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Why Exploring the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World Should Be on Your Bucket List

06 September 2023
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Looking for a little adventure and want to add something special to your travel bucket list? Then look no further than the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. These fascinating and awe-inspiring marvels — dating back over 2500 years — are among humanity’s greatest achievements. The 7 Wonders are located all around the Mediterranean, each with its own fascinating history and attractions. We take you through each of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, tell you the interesting facts and the history of each, and suggest nearby cities to explore. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let us take you on an adventure that will be impossible to forget. 

What are the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World?

The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World were a collection of remarkable structures from classical antiquity. While only one of the original 7 wonders still exists today, 7 new wonders of the world have been named. The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World include the Colossus of Rhodes, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. 

How many of the original 7 Wonders still exist?

Only one of the original 7 Wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza, still exists today. The six remaining wonders have been destroyed by natural disasters, war and neglect. 

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid in Egypt. Standing tall for over 4,500 years as the final resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest structure known to mankind. The pyramid’s construction spanned over 20 years, with workers using over 2 million blocks of limestone to create this incredible structure. Egypt holiday packages typically include a visit to The Great Sphinx of Giza, which is also worth adding to your itinerary when exploring ancient sites. Nearby Cairo, considered one of the oldest cities in the world, is a bustling metropolis that is well worth exploring. Take a trip down the Nile, visit the Egyptian Museum and explore other historical sites like Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. 

2. The Colossus of Rhodes, Greece

The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge statue (over 30 metres high) of the Greek sun god, Helios. This statue presided over the harbour on the island of Rhodes and was said to have been so large that ships could pass beneath its legs. This statue was built to celebrate the victory over Cyprus. Although the statue was destroyed in the 3rd century BC, the city of Rhodes remains a popular tourist spot and has an arsenal of historical and cultural attractions. 

3. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq

The Hanging Gardens, located in the ancient city of Babylon (modern-day Iraq), is one of the most mysterious ancient Wonders of the World. Although the exact location of the gardens is unknown, the description of its beauty has made it one of the most romanticised of the Wonders of the Ancient World. Once a hub for commerce, Babylon no longer exists as it once did, but its remains can still be seen today in a small town called Al Hillah. 

4. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece

The Statue of Zeus was considered one of the most impressive statues of the ancient world, standing at almost 12 metres tall. It was built in honour of the Olympic games and Zeus, the king of the gods. Although the statue was destroyed, Olympia is still a popular travel destination in Greece. It is home to the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the ancient Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Museum. 5. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey

The impressive Temple of Artemis was built around 550 BC is dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Its location inside Ephesus in Turkey, makes it a popular tourist destination, with visitors able to marvel up-close at its huge pillars and detailed marble carvings. When exploring the ancient sites, you might want to take time out to explore Turkey’s other enchanting cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. 

6. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey

The Mausoleum of Mausolus was once an elaborate tomb that was considered a true architectural masterpiece of its time. Although it was destroyed in ancient times, the ruins still remain today in modern-day Bodrum. This cosmopolitan city in Turkey offers a mix of old and new blending perfectly with the beaches and nightlife on offer. 

7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the tallest ancient structures in the world and was a major landmark for sailors. Although the Lighthouse no longer remains, Alexandria is still a beautiful and fascinating city to explore. Shining a light on the ancient past of Egypt, we recommend booking an Egypt holiday package to explore the country’s most incredible landmarks. 

Explore the Ancient World

Egypt is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to travel and get a taste of the ancient world and its wonders. Make sure to include a visit to Luxor, referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. This ancient city, situated beside the Nile River, was the site of some of Egypt’s most important historical events and was known as Thebes. 

From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World stand testament to the incredible feats of engineering, creative vision and ideas that humans can bring to life. No one can deny the wonder and awe these structures inspire in us. Are you ready to explore the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World with Pentravel? Book your Egypt holiday packages with us and enjoy an adventure you’ll never forget. What are you waiting for? Add these wonders to your bucket list and tick them off one by one! 

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