Chichen Itza Chosen as One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

The list of new world wonders includes The Greatspectacle: a corner of the Temple of Kukulkan
Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machucasts a shadow in the shape of a giant "feathered
Picchu, The Colisseum, and Taj Mahalserpent" that appears to slither its way down the
The Mayan city of Chichen Itza, located in theside of the North staircase with the sun's
Mexican state of Yucatan, was chosen as one ofmovement. This natural phenomenon of light and
the "Seven New Wonders of the World" byshadow is a unique experience that attracts
approximately 100 million people around the globe,visitors from all parts of the world.
who cast their ballots by phone and Internet.The Observatory, also known as "El Caracol" (The
"The selection of Chichen Itza is recognition of theSnail) for its stone spiral interior staircase, is a
extremely vast and ancient historical and culturalcylindrical building with a dome that was used as
heritage of Mexico, of which very few countriesan astronomical observatory, with its doors
in the world can boast," said Francisco Lopezaligned to view the spring equinox, the declinations
Mena, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board.of the Moon and other astronomical events that
The announcement of Chichen Itza's selection byhelped determine the complex but extremely
the New7Wonders Foundation was made during aexact Mayan calendar.
spectacular ceremony at Lisbon's Stadium ofOther popular sites at Chichen Itza are the Great
Light.Ballcourt - which, measuring 168 meters long and
The archaeological center of Chichen Itza, the70 meters wide, is the largest that has been
most important Maya capital at the end of thediscovered in the region known as Mesoamerica -
classic period (750 to 1200 A.D.), was declared aand the Sacred Cenote, a large sinkhole 60
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.meters in diameter from which great treasures
Chichen Itza, which in the Mayan language meanshave been recovered: rings, necklaces and
"at the mouth of the well of the Itza," was oneobjects of gold and jade.
of the most important Mayan political, commercialThanks to all the people who voted, Chichen Itza
and religious centers of the classic period, but ittoday is a new wonder of the world, considered
fell into decline after the emergence of Mayapanan icon of universal importance for humanity. As a
as the new focal point of regional power in theresult of this global and democratic selection
Yucatan Peninsula.process, the world will know Mexico for one of its
The city is home to several buildings that are173 archaeological jewels, tangible evidence of the
remarkable both for their architectural design andplurality and ethnic richness of the country's past.
their religious and scientific significance. AmongWe invite the world to visit and enjoy this
these are the Temple of Kukulkan (Featheredimpressive treasure, a symbol of the
Serpent), the Observatory, the Temple of thearchaeological wealth of the Mayan world.
Warriors and the Sacred Cenote (Well ofAbout the Mexico Tourism Board
Sacrifice).The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together
The Temple of Kukulkan, one of the tallest andthe resources of federal and state governments,
most notable structures in Mayan architecture sitsmunicipalities and private companies to promote
on a 55.5-meter wide rectangular platform andMexico's tourism attractions and destinations
rises to a height of 24 meters. Each of its fourinternationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is
sides has 91 steps and the platform that crownsMexico's tourism promotion agency, and its
the pyramid is considered the 365th step,participants include members of both the private
meaning there is one for each day of the solarand public sectors. The MTB has offices
calendar.throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin
During the spring and fall equinox (March andAmerica.
September), visitors can enjoy a breathtaking