Sydney Opera House named world's top 'modern wonder'

Britons have named Sydney Opera House as the top modern wonder of the world in a poll out today.

The distinctive Australian landmark pipped Paris's Eiffel Tower in a modern-wonder table compiled by Halifax Travel Insurance.

Rio de Janeiro's imposing Christ the Redeemer statue was third and in fourth place was The Palm, a man-made island of luxury properties being created off the coast of Dubai.

Other modern wonders in the top 10 were San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, the Kremlin in Moscow and Ground Zero which marks the site of the New York Twin Towers destruction on September 11 2001.

More than 2,000 Britons were questioned about their modern-wonder choices and were also asked what attracted them to landmarks.

Advances in architecture, technology and design were identified as the most likely draws for holidaymakers.

Also, 17% said films and television shows had influenced their choice.

Vicky Watson, of Halifax Travel Insurance, said: "The 'redefined' modern wonders of the world has highlighted some of the top spots. The top 10 landmarks reflect the diversity of the architecture around the world and the destinations people aspire to travel to."

These were the top 10 modern wonders:

1. Sydney Opera House

2. Eiffel Tower, Paris

3. Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro

4. The Palm, Dubai

5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

6= Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

6= The Kremlin, Moscow

8. Ground Zero, New York

9. CN Tower, Toronto

10. The Atomium, Brussels