All over our globe are man-made structures that have stood the test of time, sometimes for centuries. However, they don’t always look the same as the day they were completed. Some no longer exist due to the ravages of time. Take a look at the before and after photos of some of these structures that have stood the test of time, some that have not, and where in the world you can go and see them.
Iconic Link In France
In 1963, the construction of the Ponte Morandi began, and four years later it was open to the public. The bridge became one of the main entries in France; connecting two parts of Genoa that were previously separated by the Polcevera river.
Iconic Link In France
Known for his use of reinforced concrete, Riccardo Morandi, a civil engineer, began work on a bridge that would become an iconic structure of the region. It boldly rises out of the city in an incredibly prominent and noticeable manner.
Bad Weather Leads To Disaster
Unfortunately, the bridge was not crafted with enough strength to withstand harsh weather conditions and after heavy rainfall on the 4th of August in 2018 roughly 700 feet of the iconic bridge collapsed.
Bad Weather Leads To Disaster
A total of 35 vehicles and 3 heavy vehicles were on the bridge during the tragedy. 43 people lost their lives and 15 were left critically injured as a result. There has been some speculation surrounding the actual cause of the collapse with some believing it was struck by lightning while engineers maintain that the structure of the bridge was not stable.
Shanghai In The ’80s
Shanghai is one of the fastest-growing cities today, but in the ‘80s it looked very different, as the illustration depicts; it was merely a port city. In fact, had it not been for the Huangpu river, no economic, social, or agricultural growth would have been possible.
Shanghai In The ’80s
With China opening it’s economy and the Cultural Revolution of the ‘80s, things improved. The Shanghai Premier and the American President, Nixon, also signed and sealed the deal on the Shanghai Communique.
From Port City To Global Leader
This is what Shanghai looks like now – a cultural and economic giant – thanks to the ‘90’s Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping who is believed to have said: ‘If China is a dragon, Shanghai is its head” is the saying today. All this was achieved in roughly 25 years!
From Port City To Global Leader
There is no denying the incredible development of Shanghai over the past 25 years. Known also as the “vertical city” Shanghai has some of the world’s tallest and most impressive buildings.
The Original Las Vegas
Fremont Street dates back to 1905 when Las Vegas itself was founded. This street was the first to be paved in 1925 and got its first traffic light in 1931. Gambling was not legal then and Fremont street was one of the first to get a license to gamble. Those were hedonistic days!
The Original Las Vegas
Fremont Street is now regarded as an iconic aspect of Las Vegas as one of the first paved streets. While gambling was part of the lifestyle here long before it even became legal, Las Vegas has made a name for itself as a top-rated tourist destination.
Fremont Street Tries To Be As Big As The Las Vegas Strip
As you can see, Fremont street today is actually more of a pedestrian mall and less of a walkway. There are various attractions if you are brave and want to venture off the Strip.
Fremont Street Tries To Be As Big As The Las Vegas Strip
The light and sound show have attracted visitors to the old street. The Golden Nugget was revamped but the barrel vault canopy is what makes most visitors stop and stare. This enormous cave of wonders swallows up anyone that enters in a bright and noisy world of delight.
Dresden Frauenkirche Reconstruction
Dresden citizens tried to salvage the pieces of the Frauenkirche, at the end of World War 2. The communist regime did not want to rebuild and the plan was to turn the site into a parking lot!
Dresden Frauenkirche Reconstruction
Thanks to public sentiment and pressure, it was declared a memorial in 1966. Reconstruction was completed in 2005, and the annual neo-Nazi celebration of its destruction is always blocked by a human chain. It is sad that such a beautiful monument should be plagued by so much political violence.
The Martin Luther Statue Lives On
The statue was erected in front of the Frauenkirche in 1700, a memorial to the protestant Reformer leader. Its dome was bombed in 1945. But the statue proved indestructible. This scene makes for quite a miraculously inspiring juxtaposition, where the triumphant statue of Luther emerges out of the rubble of the Frauenkirche behind.
The Martin Luther Statue Lives On
The city’s rubble in the background remained untouched for 45 years as a sad reminder of the 25,000 people who lost their lives.
The Flatiron Building In New York
This iconic building, pictured in 1903, with street sweepers and horse-drawn carriages, was not named for its shape, but rather the shape of the ground it was built on.
The Flatiron Building In New York
The impressive building housed the offices of the George A. Fuller Company. The triangular plot is bordered by 22nd and 23rd Streets, Fifth Avenue, and Broadway. You have probably seen this incredibly shaped building in all manner of films and television shows, and always wondered what it was used for.
