The Most Popular Seven Wonders of the World, Ranked

Choose the seven wonders you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:17
Throughout history, humans have been drawn to extraordinary creations, from towering structures to breathtaking natural formations. These sites not only showcase human ingenuity and the beauty of nature but also serve as a testament to the cultural and historical triumphs of societies around the globe. By ranking these wonders, we offer a unique insight into what fascinates people the most about our world's most incredible sites. This dynamic voting system allows everyone to have a say in which of these iconic landmarks stands out above the rest. As votes pour in from around the world, the rankings continuously shift, reflecting current global preferences and interests. This ongoing engagement encourages users to participate and see how their opinions compare with others, fostering a broader appreciation of global heritage and marvels.

What Are the Most Popular Seven Wonders of the World?

  1. 1
    89
    votes
    Great Pyramid of Giza
    Nina · CC BY 2.5

    Great Pyramid of Giza

    Pharaoh Khufu
    This massive structure in Egypt is the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, and it is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza. It was built over 4,500 years ago and is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians.
    The Great Pyramid of Giza is an enormous ancient pyramid located in Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, and is considered one of the most iconic structures in the world. The pyramid was built as a tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu during the 26th century BC.
    • Location: Giza, Egypt
    • Age: Built around 2560 BC
    • Height: 146.6 meters (481 feet)
    • Base Length: 230.4 meters (756 feet)
    • Construction Material: Limestone
  2. 2
    48
    votes
    Hanging Gardens of Babylon
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    While the Hanging Gardens are believed to be a myth, they remain one of the most popular wonders of the ancient world. According to legend, the gardens were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II to please his wife, who was homesick for the lush gardens of her homeland.
    The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is an ancient wonder that is believed to have been a terraced garden built in the city of Babylon around 600 BCE. It is often described as one of the most magnificent feats of engineering and horticulture in history.
    • Location: Babylon, present-day Iraq
    • Design: Terraced gardens with cascading plants and exotic trees
    • Size: Estimated to cover an area of 400 feet wide and 80 feet high
    • Water Source: Innovative irrigation systems using water from the River Euphrates
    • Structural Material: Brick and stone
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Statue of Zeus at Olympia
    Sailko · CC BY 3.0
    This massive statue of the Greek god Zeus was created by the sculptor Phidias in the 5th century BC. It was located in the temple of Zeus in Olympia and was considered one of the most important works of ancient Greek art.
    The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is a large seated statue of the Greek god Zeus. It was once located in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. The statue was created by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias, who was known for his masterpieces during the 5th century BCE. The statue was one of the most famous works of ancient Greek art.
    • Height: Estimated to be around 12 meters (39 feet)
    • Material: Mainly made of gold and ivory
    • Style: Classical Greek
    • Location: Originally placed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece
    • Construction: Built using a wooden framework covered with ivory plates and gold panels
  4. 4
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    votes
    This Greek temple was built in honor of the goddess Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus. It was one of the largest temples in the ancient world and was known for its impressive size and beauty.
    The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was located in Ephesus, an ancient city in present-day Turkey. The temple was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, renowned for its grandeur and size.
    • Location: Ephesus, present-day Turkey
    • Period of Construction: Approximately 550 BC - 460 BC
    • Architectural Style: Ionic
    • Size: Width: Approximately 115 meters
    • Columns: Originally, the temple had 127 Ionic columns, each standing approximately 20 meters high.
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
    Ferdinand Knab (1834-1902) · Public domain
    This tomb was built for the ruler of Caria in the 4th century BC and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world. It was adorned with beautiful sculptures and was one of the most impressive tombs of its time.
    The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was an ancient tomb located in Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey). It was a grandiose tomb constructed for Mausolus, a Persian satrap of Caria, and his wife Artemisia II. The Mausoleum gained fame as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
    • Height: 45 meters (148 feet)
    • Base Area: 36 meters by 28 meters (118 ft by 92 ft)
    • Construction Material: Marble
    • Architects: Satyros and Pythius of Priene
    • Sculptors: Leochares, Bryaxis, Scopas, and Timotheus
  6. 6
    12
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    This giant statue of the Greek god Helios was built on the island of Rhodes in the 3rd century BC. It was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was one of the tallest statues of its time.
    The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue of the Greek god Helios that stood at the entrance of the harbor of Rhodes. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was renowned for its grandeur and immense size.
    • Height: Around 33 meters (110 feet)
    • Material: Bronze
    • Construction Period: 12 years
    • Location: Entrance of the harbor of Rhodes, Greece
    • Portrayal: Helios, the Greek god of the sun
    Colossus of Rhodes in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Lighthouse of Alexandria
    Prof. Hermann Thiersch (1874–1939) · Public domain
    This giant lighthouse was built in the 3rd century BC on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt. It was one of the tallest structures in the ancient world and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
    The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was an ancient marvel and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood on the island of Pharos, near the city of Alexandria in Egypt. The lighthouse served as a navigational aid for ships entering the busy harbor of Alexandria, guiding them safely to the coast.
    • Height: Approximately 120 meters (394 feet)
    • Construction Material: White marble blocks
    • Location: Island of Pharos, Alexandria, Egypt
    • Year Built: Completed around 280 BC
    • Function: Navigational aid for ships
  8. 8
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    This ancient city in Jordan is famous for its stunning architecture and rock-cut buildings. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East.
    Petra is an ancient city located in the southern part of Jordan. It is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture and its rose-colored sandstone cliffs. The city was established as early as the 4th century BC and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
    • Location: Southern Jordan
    • Architecture: Rock-cut
    • Material: Rose-colored sandstone
    • Established: 4th century BC
    • Capital: Nabatean Kingdom
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Machu Picchu
    Martin St-Amant (S23678) · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Machu Picchu

