Monuments in the world are many. Architecture left over by long-gone civilizations are dotted all over the world. Few of them are marked, few recognised and even fewer deemed their worth.
They are to be celebrated.
Living in the beautiful city of Delhi my association with heritage monuments however large or small began in the true sense. Though not on the top 7 ; Delhi in itself is a living wonder. Am sure it will be agreed upon, else must say you haven’t seen Delhi!
History is charming. As I prodded further I discovered many other wondrous heritage monuments around the world. I haven’t seen them all, but I live hoping to see them all someday. Beautiful architecture and heritage places make me happy! So more the reason and incentive!
Am listing below the 7 wonders of the modern world as divulged by the Swiss foundation of New7wonders in 2001. I hope to give you an insight and prod you to have a look. For I quote Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
When a little girl was asked to list down the seven wonders of the world in class, she wrote the following:
1. Smell
2. Hearing
3. Touch
4. Taste
5. Sight
6. Love
7. Laughter
So wonderful if you get to use as much of the wonders as you can right?
Architecture’s prime motive is to provide shelter and its secondary motive is to inspire. Those are two ideals on which all architecture is based; form and function in other terms. When does a building become architecture am often asked. Its when shelter inspires I say.
For some shelters that continue to inspire here goes:
In order of their appearance on the slideshow:
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Taj Mahal, India
3. Chichen Itza, Mexico
4. Colosseum, Rome
5. Great Wall of China, China
6. Petra, Jordan
7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The only remaining ancient wonder not making it to the list but nevertheless honored are the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Learning of their intricate tunnels and staircases which are mysterious and legendary they deserve the honour me thinks!
vedasri.co 