Still Highly Sought After Office Spaces
Today, the Flatiron building is dwarfed by the Manhattan skyscrapers surrounding it. All 22 floors are designated as office space. This building stands as a powerful survivor of an era gone by, with a modern and highly sought-after usage. You can be sure that if you and your company want to rent office space at the Flatiron building that you will be paying a steep price.
Still Highly Sought After Office Spaces
Even though some offices have strange angles, they offer magnificent views and are in great demand. Take note if you visit, gendered bathrooms are on alternating floors!
The Eiffel Tower Used To Be An Entrance
Paris, France, hosted the World Fair, which was also the centennial anniversary of the French revolution, in 1889. Artists were asked to submit proposals for the monument and entrance to the fair. Little did they know how far this sensational project would go in the future.
The Eiffel Tower Used To Be An Entrance
The winning proposal was submitted by Maurice Koechlin and Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel of the Eiffel et Compagnie and took 2 years to complete. Both of them also worked on the construction of the Statue of Liberty.
Decidedly One Of The Most Recognizable Landmarks
When it made its debut in 1889, it was also the world’s tallest building at 1,000 feet high. The plan was to take it down ten years later, but it was used as a radiotelegraph station in WWI.
Decidedly One Of The Most Recognizable Landmarks
In 1889, the tower was the world’s tallest building at 1000 feet high. It was to be taken down ten years later but was re-purposed as a radiotelegraph station during WWI. It actually survived both world wars as Hitler’s instruction to destroy it was not carried out. Now, over 7 million people visit the tower each year!
The Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco public was insisting on a bridge that would link them to their northern neighbors and as a result, The Golden Gate Bridge was born. Joseph Strauss was the head engineer that began the construction of the iconic bridge back in 1919.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Despite some disregarding the intent of the bridge as some suggested that it would interfere with the natural charm of the bay while others claimed the construction would negatively impact the shipping industry, construction commenced regardless.
A Modern Engineering Masterpiece
There was much resistance to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge as building the bridge proved a dangerous task. Many fell to their deaths during the construction, and those who were saved by the safety nets formed a club called “Halfway to Hell Club.”
A Modern Engineering Masterpiece
It took just four years to complete construction. While one major disaster fell upon the operation in 1937 as scaffolding fell and took a total of 10 lives in the process. Despite such tragedies, the bridge opened later the very same year.
The Strength Of The Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is undoubtedly one of the region’s most iconic structures. In addition to this, the structure has also survived quite a lot after being commissioned by Frederick William II back in the year 1791.
The Strength Of The Brandenburg Gate
The design of the bridge was inspired by the Acropolis. Beyond the incredible beauty of the structure and its incredibly distinctive features, it was stolen by Napoleon and later reclaimed and restored. In addition to this, it also survived World War II.
Symbolizing German Unification
The Brandenburg Tor has undeniably managed to withstand the tests of time; surviving the creation of the Berlin Wall and standing strong during the Cold War.
Symbolizing German Unification
Ronald Reagan delivered his 1987 speech here and after the Cold War and the collapse of the iconic Berlin Wall the gate still stands. Proving it to be a true symbol of the region’s unity. This was the cornerstone of Germany’s reunification following its return into complete German control.
Dubai’s Landscape Changes Thanks To Oil
It is rather hard to comprehend that Dubai was previously quite a barren land. Prior to the discovery of oil, Dubai was no more than a desert island. Now the United Arab Emirates’ city Dubai is simply crawling with tourists.
Dubai’s Landscape Changes Thanks To Oil
In the early 20th Century the location was suitable for farming and fishing and all that came to an end after the discovery of oil altered the landscape. Construction of the tallest building can be seen in the photo taken back in 2005.
Now A Globally Competitive City
This image shows Dubai in 2009. The tall structure of the Burj Khalifa overlooks the entire city at a staggering 2,717 feet. Being home to one of the tallest buildings in the world, the region had a taste of success on a global scale that has fuelled leaders to continue striving for greatness.
Now A Globally Competitive City
Not only is Dubai now home to one of the tallest buildings but they are also globally recognized as one of the largest shopping centers as well as the biggest indoor theme parks known to man. Clearly, the city continues to live up to its initial standards.
Disneyland in 1955
The Californian theme park is globally recognized as one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world. However back in 1955, the construction of the park was supervised by Walt Disney himself. He visited various theme parks with his daughters to gather inspiration for the iconic park.
Disneyland In 1955
It may be somewhat hard to believe that the charming park took just one year to be built despite Walt Disney lacking funding for the project. He went on to create the Disneyland show in order to raise funds for the construction of the park.
Disneyland As We Know It
It goes without saying that Disneyland truly lives up to the belief that the park provides its visitors with a magical experience. Despite the tests of time the park lives on and more tourists travel here each year to get a first-hand experience of Walt Disney’s vision.
