Great Sphinx of Giza

Great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt

The largest monolithic statue in the world, most likely built around 2550 BC. 73.5 m long and up to 20.22 m high, one of the most iconic sculptures in the world, the central object of numerous legends and stories.

El Mirador – ancient Maya metropolis

La Danta pyramid in El Mirador - one of the largest pyramids in the world. El Tigre pyramid is seen in the background, to the left

Ruins of Maya city that flourished around the 9th century AD. At times here were living more than 100 000 people – thus it was one of the largest cities in the world then. The central part of the city takes some 26 km². The tallest pyramids are more than 70 m tall (La Danta) and belong to the largest constructions in the ancient world. There are other enormous pyramids: El Tigre is 55 m tall, Los Monos – 48 m tall.

Joya de Cerén (Joya de Ceren)

Joya de Cerén. Structure 12 in the forefront, with lattice detail - possible workplace of female shaman. Traces of mural reainin on its walls

Maya settlement, buried under 4 – 8 m thick layer of volcanic ash that was erupted by Loma crater sometimes around 610 – 670 AD. Buildings and home utensils have been preserved in exceptionally good condition and provide valuable information about the daily lives of people in this community. Even cultivated fields of maize, agave, and other herbs have been preserved.

Østerlars Church, Bornholm

Østerlars Church, Bornholm

Largest of the four round churches in Bornholm. Constructed in Romanesque style around 1160, served also as a fortification. The enormous central column is adorned with medieval frescoes. Round churches of Bornholm are subject to modern legends about Templars and Holy Grail.

Aramu Muru – the mystical portal

Aramu Muru - mysterious (?) gate to nowhere, Peru

Giant stone carving in live rock, most likely unfinished. Represents a giant gate that leads into the cliff. Local stories about portal leading to the world of spirits.

Persepolis

Ruins of palace in Persepolis, Iran

The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Its development started in 521 BC on an enormous, partly artificially made terrace. Contains ruins of numerous architecturally impressive buildings such as Apadana Palace, Throne Hall, and numerous others. Contains also numerous valuable sculptures and reliefs. Destroyed by troops of Alexander the Great in 330 BC.

Ancient cities and towns

Citadel of Arbil, Iraq

Wondermondo 🢖 Categories of wonders 🢖 Archaeological wonders 🢖 Settlements 🢖 Ancient cities and towns Category Ancient cities and towns Described ancient cities and towns What is included in this category? There could be several ways to define the ancient cities and towns and then – to select monuments that fit into this category. Unfortunately, none of them draws a strict divide between […]

Abandoned cities and towns

Ruins of Palmyra from above, Syria

Wondermondo 🢖 Categories of wonders 🢖 Architectural wonders 🢖 Settlements 🢖 Abandoned cities and towns Category Abandoned cities and towns Described abandoned cities and towns What is included in this category? Wondermondo includes in this category those cities or towns – and also parts of cities – which have been built and inhabited in the past but are abandoned now. Every abandoned city […]

Marae Arahurahu

Marae Arahurahu, Tahiti

One of the first marae to be restored in 1954. Contains a stone statue.