Wonders of the World

For centuries, humans have sought to leave their mark on the world, building extraordinary works and admiring the beauty of nature: ingenuity, culture, and creativity, but also breathtaking landscapes. In this article, I will attempt to provide a brief historical context for these wonders, their categories, and share my personal experience with those I've visited.

Historical context

Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World originated between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC in Greece, when poets, historians, and travelers began documenting the most extraordinary works of art in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The goal was not to compile an official list, but to celebrate human ingenuity, architectural grandeur, and artistic beauty.

Of these, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one to have survived to the present day; the others were destroyed by earthquakes, fires, and wars.

• Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)

• Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq)

• Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)

• Temple of Artemis in Ephesus (Türkiye)

• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Türkiye)

• Colossus of Rhodes (Greece)

• Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt)

Wonders of the Modern World

In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation, a private Swiss organization, launched a global initiative to designate the New Seven Wonders of the World, updating the ancient tradition with a modern twist. The modern wonders were chosen through an international public vote, garnering over 100 million votes.

• Colosseum (Italy)

• Taj Mahal (India)

• Petra (Jordan)

• Great Wall of China (China)

• Machu Picchu (Peru)

• Chichen Itza (Mexico)

• Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)

Natural wonders

The so-called “natural wonders of the world” do not come from a single official institution, but one of the most recognized lists was born from the initiative of the New7Wonders Foundation, which between 2007 and 2011 promoted a global selection based on international public voting.

They arise from a contemporary perspective that seeks to recognize and preserve what has always existed. From mountains to the depths of the ocean, from deserts to celestial phenomena, nature continues to surprise beyond classification. More than a defined set, natural wonders are an invitation to observe, slow down, and reconnect with what surrounds us.

(The most globally recognized ones, often present in official lists):

• Grand Canyon (United States)

• Great Barrier Reef (Australia)

• Iguazu Falls (Argentina / Brazil)

• Aurora Borealis (Arctic regions)

• Mount Everest (Nepal / China)

• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

• Komodo National Park (Indonesia)

Not all the wonders of the world are included in the most famous lists. Some places, lesser-known or more remote, preserve an even more pristine and surprising beauty.

• Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) – the largest salt flat in the world, surreal and reflective

• Lake Baikal (Russia) – the deepest and oldest lake on the planet

• Zhangjiajie National Park (China) – Vertical mountains shrouded in mist

• Socotra (Yemen) – a unique, almost alien ecosystem

• Lençóis Maranhenses (Brazil) – white dunes interspersed with crystalline lagoons

• Son Doong Cave (Vietnam) – the largest cave ever discovered

• Simien Mountains (Ethiopia) – wild and little-explored landscapes

My personal experience

Often, when I travel, I like to close my eyes for a while and let my senses guide me through the imagination of stories suspended in fantasy. I try to capture a smell, a color, a local flavor, and imagine that corner of the world 1,000 years ago. Who was sitting where I am? What were their worries?

This little game gives me a deep connection with history and place, and from here comes my pleasure in being a traveler: observing with respect, listening attentively, and experiencing each site of interest as alive and present, respecting the past stories of my imagination.

I would like to one day be able to visit all the wonders of the world and be able to "play" with the timelines traced by my perception.

So far, I've been fortunate enough to visit three wonders: the Colosseum, Petra, and the Taj Mahal. Three places that have left me with unique emotions and memories. Recounting them means sharing not only what they represent in the world, but also how I personally experienced them with my eyes closed.

Colosseum, Italy

There's something in the air that makes it easy to imagine what once was: the roar of the crowd, the battles, footsteps on the sand, the silence before a battle. It's not just a place to observe, but a space you can feel, almost as if time had never quite passed.

The Colosseum was built starting in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 AD by his son Titus. Originally a large public amphitheater, it could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and was the heart of Roman entertainment. Gladiatorial combats, exotic animal hunts, and public spectacles were held here, designed not only to entertain but also to showcase the power and grandeur of the Empire.

If I had to give a color to the energy of the Colosseum, it would definitely be red.

Here are some practical tips from my experience:

• Try to visit the site when it opens, you will find less crowds.

• Buy your ticket online well in advance.

• If you can, reach the Colosseum on foot. This way, you'll experience a blend of daily life (the Roman Forum) and spectacle (the Colosseum).

• If you can, include a guide and a tour of the underground passages. Alternatively, while you visit, download a free guide for more context.

• Keep an eye out for discounts. Under 24s generally pay a reduced rate, but discounts are often added (seasonally) for other categories or for specific days (time slots).

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is a hymn to love and beauty. Its perfect symmetry, white marble, and incredible details create a harmonious and almost spiritual experience. If I had to sum up the monument in a few words, I would say: the Fibonacci sequence.

The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death. More than a simple monument, it is considered one of the most extraordinary symbols of love ever created: a white marble mausoleum that combines architectural perfection and emotion. Before it, another tomb had anticipated this style: the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the "Baby Taj."

After his companion's death, Shah Jahan never married again: his love for Mumtaz Mahal remained unique and undiminished. When he was deposed and imprisoned in the Agra Fort by his son, he demanded no luxury, but only one request: a humble room overlooking the Taj Mahal. From there, he could watch the white marble illuminate as the sun rose and set, as if each ray reminded him of the presence of his long-lost love.

If I had to give a color to the energy of the Taj Mahal, it would definitely be orange.

Here are some practical tips from my experience:

• Buy your ticket online well in advance (on the official website).

• Visit the monument at dawn to enjoy the most magical light.

• Find a good guide. We relied on GetYourGuide, but to be honest, we weren't satisfied: our guide even forced us to give the experience a positive review.

• Visit the Baby Taj a few days in advance to get a feel for what to expect.

• Visit the Agra Fort, from where you can admire the masterpiece from the same perspective as the lovestruck prisoner.

• Visit Mehtab Bagh Park at sunset the day before your Taj Mahal visit to get a sense of the surroundings. Entrance costs about ₹300, and be careful of the monkeys.

Petra, Jordan

Between age-old secrets and dry land, along the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to Petra unfolds: a breathtaking display of light and stone.

Petra was inhabited by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago and was a strategic trading center between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The city is famous for its rock-carved facades , including the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad-Deir) , as well as numerous tombs, temples, and theaters that bear witness to the daily life and engineering skills of the Nabateans. Petra covers approximately 264 km² , but much of it consists of valleys and paths connecting the site's various "treasures." Even today, some Bedouin communities, descendants of the region's nomadic peoples, still live in the surrounding area, managing camels, mules, or making handicrafts, adding to the authenticity and warmth of the experience.

Carved into the rock, it opens between narrow, silent canyons. The Nabatean city exudes mystery, ingenuity, and resilience.

Petra is also called "the lost rose city" because the Nabataeans cleverly hid it among the mountains to protect it from enemies. Legend has it that only those who know how to listen to the wind and observe the shadows can glimpse its most hidden treasures.

If I had to give a color to Petra's energy, it would definitely be gray.

Here are some practical tips from my experience:

• Buy your ticket online well in advance (on the official website).

• Start your visit at dawn both for a cooler climate and to avoid crowds that will start to form from around 11am.

• Spend a few days visiting the city of Wadi Musa before visiting the site

• Interact with the Bedouin community inside Petra but watch the prices (always haggle) and bring cash with you.

• Avoid using animals for internal travel (they are mistreated)

• Bring a map with you and visit even the lesser-known sites (such as the Urn Tomb and Qasr al-Bint).

• Plan at least two days for Petra, so you can see both the Treasury and the Monastery without rushing.

• After your visit, if you still have time, plan a visit to the Wadi Rum Desert.