Disneyland As We Know It
The theme park celebrated its 60th anniversary in July 2015 with parades and fireworks. Considering around 44 thousand people visit this park each day it is by far one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
The Real Intention Behind The Design Of The Lincoln Memorial
The public was persistent in getting a memorial in honor of the 16th president of the United States after he was murdered in 1865, Abraham Lincoln. Two years later a bill was presented to have a monument crafted in Lincoln’s honor.
The Real Intention Behind The Design Of The Lincoln Memorial
Even though the construction of the monument spanned out over half a century and took nearly a decade to complete, the original intention of the monument suggested that it was supposed to be complete with 31 pedestrian statues alongside a 12-foot statue of Lincoln. Despite the final product featuring a far more simplistic design, the flashy alternative may have been “a bit much.”
One Of The Most Treasured Monuments In The Nation
The memorial has several inscriptions of excerpts which include “Savior of the Union.” The iconic statue has witnessed several protests and speeches over the years as one of the nation’s most treasured sites.
One Of The Most Treasured Monuments In The Nation
Did you know that back in 1963, the legendary “I Have A Dream” speech was carried out by Dr. Martin Luther King near the memorial? Over 6 million visitors make an effort to pay their respects at the Lincoln Memorial each year.
The Structures Built For The 1900 World Exposition
The 1900 World Exposition lured in well over 48 million visitors to Paris. The event boasted various buildings from countries around the world with structures submitted from the United States, the Ottoman Empire, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Monaco, which can be seen in the image below.
The Structures Built For The 1900 World Exposition
Despite the sheer beauty of these structures, they were demolished immediately after the event. This was a sensational if not brief celebration of the world’s most magnificent man-made works, one which would go down in history as supremely epic.
The Quai des Nations Demolished After The Show
Immediately after the show, the gorgeous structures were demolished and one can see how drastically different the area looks. Despite how convincing each structure seemed, the buildings were crafted using cheap materials and were destroyed within a short time of being built.
The Quai des Nations Demolished After The Show
Other than the iconic Eiffel Tower there is hardly anything left from the World Exposition. The open-air area boasts mostly natural beauty. You can be sure that the parks and rivers are far more desirable than the monuments.
The Polish Apartment That Didn’t Survive World War II
The next photo showcases the true destruction caused by World War II. Here we can see the tragedy that took place in Poland. The apartment complex on Ratajczaka and Św. Marcin Streets in Poznań exhibit the sheer devastating impact of the war.
The Polish Apartment That Didn’t Survive World War II
More than 6 million Polish lives were lost in the war; a figure that consumed roughly a 5th of the entire Polish population. Back then, many Polish people still held a burning patriotic hope that their nation would rise again, despite its extensive destruction.
The Very Same Apartment Complex
World War II is very much a tragedy of the past although despite the hands of time much of the destruction left behind still stands. As you can see in this image, the very same apartment complex that was nearly demolished so long ago still stands, and it is a beautiful place to live or simply appreciate!
The Very Same Apartment Complex
The tragic war came to an end on the 8th of May back in 1945 as the Germans surrendered. At the time the concentration camps had been deserted as Hitler took his own life. Focus turned to rebuilding all that was destroyed.
Seattle Before The Space Needle
It may be quite difficult to imagine Seattle’s skyline without the Space Needle. However, the structure was only brought to life in 1962 for that year’s World’s Fair. When it was opened, around 20,000 visitors excitedly used the elevator to reach the dizzying heights of the UFO-like pinnacle. This image displays the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.
Seattle before the Space Needle
The structure stands a total of 605 feet tall and it was undeniably built to last. It’s debut brought over 2.3 million visitors.
The Space Needle As We Know It
The charming structure still lures in tourists to this day and considering the elevators are able to climb 520 feet in just 41 seconds the structure will continue to impress as time goes on. The charming landmark remains a proud addition to the region.
The Space Needle As We Know It
However, the structure has been renovated several times over the years and while there were previously a couple of restaurants right at the top, today there is only the Pacific Northwest restaurant.
Hollywood Used To Be Known As Hollywoodland
While virtually everyone has heard about the fabulous Hollywood, hardly anyone knows it used to be called Hollywoodland. The sign was brought to life back in 1923 in hopes of attracting real estate developers.
Hollywood Used To Be Known As Hollywoodland
The intention behind the sign was purely for real estate development. Harry Chandler of the LA Times mentioned that the sign and its slogan were incredibly effective for “[a] superb environment without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills.”
Hollywood Today
The Hollywood sign remains iconic and the intention behind it was truly a success. Today the sign is considered one of the world’s most recognized. Even though the “land” has been removed from the sign the structure remains iconic. We prefer the shortened name, and we are sure that most people do, too!
