When it comes to the World’s Top Wonders, our planet contains countless awe-inspiring natural wonders and human-made marvels. With so many incredible sights across the world, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just six. However, in this blog post on the Top 6 Things Around the World, we’ll highlight a small sample of the most remarkable destinations on Earth.
As we explore these Top 6 Things Around the World, get ready for a virtual journey to some of the most diverse global attractions worth experiencing. From ancient architectural feats to thundering waterfalls, our Top 6 Things Around the World will showcase a range of unbelievable places.
While the Top 6 Things Around the World in this post represent only a tiny fraction of the wonders across the globe, they provide a glimpse into the diversity of marvels our planet harbours. As you read about these Top 6 Things Around the World, let your imagination wander to all of the other breathtaking sights out there still left to discover.
The Top 6 Things Around the World listed here merely scratches the surface of what our awe-inspiring planet has to offer. But hopefully, these Top 6 Things Around the World will inspire you to create your list of incredible places to explore.
Our world overflows with beauty and intrigue, so get ready to embark on your journey to discover the wonders the world holds. The Top 6 Things Around the World in this post are only the beginning.
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic human-made structures, the Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across northern China over many centuries. The best-known section near Beijing was largely built during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th-16th centuries AD and stretches over 5,500 miles long across deserts, grasslands, and mountains. This architectural and engineering marvel protected Chinese states and empires against invaders and served as a military defence system with watch towers, garrison stations, and blockhouses [1]. Walking along the wide ramparts and taking in views of the wall winding through dramatic landscapes is an unforgettable experience. The Great Wall is also deeply intertwined with Chinese culture and has come to represent the strength and longevity of Chinese civilization.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel shrouded in mystery and natural beauty. Built with remarkable engineering precision atop a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, it was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors and was only brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham [2]. The complex includes palaces, temples, storage buildings, and houses built of polished dry-stone walls that fuse flawlessly with the natural surroundings. Walking through Machu Picchu offers breathtaking views of the cloud forest and awe at how the Inca created this citadel without mortar, fitting the blocks together perfectly. It remains one of the world’s most majestic and spiritual ancient sites.
The Taj Mahal, India
Recognized globally as a symbol of India, the Taj Mahal in Agra is one of history’s greatest monumental mausoleums [3]. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction out of white marble as a tomb for his beloved late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The ornate central dome and four surrounding minarets as well as the reflecting pool in front create an unforgettable vision. The intricate Islamic art and calligraphy decorating the interior walls and the perfect symmetrical layout all demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship. Visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset when the light changes colours across its façade makes for an even more beautiful experience. More than just a monument to love, the Taj Mahal showcases immense creativity and passion.
The Colosseum, Rome
Arguably the most famous arena in the ancient world, the Colosseum hosted Roman gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, reenactments of famous battles, animal hunts and public executions [4]. Construction started under Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD and it could seat around 50,000 spectators who arrived via its 76 public entrances. Made of stone and concrete, this amphitheatre exemplified revolutionary Roman engineering with its liftable canvas velarium roof and an underground system of passages and catacombs beneath the arena floor. Walking on the Colosseum’s arena floor and sitting on its ancient stone bleachers provides an amazing view into what sporting events were like during the Roman Empire’s golden age. Even in ruins, the Colosseum still epitomizes imperial power and public entertainment on a grand scale.
Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River, is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls plunges over 300 feet into a narrow gorge.
The falls were formed due to a gap in the hard basalt lava that makes up the plateau over which the Zambezi flows. Over thousands of years, the river has eroded the softer rock underneath, causing the water to plunge suddenly into the gorge. The width of the falls stretches over 5,600 feet, making it the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
Victoria Falls was named in 1855 by David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer who was the first European to document seeing the falls. Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria. The falls later became one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Victoria Falls is a major tourist attraction for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visitors can view the falls from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side. Activities in the area include hiking along the rim of the gorge, white water rafting below the falls, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, and scenic flights offering aerial views. The nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia protects the landscapes around the falls.
Victoria Falls remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa. The sheer size and power of the massive falling water into the gorge below make it a breathtaking destination. As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is truly one of Africa’s greatest natural landmarks.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Ricardo Liberato, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous Egyptian pyramids and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Located on the Giza plateau just outside Cairo, the three massive pyramids are the oldest and only surviving structures of the Seven Wonders.
The Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure between 2589 2504 BC. The largest pyramid belongs to Khufu and is known as the Great Pyramid. Originally standing at over 480 feet tall, the Great Pyramid remained the tallest manmade structure in the world for nearly 4,000 years.
All three pyramids were built from over 2 million limestone and granite blocks, each weighing multiple tons. The pyramids were engineered with impressive precision and aligned almost perfectly with the cardinal directions.
Surrounding the pyramids were complexes that included temples, smaller pyramids for royal relatives, and large boat pits containing full-sized ships that were believed to transport the pharaohs to the afterlife. The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.
In addition to their architectural significance, the pyramids have intrigued historians and archaeologists for centuries about how such massive monuments were engineered and constructed over 4,500 years ago without modern machinery. Numerous theories persist about the techniques used to transport and position the massive blocks.
The Pyramids of Giza remain both an architectural and historical marvel. Their sheer size and scale reflect the power and ingenuity of Ancient Egypt. Visiting the pyramids is an awe-inspiring experience and a glimpse into the fascinating culture of ancient Egypt. The majestic monuments rising from the Giza plateau continue to be one of the most recognizable and mesmerizing sights in the world.
No trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to the legendary Pyramids of Giza, a lasting legacy of the great pharaohs of Egypt’s Old Kingdom that have inspired wonder throughout the centuries.
Top 6 Things Around the World: Conclusion
Our awe-inspiring planet harbours countless phenomenal sights—far more than could ever fit into one blog post. Though we journeyed to just six unforgettable Famous world landmarks, natural wonders of the world, and ancient world wonders, this is merely a pinpoint on the map of wonders across the globe. There are ancient relics that hint at cultures long past, like the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Mega-cities buzzing with energy and diversity, such as Tokyo, a sprawling metropolis that blends modern skyscrapers with historic temples. And remote islands where nature remains wild and free, like Komodo Island, home to the infamous Komodo dragon.
Mountains soar into clouds, like Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth. Deserts filled with otherworldly rock formations, such as the eroded sandstone spires of Petra in Jordan. Coral reefs teeming with life, like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, visible even from space. Structures built with incredible skill, places etched with humanity’s imagination, like India’s intricate Taj Mahal.
Wherever your interests lie, destinations are waiting to ignite your spirit of adventure. Keep an open mind, practice curiosity, and let your feet carry you to the hidden gems scattered across continents. Wander historical sites to envision those who came before. Explore thriving metropolises to see how diverse we are as a species. Trek through woods and along beaches to remember Earth’s power. This world overflows with beauty, much of it still untamed.
Make your bucket list not just one list, but many. Seek out the famous, but also the lesser known worthy of renown. Keep expanding your horizons, one inspiring locale at a time. Our planet offers endless wonders for those with the courage to embark on the journey.
Sources:
[1] UNESCO. “The Great Wall.” http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/438
[2] UNESCO. “Machu Picchu.” http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274
[3] “The Origins of the Taj Mahal.” Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/origins-taj-mahal-180956483/
[4] “Building the Colosseum.” National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/building-colosseum/