Nugget & The New Seven World Wonders

The year 2000 marked the beginning of the project New7Wonders, which concept was rather simple; to beckon the people of the world to vote for the new man-made seven wonders of the world. The campaign was  committed to deepening Global Memory legacy and to help document and conserve global heritage; similar to that of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. 

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

My love for architecture was first expressed in my earlier article titled "Nugget & The Cathedrals", but this structure is so unbelievably magnificent. The crown jewel of India, the world's most iconic tribute to love - the Taj Mahal. The exquisite marble mausoleum was commissioned by Shah Jahan, in 1631 in honour of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died soon after the birth of her fourteenth child (14....children...). She was portrayed to be the perfect wife and companion and the King grieved for two years after her passing. Inspired by Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal consists of white marble and semi-precious stones. It was fashioned by love and shaped to perfection.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353884483203233269/

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The Great Wall of China; synonymous with architectural grandeur and historical significance. It is the world's longest defensive fortification and was started as early as 223 BC. Over the years, parts of the wall has been significantly deteriorating, but the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing has been the most preserved and and best completed portion of the Wall which has made it the most popular section and where I plan on visiting. 

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COLOSSEUM, ROME

Rome's most popular tourist attraction is most certainly the Colosseum. The construction of the monument began 70 AD and  is the world's largest amphitheatre. It was used throughout its life to host gladiatorial contests, public spectacles and drama. The Colosseum of today has fallen into a somewhat ruinous state, but is still a beautiful and majestic site.  The Colosseum was mentioned as one of the sights I hope to see in my previous articles Nugget & Europe.

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GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA

My favourite thing about the Pyramid is the mystery which surrounds it. Thousand of years later and modern technology still, can neither replicate, nor explain this Wonder which is why it was named an Honorary candidate. Amazing facts that made me love it:

• it was built on artificially flatten ground, off by 2cm from a perfectly horizontal plane 
• the edges of the base almost makes a perfect square
• the mortar is of unknown origin and cannot be duplicated
• the four sides are perfectly oriented with the cardinal points and faces True North
• The Pyramid of Menkaure, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Great Pyramid) are precisely aligned with the Constellation of Orion
• the edges are slightly concaved which duplicates the curvation of the earth
• it is located at the centre of all landmass of earth
• it was built to withstand heat expansion and earthquakes
• the interior temperature is constant and equals the average temperature of the earth
• it was the tallest structure for approximately 3,800 years
• It is the only 7 Wonders of the Ancient World to exist today

The accuracy of the Pyramid's workmanship together with so many "coincidences" has baffled many experts. It is indeed a architectural, engineering and geographical marvel. After this research, I'm a bit upset that the decepticons destroyed it in the Transformers movie...maybe the aliens did build it after all ;)

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PETRA, JORDAN

Within the deserts of Jordan lies the ancient city of Petra. It is described as an archaeological wonder where the city was build using rock-cut architecture and carved into cliffs by an indigenous Arab tribe. Unfortunately, much of the rose city was destroyed by an earthquake in 363. Nevertheless, amazing architecture and intricate carvings are still very much present and available for public viewing.

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MACHU PICCHU, PERU

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Latin America and the most visited in Peru. This Inca Empire is nested 7,000 feet above sea level on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range and above the Urabamba Valley below. This massive yet refined architecture of Machu Picchu blends exceptionally well with the stunning natural environment as its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. Visitors express that there is a magical feeling when you walk through this green paradise. What exactly is the magical experience? I'm not sure but one day I hope to find that our for myself.

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CHRIST THE REDEEMER, BRAZIL

Christ The Redeemer has become know as the symbol of Brazil around the world. This masterpiece was designed by a French sculptor, Paul Landowski and construction took nine years, being completed in 1931. Due to its location, the statue requires periodic maintenance work for damages from extreme winds, erosion and even lightning strikes.

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CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO

The ruins of Chichen Itza is the  most visited archaeological site in Mexico which is a manifestation of the architectural excellence of the Mayan civilisation. This site was a major economic power in the northern Mayan lowlands during its apogee. El Castillo or "the castle" dominates the centre of Chichen Itza. It served as a temple to the god Kukulkan, the Yucatec Maya Feathered Serpent deity.  During the the late afternoon sun strikes the corner of the pyramid creating the illusion of a feathered serpent "crawling" down the pyramid. Not something I'd like to see...

Photo credit:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/362680576215075088/

Of these seven New World Wonders, my favourites are the Taj Mahal for the jewel that it is and its beautiful story and the Great Pyramid of Giza for the great mystery and wonder which surrounds it.