For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the incredible sights and structures found throughout the world. Some facts behind the seven wonders of the world might be astonishing, but this article will take a look at a more modern angle. In recent years, a number of new discoveries have been made that add to the impressive collection of epic wonders.
These discoveries include groundbreaking engineering feats, new ancient discoveries, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, all of which serve as a testament to the constantly evolving nature of human creativity, ingenuity, and discovery. This list will delve into the top modern wonders of the world that have been discovered within the last decade, highlighting the incredible achievements and stunning beauty of the planet today. Of course, each one of these world wonders should definitely be on the bucket list.
10 The Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) In Milan, Italy
Located in Milan, Italy, the Bosco Verticale, also known as the Vertical Forest, is an extraordinary piece of architecture designed by Stefano Boeri. It comprises a pair of residential towers standing at 110 and 76 meters, respectively, adorned with more than 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 perennials on their facades, terraces, and balconies.
The goal of the Vertical Forest is to establish a novel model of sustainable architecture that combats air pollution and reduces the impact of climate change in urban areas. The trees and plants planted on the towers work to purify the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide insulation to lower heating and cooling needs. Marveling at this wonder is definitely one of the best things to do in Milan, Italy.
- The Bosco Verticale: a pair of towers adorned with more than 900 trees
9 One World Trade Center In New York City
The One World Trade Center, situated in Lower Manhattan, New York City, is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex and a skyscraper completed in 2014. With 104 floors, it reaches a height of 1,776 feet (541 meters), making it the tallest building in the United States.
A must-see attraction for tourists is the observatory of the One World Trade Center, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of New York City. Situated on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors, the observatory provides a 360-degree view of the city, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
Moreover, visitors can enjoy the unique Sky Portal experience, a 14-foot wide circular disc that displays a live video of the streets below in real time. After enjoying time at the One World Trade Center, visitors can indulge in some of the best foods in New York to satiate their hunger.
- One World Trade Center: a must-see attraction for tourists is the observatory
8 The Louvre Abu Dhabi In The United Arab Emirates
The first museum of its kind in the Arab world, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is situated in the capital of the United Arab Emirates and opened its doors in November 2017. It was established as a collaboration between the UAE and the French government to showcase art and culture from diverse corners of the globe.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the museum is housed in a striking building. The building's architecture draws inspiration from traditional Arabic styles, featuring intricate geometric patterns and clever use of natural light. While the Louvre in Paris has items visitors can only see there, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to a vast collection of art featuring works from ancient to contemporary times, sourced from all over the world, and is a unique experience worth having.
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi: a museum housed in a striking building, home to a vast collection of art
7 The V&A Dundee Museum In Scotland
Opened in September 2018, the V&A Dundee Museum in Scotland is a design museum that showcases an array of objects such as fashion, textiles, furniture, and architecture. The first museum of its kind outside of London and the first V&A museum in Scotland, it is situated on the banks of the River Tay.
The building, a remarkable example of contemporary architecture, was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and its intricate design was inspired by Scotland's natural landscape.
- The V&A Dundee Museum: a remarkable example of contemporary architecture which showcases fashion, textiles, furniture, and architecture
6 The Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa In Cape Town, South Africa
Located in Cape Town, South Africa, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a renowned museum that opened its doors in September 2017. The museum's extensive collection showcases a diverse range of contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos. The collection features works from both established and emerging artists, and it addresses various topics such as identity, diversity, and social and political change in Africa.
The Zeitz MOCAA building, designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, is itself a remarkable work of art. It boasts a unique, honeycomb-like structure that has been crafted out of the existing concrete silos, resulting in a series of interlinked spaces that are filled with natural light. Travelers and locals should visit Zeitz MOCAA to experience the building's breathtaking architecture and to view the impressive collection of contemporary African art.
- The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art: contemporary African art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos
5 The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in China
The longest sea-crossing bridge and tunnel system in the world is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which spans the Lingdingyang Channel and connects the cities of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau in China. The 55-kilometer (34-mile) system consists of both a bridge and a tunnel.
Since its opening in October 2018, the bridge has become a popular tourist attraction. It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the stunning coastal scenery of the region. The bridge's design, which includes a series of tunnels and viaducts, offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and the open sea, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
- The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge: the longest sea-crossing bridge and tunnel system in the world
4 The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre In China
The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a towering skyscraper situated in Guangzhou, China, with a height of 530 meters (1,740 feet) and opened in 2016. It holds the distinction of being the tallest completed structure in Guangzhou and one of the tallest buildings in the world.
For tourists, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a must-visit attraction thanks to its observation deck, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its environs. The observation deck is located on the 95th floor of the building, affording visitors a 360-degree vista of the skyline from an elevation of 439 meters (1,440 feet). Additionally, the deck features interactive displays that provide insights into the building and the city.
- The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre: one of the world's tallest buildings
3 Tombs And Pyramids In Peru
A series of tombs and pyramids were unearthed in 2020 near Trujillo, Peru, in the region of Huaca de la Luna. The pre-Columbian Wari civilization, which existed from 600 to 1100 AD, constructed the tombs and pyramids in the complex. The complex comprises multiple interconnected structures, including a 20-meter-high pyramid and several smaller structures.
Various grave goods, such as ceramics and textiles, were found alongside the remains of multiple individuals in the tombs. The discovery of this complex has given archeologists a new perspective on the Wari civilization, which was previously not well understood.
- Tombs and pyramids in Peru: constructed by the pre-Columbian Wari civilization, which was previously not well understood
2 The Shanghai Tower In Shanghai, China
The Pudong district in Shanghai, China, is home to the Shanghai Tower, a skyscraper that currently holds the distinction of being China's tallest building and the second-tallest building in the world. The tower, with its 128 floors and height of 632 meters (2,073 feet), was designed by Gensler, a renowned global architecture and design firm.
Construction started in 2008 and lasted for over seven years. The Shanghai Tower houses a mix of facilities, including office space, retail shops, a high-end hotel, and observation decks.
- The Shanghai Tower: second-tallest building in the world
1 The 3D-Printed Bridge In Amsterdam, Netherlands
The MX3D bridge, also referred to as the 3D-printed bridge, is an impressive engineering feat that demonstrates the possibilities of 3D printing technology in the construction sector. It was created by Joris Laarman Lab, a design studio in the Netherlands, and was built using robotic arms programmed to deposit molten steel in a particular pattern.
This steel bridge, which spans a canal in Amsterdam's Red Light District, is 12 meters (40 feet) long and was finished in 2018, making it the first 3D-printed steel bridge in the world.
- The 3D-printed bridge: built using robotic arms, and is the first 3D-printed steel bridge in the world
After reading this, many people might ponder this question: is it worth seeing the seven wonders of the ancient world, or is it better to focus on a more modern perspective? Only those who visit all of them will know the answer!