Where can we find the greatest real estate ever built?
That’s easy; it’s the 7 Man-Made Wonders of the World, of course. But when we
talk about the Wonders of the World it tends to get confusing, because there
are many lists, including the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, the 7 Natural
Wonders of the World, and even New 7 Wonders of the World. But when it comes to
the 7 most awe inspiring man-made architectural marvels in world, we’ve got
them covered here. So whether you have one or all of them on your bucket list,
you’re a history buff, or you just appreciate the most amazing real estate ever
built, we hope you enjoy this journey across the world!
Chichen Itza
Yukatan, Mexico
In the southeastern region of Yukatan in Mexico lies Chichen
Itza, the cornerstone of the great Mayan civilization and now one of the most
visited sites in the world. The mighty Mayan empire ruled between 600-900 AD
and displayed incredible advanced techniques in science, math, astrology, and
building, as evidenced by Chichen Itza with its paved roads, dozens of stone
buildings, and diverse architectural styles spanning 5 square kilometers.
Christ the Redeemer
Rio De Janiero Brazil
Watching over South America’s beach-lined city of Samba and
soccer sits the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the subject of some of the
most breathtaking photographic images ever taken. This statue of Christ stands
high up on top of Mount Corcovado in the Tijuca Forest National Park in Brazil,
the largest national park in the center of a city in the world. Built between
1922 and 1931 with 635 tons of materials, including an outer façade in
soapstone, this 130 foot high statue is the largest in the word and offers
breathtaking views of Rio, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and even the famous
soccer stadium where Pele played, Mericana.
The Colosseum
Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is a testament to the mighty Roman Empire, the
ruins of an open-air amphitheater that hosted up to 80,000 spectators watching
gladiators fight to the death during its high point. It’s the largest the
Romans ever built, beginning in 72 AD and completed in 80 AD. In addition to
gladiatorial fights, the Colosseum thrilled the citizens of Rome with grand
events such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of
famous battles and drama's based on classical mythology. These days, crowds of
tourists wait in long lines and fight to get in to glimpse the great architectural
spectacle.
The Great Wall of China
China
Perhaps the most impressive feat of building based on sheer
scale, the Great Wall of China extends 3,460 kilometers – with an additional
2,860 of branches – across the northern frontier of China. It was originally
built around 2,500 years ago by two separate Dynasties as a defensive abutment
against invaders. Although it’s crumbling and damaged in some parts the wall is
still remarkably intact, standing from 30-100 feet wide and anywhere from 10 to
80 feet tall. It crosses desserts, forests, and mountain ranges and is the only
man made structure visible from outer space.
Machu Picchu
Peru
Nestled in the rugged mountain ranges of the Urubamba Valley
in the Andes Mountains in Peru, just 70km north of the charming and festive
high-elevation town of Cusco, Machu Picchu is the stronghold that was the heart
of the ancient Inca civilization. It sits on a narrow and sheer plateau over
8,000 feet above sea level. It’s widely believed that the Inca Empire built
Machu Picchu around the 15th century, including advanced irrigations
and water catching mechanisms, precise stonework, and scores of buildings. The
Inca civilization mysteriously disappeared, whether from famine, war, or
disease it’s not known, but the jungle swallowed up the city for centuries. It
was rediscovered in 1911 by an Austrian explorer, Hiram Bingham, and so is
called “The Lost City.” If a tourist wants to earn the once-in-a-lifetime views
from Machu Picchu, they can hike up the unforgiving Inca Trail from Cusco for a
4-day journey to the summit.
Petra
Jordan
Petra is entire ancient city literally carved into the red
sandstone mountains of Hor in the arid desert of Jordan. The city was one of
the finest in the world as far back as 106 AD, where it served as a stopping
point for traders and spice merchants coming and going throughout the Middle East
and capital of the Nabataean empire. Due to it’s red hue and ancient origins,
Petra is called ''A rose red city half as old as time.” But the thriving
civilization was wiped out of existence by floods and buried by sandstorms, and
replaced by maritime trading routes. So Petra sat beneath the earth for
centuries and lost to the world, only a very small amount of buildings used as
shelter by the nomadic Bedouin tribes. But in 1812 a Swiss explorer, Johann
Ludwig Burckhardt, stumbled upon Petra during an archeological dig, one of the
greatest finds in history. Even two
hundred years later Petra is still less than half excavated, with stunning 150
foot high ornate buildings like the Treasury –featured in the Indian Jones
movie – one of the most stunning spectacles in the world.
Taj Mahal
Agra, India
Called “The greatest love story ever built,” the Taj Mahal
was built as a mausoleum by the emperor Shah Jahan to his beautiful wife Mumtaz
Mahal, who died during childbirth. Construction started in 1632 as the
heartbroken Emperor wanted to build a structure as a tribute to the beauty of
his departed bride. It took 20,000 laborers, artisans, and engineers from
India, Persia, and Rajasthan and other countries in the region. The result,
completed in 1653, is the world’s most stunning structure, with 28 kinds of
precious and semi-precious stones used to bejewel the carved marble edifice.
Unfortunately the story has a tragic ending; the Emperor Mumtza Mahal wanted to
build an equally impressive mausoleum, all in black to match the white Taj
Mahal, across the river and connected by a bridge. But his son, who feared his
love-struck father was going to spend his whole family fortune on such
frivolities, had him imprisoned and assumed power. Mumtaz Mahal spent the rest
of his days locked in a cell in a nearby tower, though he did have a view of
the Taj Mahal, his late wife’s burial place, to keep him company.
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Look for our upcoming blog where we name our own 7
Architectural Wonders of the World in honor of the real estate profession!
