Whichever part of the globe you find yourself in, there will never be a lack of man-made wonders. Plenty of buildings, monuments, bridges, and other city structures have been able to withstand the passage of time. Some of these have been around for centuries! While there are many structures that did not survive natural disasters, some are so famous it’s hard to believe they were built so long ago.
This Italian Bridge Was A Vital Artery Into France
The construction of the Ponte Morandi started in 1963 and it opened four years later. The bridge is in Italy and it is a part of the A10 motorway. It links the country to France and the E80 by connecting parts of Genoa that has been divided by the Polcevera River. Designed by Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi, the viaduct was made of reinforced concrete.
This Italian Bridge Was A Vital Artery Into France
Ponte Morandi Succumbed To The Weather
In August 2018, the bridge collapsed when it was carrying the load of 35 cars and three heavy vehicles. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 43 people and the critical injury of 15 other people. A lot of people blame a lightning strike for the incident, though engineers believe the bridge was structurally faulty. The whole bridge is due for demolition and reconstruction.
Ponte Morandi Succumbed To The Weather
The Lincoln Memorial Was Going To Be Flashier Than It Is
It comes as no surprise to learn that the assassination of the 16th President of the United States came with demands to memorialize him in a grand manner. Two years after his passing, the Congress worked to commission a monument as a tribute to Abraham Lincoln. The groundbreaking happened nearly fifty years later and it took another ten years for its completion. The original plans included 31 pedestrian statues, 6 equestrian statues, and a huge statue of the man himself. When it was completed in 1922, the reflection pool between the site and the Washington Monument was still a work in progress.
The Lincoln Memorial Was Going To Be Flashier Than It Is
It’s Now A Site For The Nation’s Most Important Movements
The memorial has inscriptions of selected excerpts from Lincoln’s two most famous speeches: his Second Inaugural Address as well as the Gettysburg Address. He is pretty much considered a “Savior of the Union” and this site has appropriately been chosen as the venue of speeches and protests over the years.
The Lincoln Memorial is inscribed with excerpts from two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches: The Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. He is largely regarded as a “Savior of the Union,” so it’s only right that the monument has served as a site for many protests and speeches throughout the years. The most prominent historical event to have taken place here is none other than MLK’s “I Have A Dream” speech back in 1963.
It’s Now A Site For The Nation’s Most Important Movements
Shanghai Was A Simple Port Town In The ’80s
It might be unbelievable, but this was the reality because China only opened its economy to the world during the 80’s. Shanghai actually experienced thirty years of drought, famine, reform, and suppression after the Communist Party took over in 1949. Things have since changed after the Cultural Revolution and the signing of the Shanghai Communiqué.
Shanghai Was A Simple Port Town In The ’80s
This Chinese City Is The Work Of The Future
Take a look at present-day Shanghai. Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese leader back in 1990, took it upon himself to transform Shanghai into the cultural and economic hub it used to be and is now. He is known for saying, “If China is a dragon, Shanghai is its head.” He has succeeded in just two and a half decades. Shanghai is now a so-called “vertical city” that boasts of an impressive skyline.
This Chinese City Is The Work Of The Future
Las Vegas Was Nothing Like It Is Today
We bet the Las Vegas strip is the first thing that will come to your mind when talking about Sin City. However, its predecessor is Fremont Street which has been here since the city’s foundation in 1905. Back then, it was where things happened in Las Vegas. It was the first paved street and this was where the first traffic lights in the city were installed. Likewise, it was among the first places in the state to earn a gambling license.
Las Vegas Was Nothing Like It Is Today
Fremont Street’s Efforts To Become As Big As The Strip
Nowadays, this is what the once-famous street looks like. Yes, it is more of a walkway than it is an actual street! We daresay that the biggest development here is the barrel vault canopy cloaking the Golden Nugget. There are light and sound shows every night and the LED canopy has helped revive business in this area of the city.
Fremont Street’s Efforts To Become As Big As The Strip
The Church Was Rebuilt After 60 Years
When the Second World War finally came to a close, Dresden citizens started salvaging various fragments of Dresden Frauenkirche in the hopes of reconstruction. However, the Communist regime declined to lead its reconstruction. They wanted to convert the space into a parking area instead, though popular sentiment has led to its declaration as a war memorial in 1966. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the city went on to reconstruct the church and the project was only completed in 2005. Neo-Nazis have attempted yearly marches to celebrate its destruction but protestors have always quelled their efforts.
