Hey buddies! Welcome back with new post. In this post we will discuss about
the world heritage sites listed by UNESCO. These are the seven wonders of world
decided through internet poll.
1. The Great Wall of China
The great wall of China is series of forts that were built across the
northern borders of ancient Chinese states for the sake of protection and
defense in as early as the 7th century BC.
Rather than protection and defense, the purpose of great wall is for border
control, transportation of goods. it serves as transportation corridor. In
protection point of view, it consists of watchtowers, troop barracks, signaling
capabilities via smoke or fire.
Interesting facts:
- According
to latest survey conducted, the total length of wall is about 21,196 km
(13170.6956 miles).
- Great
wall is about 2300 years old.
- This wall
is longest man-made structure built to protect Chinas northern border.
- In
December 1987, UNESCO listed great wall as world heritage sites.
Is great wall visible from space?
The myth that wall can be visible from moon and outer space is well known.
Actually, the appearance of great wall from moon is same as watching human hair
from 3,4 km away.
Form low earth orbit:
The most controversial question is that, does great wall visible from low
earth orbit?
According to NASA, wall is barely visible, only under perfect conditions.
There is lot of confusion among astronauts too. US astronaut Gene Cerman stated
that great wall is visible from space, with naked eye. And the officer on
international space station reported that its less visible from space and you
need to know where to look.
2.Chichen Itza
Chichen itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by maya people of the
terminal classics period occupying 4 square miles (10 km).
It is located in eastern portion of Yucatan sate in mexico.it was founded
about the 6th century majorly by maya people who had occupied the
region since pre classis period (1500BCE -300 CE).
Facts:
- Chichen
Itza is an archaeological site in Yucatan and one of the most visited
locations in Mexico.
- Listed as
one of the new seven wonders of the world and listed as world heritage
site in 1988 by UNESCO.
- The term
Chichen Itza means mouth at the well of Itza. It is believed that Itza
means water magicians.
- During
spring season sunrays creates a shadow across the Kukulkan pyramid that
gives the appearance of a serpent slithering down the staircase.
- It is also
known for its unusual sounds, when we clap in middle of them it gives
nearly nine echoes.
3.Petra
Petra is Arabic ancient, historic and archaeological city located in
southern Jordan. It is surrounded by mountains of flank of the Arabah valley
running from the dead sea to gulf of Aqaba.
The biblical name of Petra is sela, which is replaced by Greek name Petra
which means rock. It is discovered by a Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt
in 1812. He was the first European in modern times to visit the ancient city of
Petra.
Facts:
- Petra is
one of the seven wonders of world.
- Around
Only 15% percent of Petra is studied by archeologist, which means it has
lot to explore yet.
- One of
the world heritages sites due to its historic importance and delicate
structure.
4.Machu Picchu
Machu picchu located in eastern cordillera of southern Peru on a mountain
range.it sits 2430 meters above sea level.
Machu Pichhu symbolizes the excellent technical skill and productivity of
the Inca empire. It is considered as amazing urban creation and one of the most
important world heritage sites. It was built in classical Inca style with
polished dry stones. in 1976 around 30% Machu Picchu was recovered and still
restoration continues.
5.Christ the Redeemer
Christ the redeemer is statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro Brazil,
created by French sculptor and bult by Brazilian engineer in collaboration with
French engineer.
It is constructed between 1922 and 1931, the statue is 30 meters high. It
weighs 635 metric tons and located in the peak of mountain in national para of
Rio de Janeiro.
Facts:
- It was
made using reinforced concrete and has an outer shell of 6 million tikes.
It is believed that workers wrote on notes on backside of tiles, so there
is lot of mystery behind it.
- Due to
its position its prone area for lightning strikes and hits around 3 to 6
times in year.
- Every
year nearly 2 million people visit. In year 2011 nearly 14000 people
visited in single day.
- It is
one of the largest statues of Jesus and tallest in the world.
- In year
2007 it was voted as one of the seven wonders of world.
- Construction
took 9 years, and cost of $250,00 US.
6.Colosseum
We have seen colosseum in various notebook front covers.it seems like half
part is collapsed, but have you wonder what does it actually used for?
Colosseum is oval shaped Amphitheatre located in center of city Rome in
Italy. it is one of the ancient Amphitheatre ever built and still its standing.
The colosseum builds of travertine limestone, volcanic rock and concrete.
Colosseum can accommodate nearly 65000 people at one time. We have seen this
type of Amphitheatre in many films based on ancient folklore. Where the fight
between animals and brave, strong soldiers took place.
The moto of colosseum is the same. Around 400,000 deaths took place in
colosseum as it used for death battles and animal hunts. It is used for various
contests consisting animal hunts, famous battles, dramas and folk dance and
etc. and later it was reused for purpose of workshop, housing and many more.
Facts:
- It is one
of the largest ancient Amphitheatre in the world.
- The
building has 80 entrances and can accommodate nearly 65000 peoples.
- During
the battles nearly 10,000 animals killed in single day.
- Although
building collapsed due to earthquakes and fires, but still attracts many
tourists every year.
7. Taj Mahal
Now let’s talk about our India’s wonder, eye witnessing Taj Mahal.
Taj mahal is located in Agra district of utter Pradesh on the right bank of
Yamuna River. It encompasses nearly 17 hectares. Taj mahal is famous all
over the globe as a symbol of love. It was built by Mughal emperor shah Jahan
in the memory of his wife Mumtaz. The construction of mahal started in 1632 and
completed in 1648.
For the construction, various workers, architects, painters, stone cutters,
calligraphers were requisitioned from the empire and also from Asia and Iran.
Facts:
- Taj
mahal were built by 22,000 laborer’s and it took about 17 years to
complete.
- Many
precious and valuable stones were ripped out of from different parts of
world.
- Many
people believe that, when construction completed, Shah Jahan ordered to
cut the hands of workers because of workers will not able to built such
great architecture again.
- Actually
we see the backside of Taj mahal, the front side is facing towards the Yamuna
River.
- Taj mahal
is famous landmark all over the world, and magnet which attracts millions
of tourists every year to visit.
We will continue our episode of world heritage site. In upcoming post, we will discuss more places. So, its enough for today. Stay connected.😊