You will surely have heard of the original 7 Wonders of the World, which includes the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Colossus of Rhodes – but you certainly haven’t actually seen any of them. Why? Because only one, the Great Pyramid of Giza, still exists.
It was partly for that reason that a campaign to choose seven new wonders of the modern world was launched twenty years ago, selecting such glories as the Colosseum in Rome and the Great Wall of China. Several spectacular structures just missed out on a place on the list though.
These are the incredible landmarks that made it to the final, but not *quite* all the way. So we’re calling ’em the best ‘unofficial’ Wonders of the World. Best bit? You can still see each and every one of them.
The Best Unofficial Wonders Of The World
How do these rankings work?
1. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
It shows the high standard of the new wonders that this legendary Parisian tower did not make it onto the list. It takes its name from the engineer whose company designed it, Gustave Eiffel, and was completed in 1889. At that time it was the world’s tallest man-made building – and it remains a magnet for tourists worldwide.
2. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
You’ll find this legendary house of culture right by the side of the harbour in Sydney, Australia, and it dates back to 1973. Thousands of shows play here every year and millions from around the globe attend them, while the building itself is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
3. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Easily one of the oldest structures to be considered for inclusion, Stonehenge is a mysterious circle of stones that dates back to prehistoric times. No one knows the precise reason for the existence of this monument in Wiltshire, in the UK, but that has only served to make it all the more fascinating for visitors and historians.
4. Moai Statues – Easter Island, Chile
Another ancient marvel, the statues of humans carved from rock on Easter Island in Polynesia date back to sometime between 1250 and 1500. They surround the perimeter of this island like a spooky set of guards, with enlarged heads and blank expressions.
5. Statue of Liberty – New York, USA
This is a neoclassical sculpture of a robed woman meant to represent the goddess of freedom, Libertas, and was given to the US by France in 1886. It is located on Liberty Island, New York and is one of the first sights anyone sees when arriving there by ship – adding to its iconic status.
6. Acropolis – Athens, Greece
The Acropolis is a citadel dating back to ancient times that looms over the city of Athens, Greece. Several sets of historic ruins are found within it, including the Parthenon, which is believed to have been built in the fifth century BC.
7. The Kremlin – Moscow, Russia
The most famous structure in Russia, the Kremlin is a complex in Moscow that is close to other landmarks – such as Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It consists of four cathedrals and five palaces and is the real heart of the country’s government.
These seven amazing structures might not officially be Wonders of the World, but they should be. Either way, you won’t want to miss the chance to see any of them up close.Â