The Church Was Rebuilt After 60 Years
Martin Luther’s Statue Survived WWII Attacks, But The Church Wasn’t So Lucky
Martin Luther, a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, was commemorated with this statue in Dresden. His statue was built in front of the 18th-century Lutheran church, Dresden Frauenkirche. The church’s dome stood as an important landmark in the city’s skyline until it was bombed by Anglo-American forces in 1945. Its rubble would stay untouched in the center of the city for 45 years.
Martin Luther’s Statue Survived WWII Attacks But The Church Wasn’t So Lucky
The Flatiron Building Was Built On A Triangular Piece Of Land
This was what the Flatiron Building looked like back in 1903! As you can see, actual street sweepers and horse-drawn carriages were the norm back then. It was constructed as an office space for a Chicago contracting firm and it had been up for a year at the moment of capture. It received the name for its unique shape, though that was the area’s moniker even before the building was there.
The Flatiron Building Was Built On A Triangular Piece Of Land
Its Oddly Shaped Offices Are The Most Coveted In The Building
These days, the building is surrounded by the taller skyscrapers of lower Manhattan. The 22-story building might be dwarfed by its neighbors, though it continues to be used for office space. It has some awkwardly-constructed offices but these are actually the most coveted parts of the building thanks to their impressive views of Manhattan! Interestingly, the gendered bathrooms are also alternating – men’s restrooms are located on even floors and the women’s can be found on odd floors.
Its Oddly Shaped Offices Are The Most Coveted In The Building
The Eiffel Tower Was Built As The Entrance To The 1889 World’s Fair
Paris was the host of the World Fair in 1889 and it coincided with the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. More than a hundred people submitted proposals for a Champ de Mars monument that would act as the entry point of the World’s Fair. Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel received the honor of constructing the structure his employee Maurice Koechlin planned. It took them two years to assemble the wrought-iron framework before they started the actual construction!
The Eiffel Tower Was Built As The Entrance To The 1889 World’s Fair
It’s Now The Most Recognizable Landmark In World History
When the structure was put on display in 1889, it was considered the tallest building in history at a height of 1,000 feet. It was initially planned to be demolished in 1909, although it ended up being useful during World War I as a radiotelegraph station. It survived World War Two, although Hitler wanted to take it down. The Eiffel Tower is now the most visited monument in the world!
It’s Now The Most Recognizable Landmark In World History
San Franciscans Needed A Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge was constructed as a way to link San Francisco and its suburban neighbors up north. The Chicago-based engineer Joseph Strauss built the bridge in 1919. Interestingly, the construction received some opposition courtesy of civic leaders and business owners who claimed it would destroy the natural beauty and hinder the shipping industry. Moreover, there were fears that it would collapse during natural disasters.
San Franciscans Needed A Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge Is A Modern Engineering Marvel
Regardless, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge started in 1933. A bridge support had to be built over the ocean and this was a dangerous task to accomplish. Luckily, there was a supporting net that saved the workers and the survivors were members of the “Halfway To Hell Club”. The bridge was constructed over four years and it did not come without fatalities. In 1937, a falling scaffolding resulted in the deaths of 10 workers. The following year, it was opened to the public and it is now a modern marvel.
The Golden Gate Bridge Is A Modern Engineering Marvel
The Brandenburg Gate Barely Survived WWII And The Cold War
Brandenburger Tor in Berlin is considered one of the most important symbols of the country as it has withstood many significant moments in Germany’s history. It was commissioned by Frederick William in 1791 and designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans. It was partly inspired by the Acropolis and its most recognizable feature is the sculpture of a chariot mounted by Victoria. Napoleon once took it as a trophy of war but it has since been reclaimed and restored. This photo was taken in 1945.
The Brandenburg Gate Barely Survived WWII And The Cold War
It Is Now A Symbol Of German Unification
The structure has been a witness to many profound moments in history and it played a part during the Cold War. When JFK visited Germany in 1963, Soviet officials hung red banners across it to shield East Germany from his eyes. It was also where Ronald Reagan delivered his 1987 speech when he famously said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” This only became a reality with the conclusion of the Cold War in 1989. The gate now serves as a symbol of a Germany no longer divided.
