enjoy the stunning valley view from the top.
The archaeological site of Petra is found in Jordan’s southwestern desert and is home to one of the world’s most striking archaeological sites. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and ancient architecture. The rock-carved city was home to the Nabateans, a proud people who settled in the south of Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. The Nabateans were master builders who carved entire buildings from the rose-red mountains.
Rose City Architecture
Petra City is a portion of something even more dramatic: a still-standing, finely constructed, stunningly decorated world. At the heart, swirling mountains and canyons unite to form a vast theater and a small amphitheater set in rows. While elsewhere, a series of basilicas and temples contain splendidly crafted columns, tombs, houses, and caves that are representative of architectural expertise, knowledge of the system, and wealth. Most imposing is perhaps the monument that fronts the valley’s face: Al-Khazneh, the Treasury. It’s a Christian basilica named by Bedouins who imagined that stolen treasures had been hidden there upon finding the facade filled with bullet-crafted pocks. The fact is that there are neither treasures nor locks hiding within: The treasury is essentially a magnificent sight for sore eyes, 40 meters high and engraved with lions and eagles that most likely represent the Greek gods rather than more recent owners. Because time illuminations highlight the pink but roseate sandstone at different hours of the day. A defiant sparkle of histology tells the truth; the sandstone is pink. With the shroud of legend removed, visitors can see the rocks for what they are: ancient work and a wonder of nature.
The Petra Valley, hidden amid burnt sandstone cliffs in the deserts of Jordan, was once a silk and spice corridor connecting China, India, West Asia, and the Mediterranean. It is located about 160 miles south of the present capital, Amman. The Nabataeans, a civilization of grateful people, have moved into this wealthy pocket, living in spring-cooled caves. In the first century BC, the phrase “Petra’s patron” was between Rome and Parthia, an uncertain alliance that allowed them to retain commercial benefits from each superpower. Romans favored their incense, requested to light their temples. The Parthians carried Chinese silk in their modestly decorated tombs’ columns and flowers. However, when the wind roamed here blew sand in the streets and collapsed the buildings into grumbles, one of the ancient world’s most magnificent towns fell.
The Colosseum, Rome
The site was once the location of a man-made lake, before the reign of the Emperor Nero, who ordered it drained so that a grand wooden arena could be constructed. Emperor Vespasian aimed to carry out an iconic building project that would help to draw Rome away from the disgrace that had been left behind by the disastrous reign of the scandalous and insanely rich Nero. Although the elite class took up a significant majority of the eager spectators at the opening of the arena, general citizen spectators could watch the gladiatorial combat for free. This was done in order to distract the population from the destructive events that had taken place there during Nero’s reign, in which rebellions occurred and thousands marched in protest. The most popular contests of the gladiator games in the amphitheater were those fought by gladiators and the wild animals. Lions, tigers, elephants, and even giraffes would enter the arena and confront men. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the use of the amphitheater gradually weakened due to logistical and financial difficulties.
The Colosseum is another of Rome’s most iconic and world-renowned attractions. This enormous structure is located at the heart of Rome, a short walk from famous landmarks such as the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the mysterious Pantheon. Known locally as ‘Il Colosseo’ or ‘Anfiteatrum Flavium’, the Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheater ever constructed and had the ability to hold around 50,000-80,000 spectators. The site was once the location of a man-made lake, before the reign of the Emperor Nero, who ordered it drained so that a grand wooden arena could be constructed. Emperor Vespasian aimed to carry out an iconic building project that would help to draw Rome away from the disgrace that had been left behind by the disastrous reign of the scandalous and insanely rich Nero.
Gladiator Fights and Architecture
Another famous Rome building is the Pantheon, which was dedicated to the pagan gods governing the world. It was built in the second century AD under the Emperor Hadrian. Its main architectural feature is the huge dome with a skylight, a circle with a diameter of 9 meters. For almost 2000 years, this building withstood all earthquakes and remained the largest freestanding dome in the world. On the outside of the Pantheon are Corinthian columns. The floor is lined with marble that has circle designs on them. The holes in the top were for the rain to come in, depicting the gods falling from the heavens, and ivy would have been growing all the way around there. On the inside, there are two levels; the bottom has taller and thicker columns and the top has shorter columns with less detail around the tops. The circle in the middle lets in a lot of natural light and makes the building mesmerizing.
Many people today associate Rome with gladiator fights, which took place in the Colosseum, a vast amphitheater which is a significant Roman architectural achievement. It was located in the heart of Rome. Gladiator fights were a demonstration of physical power. It wasn’t so much the fact that the fights were being held, as much as where they were being held. The amphitheater was designed to seat 50,000 people, making it the largest amphitheater in the world. It had 80 entrances and 240 massive arches. The construction of the Colosseum took 10 years, and today it is one of Rome’s most popular tourist sites.