Hollywood Today
Back in 1978, the sign was not in the best condition. Hugh Hefner was just one of nine contributors who each set aside a staggering $27,777.77 to have the sign restored.
The Symbol Of The Westward Expansion
The Gateway Arch located in St.Louis is the tallest arch known to man as it stands at 630 feet tall. Eero Saarinen was the designer behind the beautiful structure. While he drafted the plans back in 1947 construction took a total of two years.
The Symbol Of The Westward Expansion
The titanic arch was crafted from stainless steel to represent the expansion of the westward country. Costing a total of $77.5million in today’s currency, the arch was dedicated to American citizens.
Still Treasured To This Day
The arch remains a well-respected and treasured monument to this day. During its creation, city planners were challenged but it seems the effort was well worth the charming result. The arch still looms well into a person’s gaze even when viewed from across the bay, miles away.
Still Treasured To This Day
The structure is ranked fourth on the 1974’s list of “most-visited man-made attractions.” Later in 1987, the arch was given national landmark recognition and American citizens treasure the monument to this very day.
The Impressive Popularity Of The Azure Swimming Pool
Ukraine was home to three well-known indoor swimming pools and the Azure Swimming pool was just one of them. The pool was brought to life back in 1970 and the incredible popularity of the attraction was huge for those in the region.
The Impressive Popularity Of The Azure Swimming Pool
Sadly the city would later be impacted by a tragic nuclear accident. in 1986 on the 25th of April terror struck the lives of everyone in the region as the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded leaving the region barren of life to this very day.
The Azure Swimming Pool Today
This is one of the more upsetting progressions that we have seen in the world. The Azure Swimming Pool was just one of many buildings left open after the tragedy and it was surprisingly considered one of the cleanest areas.
The Azure Swimming Pool Today
However, the pool has been left abandoned for two full decades as long-term radiation exposure poses a devastating risk for anyone that would venture near it. This haunting image is just one powerful example of the many different places that were left to decay following the Chernobyl catastrophe.
The Fate Of The World Trade Center
The World Trade Center is home to seven buildings in lower Manhattan while the Twin Towers were the most well-known. The structures were first proposed back in 1943 with the full support of David Rockefeller.
The Fate Of The World Trade Center
It took the effort of multiple engineers and construction firms to set the plans in motion. The elevators proved a daunting challenge and the building would also need to be wind resistant. Construction started on the 5th of August back in 1966 and the building was completed on the 4th of April in 1973.
Tragedy Strikes
On the 11th of September, 2001 terrorists targeted the Twin Towers. The devastating event shook the world as a total of 2,606 lives were lost in the tragic event. Another 157 lives would be taken aboard the aircraft.
Tragedy Strikes
While the day has gone down in history as one of the most grueling attacks ever, the country stood together in support. A memorial was erected on Ground Zero to commemorate the horrific attack that took place there.
Nepal’s Tallest Building
The Dharahara Tower was constructed in 1932. Recognized as the region’s tallest building it reaches a total of nine stories high. Visitors can reach the top after 213 steps in order to take in the gorgeous view.
Nepal’s Tallest Building
The journey to the top is undeniably worth it as the circular balcony offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley. However, the building has been the victim of disaster in 2015, one that would bring the beloved structure to its knees.
An Earthquake Shakes The Dharahara Tower In 2015
Despite the building’s previously recognized resilience to the effects of earthquakes in the past, the tower collapsed after a 2015 earthquake proved too harsh for the structural integrity of the building.
An Earthquake Shakes The Dharahara Tower In 2015
The earthquake left several trapped in the rubble and a total of 60 lives were taken as a result of the tragedy. Later, in 2018, the government took on the project of rebuilding the tower. The rebuilding project is expected to be completed and reopened around mid-2021.
The Berlin Wall Was Known As The “Wall of Shame”
Crafted back in 1961 the Berlin Wall served as a concrete barrier dividing the east and west areas of Berlin for roughly three decades. The German Democratic Republic brought the structure to life after the end of World War II.
The Berlin Wall Was Known As The “Wall of Shame”
The wall was heavily guarded in hopes of dividing the nation. However, before the end of construction over 3.5 million East Germans had made it to the other side. Many people died in brutal escape missions that ended fatally thanks to the stringent and merciless defenses.
The Berlin Wall Falls
Social revolutions brought about a drastic change in the region and once the movement had reached Berlin the anger of civilians worsened. Even famed personalities were in favor of the destruction of the Berlin Wall.
The Berlin Wall Falls
Immediately after the government announced that German Democratic Republic citizens would be legally allowed to enter Berlin, people were euphoric and slowly began chipping away the wall. The official demolition of the wall began on the 3rd of October 1990.