It Is Now A Symbol Of German Unification
Oil Trade Helped Fuel Dubai’s Major Developments
Isn’t hard to believe that Dubai was pretty much a barren desert before 2000? This was the period when Dubai ended up becoming the most populous and biggest city in the UAE. During the early 20th century, Dubai was a hotspot for farming, fishing, and pearl diving. Of course, this was before oil ruled the economy and paved the way for modern development. This 2005 photo shows the beginnings of the tallest building in the world.
Oil Trade Helped Fuel Dubai’s Major Developments
“Dubai Will Never Settle For Anything Less Than First Place”
By 2009, a mere four years later, this is what Dubai was like. The Burj Khalifa now stands tall and it is, in fact, the tallest building at a height of 2,717 feet. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum even claimed, “Dubai will never settle for anything less than first place”. The city has sure lived up to his proclamation as it is also home to the tallest hotel, biggest shopping center, the biggest indoor theme park, and the longest automated metro network. The city relies on tourism more than on oil reserves nowadays.
“Dubai Will Never Settle For Anything Less Than First Place”
Disneyland, Circa 1955
The Disneyland theme park located in Anaheim, California opened its doors on July 17, 1955. It was the only park whose design and construction was overseen by Walt Disney himself. The animation legend was allegedly inspired by the Los Angeles-based Griffith Park. He wanted to make families happy and this was how the most magical place on earth came to be. The original park was constructed in just a year and Disney created a series for ABC to help fund it.
Disneyland Circa 1955
Disneyland Is Still Thriving Today
We daresay that the magic has not declined at all since it opened in 1955. It is now larger and more popular than ever before. There have been many changes over the years, though the vision is still alive and well. Around 44,000 people visit this particular park every single day!
Disneyland Is Still Thriving Today
These Gorgeous Structures Were Built Alongside the Seine for The 1990 World Exhibition
Did you know that the 1900 World Expo brought over 48 million visitors to Paris for the Quai des Nations? The event displayed buildings that represented various countries from all over the globe. The buildings were beautiful, though they were demolished not long after the exhibition finished. When you see what the area now looks like, you’ll have a hard time believing it’s the same place!
These Gorgeous Structures Were Built Alongside the Seine for The 1990 World Exhibition
The Quai des Nations Was Demolished After the Exhibition Ended
We bet you would think we were pulling your leg if the Eiffel Tower didn’t feature in both pictures! Yup, it is the same spot along the Seine. They were beautiful structures, though they had to be demolished since they were made with cheap materials. The Passerelle Debilly, along with the Eiffel Tower, is the only monument that remains standing from the 1900 World Exposition.
The Quai des Nations Was Demolished After the Exhibition Ended
This Polish Apartment Was Nearly Demolished During World War II
Take a look at this heartbreaking photo that was caused by the Second World War. This photo was taken at an apartment complex located at the corner of the streets Ratajczaka and Św. Marcin in Poznań, Poland. It was almost demolished by the Nazis back then. Over six million Polish people died during the period, about a fifth of the local population.
This Polish Apartment Was Nearly Demolished During World War II
Decades Later, This Polish Apartment Complex Stands Tall
It has been over seventy years since the conclusion of the Second World War and the structure remains in its spot. If it weren’t for documentation, we would have not realized it was almost destroyed a long time ago. The Germans finally surrendered on May 8, 1945. People would rebuild and move on, but they would always remember the atrocities of the war.
Decades Later This Polish Apartment Complex Stands Tall
What’s Seattle Without the Space Needle?
In 1961, the iconic Space Needle was constructed, though it’s hard to imagine Seattle without its presence. It is actually the tallest structure to the west of the Mississippi River and it was built as an observation tower that could withstand winds up to 200 mph and earthquakes up to a magnitude 9.1. It was unveiled during the 1962 World’s Fair.
What’s Seattle Without the Space Needle?
The Space Needle Today
To date, the Space Needle continues to attract tourists from different parts of the globe. The elevators can climb the 520 feet in only 41 seconds! It was declared a Seattle historic landmark in 1999. It has endured many changes and renovations over the years, though its legacy will never be forgotten.
The Space Needle Today
Hollywood Used to be Hollywoodland
Hollywood is something just about everyone is familiar with, though we doubt you are aware it was originally called Hollywoodland! The famous sign was erected on Mount Lee in 1923 to attract real estate developers when Los Angeles was still developing. Harry Chandler, owner of the Los Angeles Times used it in a slogan: “[a] superb environment without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills.” Each letter was lighted with 4,000 bulbs and measured 30 feet wide and 50 feet tall.