The Taj Mahal, India
Here the monarchical power of the Mughal male was expressed in the model tent form characteristic of the European Renaissance, and the burial place reveals a similar synthesis of traditional Persian, Central Asian, and Chinese design. The internal and external decoration (panels in marble relief, further panels of inlaid semiprecious stones, and stylistic motifs in painting) reflects the complexity of the Mughals’ image of paradise. The quality spread to magnificent gardens and provided the site with great prestige at the time of its inauguration, as well as today a universally recognized symbol of the Indo-Islamic traditions. The main “charbagh” garden is recognized as typical of the imperial paradises of the Mughal dynasty because it emphasizes the axes of the palace and the mosque. The Taj Mahal is considered to be the best expression of the principle of host-guest relationship, a class that leads to a communal atmosphere of perfect peace (acquired through symmetry and a perfect recall of the palace).
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal was also formalized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. Described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as “the tear-drop on the cheek of time”, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife.
Love Story Behind Its Creation
Only a wife who trusted in her husband’s heart could truly appreciate her present. This feeling was returned after Hamida gave her diamond present to her beloved – and saved his life, as in hiding, they were attacked by a tiger, and the sparkling stone fetched the emergency situation. At that point, Humayun promised his wife that he would construct a garden – its beauty surpassing everything that she had ever seen. After the trip to Delhi, it became clear – the promise had to be realized! At the same time, it was a sign of love and respect to build up the garden in a place where the emperor’s father was buried – and Humayun himself was buried alongside his first wife. Since more beautiful wives appeared in the emperor’s life later on, the most beautiful part of Humayun’s garden is that precious moments are also added today.
The love story of Humayun and his wife, Hamida Begum, inspired the creation of their garden where they now rest for eternity. Persia is also a part of their love story – Hamida Begum grew up in one of the most powerful families of Persia. When they got married, Humayun gifted his beloved a precious stone, its color reminding him of her sparkling eyes. After good news, women of the palace were connected by a diamond bracelet to their husbands – and the most powerful Persian empress would always be seen in two bracelets. Humayun’s empire had a very difficult period, and he had to leave the capital. A crown safety deposit was left with the beloved’s family – and when the family returned to India, they took both the crown and precious diamond.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
To access the top, you can take the commuter train to reach the mountain peak or choose a van if you are traveling with tour guides. If you are around for Rio’s Carnival or New Year’s, it is a fantastic place to go to get the grand view of the celebration, and it is worth noting that both the statue and the view are just as breathtaking inside. The place also offers a nice place to watch night lights in Rio.
The Christ the Redeemer statue that lies on the summit of Mount Corcovado, at a staggering 700 meters above sea level, is one of the most recognized landmarks globally. It sits majestically above the city of Rio de Janeiro, and you can pretty much see the grand statue from anywhere in the city. The statue is one of Brazil’s most important landmarks and is a reminder to the citizens of the country’s Christian principle.
Iconic Symbol of Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. The outer layers are soapstone, chosen for its enduring qualities and ease of use. During the design process, the engineers established that the statue’s right arm would be used as a lightning rod (a job that was poorly performed) to protect the statue. The Corcovado mountain where it sits is also a rainwater observatory. The statue resembles traditional Brazilian depictions of Jesus, with open arms. The statue is the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world, and is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmarks. It is constructed of concrete and soapstone, and was built between 1922 and 1931.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with the French engineer Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face. The statue is 30 metres (98 ft) tall, not including its 8-metre (26 ft) pedestal, and its arms stretch 28 metres (92 ft) wide. The statue weighs 635 metric tons (625 long, 700 short tons), and is located at the peak of the 700-metre (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain, which overlooks the city from the Tijuca Forest National Park. A symbol of Christianity across the world, the statue has also become a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Endless Wonder and Beauty of the World
The longest journey can be the one to our deepest selves and can take us infinitely close to wondering at our own fantastic beings and capabilities. Thomas Aquinas expressed it well when he said of himself, “I am like a boy walking along by the seashore. He sees a great shell and wants to know what lives inside. He is terribly bored when you explain that blueprints for ten thousand creatures are catalogued inside.” As the poet e.e. cummings said, “Everything has its wonders even darkness and silence and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” And so, we partake of the wonders of the world throughout our soul’s journey and return transformed once more and richly spent from wandering at the experience.
One of the most amazing things about the wonders within is the almost infinite myriad. I have not even approached scratching the surface of the huge variety of both natural and manmade wonders that can be found on the seven continents of the world. To be honest, I do not think that we even know everything this planet’s six billion people are collectively either creating and/or destroying along with our fellow creatures each day. Some amazing wonders are yet to be discovered, and in fact, we are still learning of new species of animals and plants.