The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu© pawopa3336
Of the famous Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one can be visited today - we'll let you read this article to find out! However, a ranking proposed by the New Seven Wonders Foundation has identified the seven new wonders of the world, and these are all worth a detour in a traveller's life! To complete this top 10, we've decided to add two that we think could very well enter this ranking. Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are plenty of sites that deserve to be included! By the way, what do you think are the most wonderful monuments in the world?
1. The Pyramid of Khufu, an ancient treasure and undeniably one of the most beautiful wonders of the world
The Khufu Pyramid© gravicam - Shutterstock.com
The one and only marvel of the ancient world to have stood the test of time, the Khufu Pyramid is the tallest in Egypt's Giza necropolis. It would have taken more than twenty years to complete this work of art, which weighs in at around 7 million tonnes! The visit is impressive: you enter with your back bent in a narrow corridor leading to the burial chambers. Claustrophobic visitors beware! A masterpiece of humanity and one of the most beautiful wonders of the world to have seen in one's lifetime. To the east of the pyramidare the three Princess Pyramids, as well as numerous tombs, most of them belonging to the royal family.
Read more: What to do in Egypt The 17 most beautiful places to visit
2. The Colosseum, an eternal monument
A symbol of the city of Rome, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in antiquity . Built during the reign of the Flavian dynasty (hence the name Flavian amphitheatre), it was completed in 80 A.D. It hosted the most famous gladiatorial fights of the Roman era, and was put to a number of different uses over the years: first as a dwelling, then as a quarry for building materials, it was later converted into a place of Christian worship, before being gradually abandoned until its restoration. The first time you enter this very special enclosure, you'll be overwhelmed by its resistance to time and its complex architecture, which bear witness to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. A must-see in Rome!
Read more: What to do and see in Rome in 3 days? Itinerary tips
3. The Taj Mahal, a precious tomb and one of the most beautiful wonders of the world
The Taj Mahal© Instants- iStockphoto
Built as a husband's tribute to his deceased wife in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal has become one of the symbols of India, and a must-see on any trip there. When you come face to face with this sublime white marble monument, you are initially overwhelmed by the Mughal gardens that surround it. It's best seen in the early hours of the morning, when the rising sun beams down on the white marble, giving it a pearly she en. Once inside, when you see the tomb of the two spouses surrounded by semi-precious stones, it's easy to understand why the Taj Mahal is recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world. It is a true masterpiece of world architecture, a testimony to eternal love and romantic passion. Rabindranath Tagore, the great Indian poet, described the Taj Mahal as "a tear on the face of eternity".
4. The Great Wall of China, a unique construction
The Great Wall of China© Sofiaworld - shutterstock.com
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most important defense structures, estimated to be almost 6,300 km long! These military fortifications criss-cross China in different sections. Among the most visited are those at Badaling, Mutanyu for its sublime views (one of our favorite parts of the Great Wall) and Jinshanling, for its lunar mountain landscape. Along these ramparts, we discover a part of China's rich history. One of the most beautiful places to see in China!
5. Petra, ancient city
The treasure of Petra, Jordan© Aivolie - Shutterstock.com
Petra isone of Jordan's treasures. Nicknamed the "Pink City" because of the hue of the sandstone from which its monuments are carved, Petra is famous for its monumental facades carved out of the rock, such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad Deir), witnesses to Nabataean architectural ingenuity. This ancient city in the south of the country fascinates archaeologists: the Nabataeans lived here as early as the 6thcentury BC, leaving behind them a number of monumentsC., leaving behind them countless vestiges and above all these fantastic facades, today one of the best-known images of the site. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting visitors from all over the world fascinated by its beauty and history
Tempted? See our article Visiting Petra in Jordan: a guide to what you need to know!
6. Christ the Redeemer, Rio's landmark and one of the most beautiful wonders of the world
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro© marchello 74 - Shutterstock.com
At the summit of Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, a gigantic Christ rises, arms in the form of a cross, to bless the city. It's the famous Christ the Redeemer, one of Rio's most visited monuments. Built to celebrate the centenary of Brazil's independence, it was completed some nine years late. It has to be said that the work is monumental: 31 m high and 1,145 tonnes! To reach its feet, you have to cross the Tijuca forest and brave the crowds of tourists. From the top of Mount Corcovado, at an altitude of 710 metres, the observation platform reveals a spectacular panorama of Rio de Janeiro. On a clear day, you can admire Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and the famous Sugar Loaf ."
Read also: 20 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Europe to discover
7. Chichén Itzá, a vast Mayan city
El Castillo - Pyramid of Kukulcan© Vazhdaev - Fotolia
On Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is one of the country's most important archaeological zones, and a World Heritage Site. Built around what are now sacred cenotes, most of the site's monuments were constructed between 800 and 1200. The most emblematic is undoubtedly the El Castillo pyramid, a jewel in the crown of Mayadédié feathered serpent architecture. It's a site to see in the early hours of the morning, as soon as it opens, to make the most of it.
Read more: Where to go to see Mayan and Inca temples? Top destinations
8. Machu Picchu, a mysterious site
The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu© pawopa3336
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 130 km from Cuzco in Peru, Machu Picchu has stood the test of time. Thanks to its splendor and mysterious aura, it is considered the most fascinating pre-Columbian monument in South America. This lost city, nestled in the valley of the Rio Urubamba and accessible after a four-day walk from Cuzco, is one of the Ten Wonders of the World. Its terraced cultivation and numerous buildings, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana, create a unique place that retains all its mystery. No one knows whether it's an ancient fortress, a sanctuary, a city or all of the above. To get there, we recommend you follow the famous Inca Trail, Latin America's most famous hike. This 43 km trek will take you through breathtaking landscapes.
Read more: Peru in 15 days: the best itinerary to follow
9. Mont-Saint-Michel, the jewel of Normandy and one of the most beautiful wonders of the world
Mont-Saint-Michel© Jrossphoto - Shutterstock.com
The last two monuments in this selection are not on the list of wonders of the world, new or ancient. But at Le Petit Futé, we all agree that they would definitely have their place, starting with Mont-Saint-Michel, which fascinates countless visitors every year. This sumptuous abbey in the middle of the English Channel is one of France's heritage treasures, and one of the most beautiful abbeys to visit in the country. Once there, take time to visit the abbey church, cloister, monks' walkway and refectory. After strolling through the narrow streets, climb to the top for a breathtaking view over the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. This site, a veritable end of the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must-see on any trip to Normandy!
Read more : Crossing the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot - information and tips
10. Angkor, from temple to temple
The city ofAngkor, in Cambodia, also deserves its place among the wonders of the world, in our opinion. This is Cambodia's most famous temple, representing the apogee of Khmer architecture. Built in the first half of the 12th century under the reign of Suryavarman II, it is dedicated to Vishnu. This stone labyrinth, built in the midst of tropical vegetation dotted with rice paddies, is a must-see in the country and a treasure trove of Khmer heritage. From the West Gate to the East Gate, visitors navigate from temple to temple in one of the greatest places of worship ever built. Angkor Wat, the highlight of the tour, is the largest temple on the entire site. It's the symbol of Cambodia, and even features on the country's flag!