Hollywood Used to be Hollywoodland
The Hollywood Sign, Today
The sign has never been more iconic if you ask us. Chandler’s marketing scheme worked effectively and it is one of the most recognized signs in the world. It now represents the show business, though the “land” has since been dropped and the size of the letters has also been adjusted. Hugh Hefner helped restore the sign when its condition deteriorated in 1978.
The Hollywood Sign Today
The Gateway Arch Is a Symbol of Westward Expansion
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is considered the world’s tallest arch! It was designed by Eero Saarinen and the construction was completed in 1965. It was meant to symbolize the country’s westward expansion and it was dedicated to the people of America. The total cost of construction is $77.5 million in the present day. Some expressed concerns about the funding, though supporters defended it by claiming it would do wonders for the riverfront and the economy.
The Gateway Arch Is a Symbol of Westward Expansion
The Gateway Arch is Still Well Respected
Although some dismissed it as frivolous back then, the Gateway Arch is now a respected monument. The planners made sure it would not obstruct or block the view. It became a national landmark back in 1987. In 1974, it landed in the fourth place on a list enumerating the “most-visited man-made attractions”!
The Gateway Arch is Still Well-Respected
The Azure Swimming Pool Was a Popular Indoor Pool In Pripyat, Ukraine
There were three popular indoor swimming pools in Pripyat, Ukraine, and the Azure Swimming Pool was one of them. It was built in the 70’s when it was still a bustling town. However, the explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant changed things and the area has become largely uninhabitable.
The Azure Swimming Pool Was a Popular Indoor Pool In Pripyat, Ukraine
The Azure Swimming Pool Closed In 1998 But Still Stands
After the Chernobyl tragedy, some buildings were kept open so that the plant workers could access them. The list includes the Azure Swimming Pool and it stayed open until 1998. It is one of the cleanest areas of Pripyat. The long-term effects courtesy of exposure to radiation has yet to be determined. It is believed that the death rate could go up to six figures by 2065.
The Azure Swimming Pool Closed In 1998 But Still Stands
The World Trade Center in the Financial District
The World Trade Center once had seven buildings located in lower Manhattan, though the Twin Towers stood out the most. The complex was proposed all the way back in 1943 but the project only pushed through with the encouragement of David Rockefeller. Numerous engineers and firms worked together to make it a reality and construction started on August 5, 1966, and finished on April 4, 1973.
The World Trade Center in the Financial District
Tragedy and Ground Zero
The Twin Towers was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. There were 2,606 fatalities in the Financial District in addition to the deaths of the 157 passengers aboard the aircraft. The attack shocked the whole country and Americans came together to help out. A memorial has been created to honor the victims as well as the firefighters and first responders.
Tragedy and Ground Zero
The Dharahara Tower Was the Tallest Building In Nepal
In 1832, Mukhtiyar built the Dharahara Tower. The monument went up to nine stories high and it was located in the heart of Sundhara, Kathmandu. The tower became the tallest building in the country and visitors had to take 213 steps to the top. Over the years, it weathered many earthquakes, though a 2015 one proved fatal to it.
The Dharahara Tower Was the Tallest Building In Nepal
A 2015 Earthquake Caused Most of The Dharahara Tower to Collapse
An earthquake with a 7.8 magnitude struck the tower and caused it to collapse. Only the base withstood the natural disaster. Unfortunately, it also claimed 60 lives. The government decided to rebuild it with more reinforcements this time. Construction officially began in June 2018.
A 2015 Earthquake Caused Most of The Dharahara Tower to Collapse
The Berlin Wall Was Known as the “Wall of Shame”
The Berlin Wall was constructed as a physical and ideological barrier that divided East and West Germany. It was in place for nearly thirty years! It was intended to ward off Western “fascists” from crossing over to East Germany and invading the socialist state. About 3.5 million East Germans moved to West Berlin before it was constructed.
The Berlin Wall Was Known as the “Wall of Shame”
Destruction of the Berlin Wall
In 1989, Polish and Hungarian revolutions spurred change in Berlin. Protests grew stronger and celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, David Hasselhoff, and David Bowie encouraged its collapse. After this, the government announced that East Germans will now be able to move to West Berlin. People began climbing the wall and crossing the border right away before tearing it down. The collapse happened on October 3, 1990.
Destruction of the Berlin Wall