    The Inca civilization
    This ancient Incan city in Peru is located high in the Andes Mountains and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning views.
    Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture, stunning landscape, and historical significance. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
    • Location: Andes Mountains, Peru
    • Construction Period: 15th century AD
    • Architectural Style: Inca
    • Elevation: 2,430 meters (7,970 feet)
    • Type: Citadel
    Machu Picchu in other rankings
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This massive wall was built over 2,000 years ago to protect China from invading armies. It stretches over 13,000 miles and is one of the most impressive engineering feats in history.
    The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.
    • Length: 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers)
    • Height: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)
    • Width: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)
    • Construction Material: Stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials
    • Age: Over 2,000 years old (construction began in the 7th century BCE)
    The Great Wall of China in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular seven wonders

  1. Historical significance
    The monument or site's role in the world's history, including any cultural, political, or religious importance, should be considered.
  2. Architectural and engineering achievement
    The innovation, expertise, and ingenuity used in the creation of the wonder must be taken into account, as well as any unique qualities it possesses.
  3. Aesthetic appeal and beauty
    The wonder's visual impact, design, and overall artistry should be considered.
  4. Cultural impact
    The monument or site's significance to local, regional, or global cultures, along with its influence on art, literature, and popular culture, should be evaluated.
  5. Global recognition and fame
    The wonder's fame and how well-known it is around the world should be taken into account. This may include how frequently it is visited by tourists and studied in academic settings.
  6. Age and longevity
    The wonder's age and how well it has been preserved throughout history can also be important factors in determining its popularity.
  7. Accessibility
    Accessibility to the wonder for tourists and visitors should be considered, including ease of reaching the site and the availability of amenities and accommodations nearby.
  8. Environmental impact
    How well the wonder has been preserved and maintained, as well as any ongoing efforts to protect and conserve the site, should be taken into account.
  9. Test of time
    The wonder's ability to withstand natural disasters, wars, and other destructive events should be factored in, as well as any restoration efforts that have been made to preserve it.
  10. Unique features
    Any unique or one-of-a-kind features that distinguish the wonder from other similar sites or monuments should be taken into account.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular seven wonders of the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Wonder is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2140 views
  • 224 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Wonder once every 24 hours. The rank of each Wonder is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular seven wonders of the world

The Seven Wonders of the World are a collection of ancient and modern marvels that have captured the imagination of people across the globe. The original seven wonders were created by Greek historians in the 2nd century BC and included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Over time, new wonders have been added to the list, such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall of China. Today, the Seven Wonders of the World continue to inspire awe and wonder, and are a testament to the incredible creativity and ingenuity of human beings throughout history.

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