Before and after: incredible attractions that don't look like they used to

The changing faces of famous attractions

The world’s most famous landmarks are instantly recognizable but some of them are also changing rapidly. Whether it’s due to climate change, overtourism, erosion or simply wear and tear, the wonders of our world are under threat every day. Here are some of the most famous places around the world that are dramatically changing.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

Legzira Beach, Morocco

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The changes could be to do with the increase in temperature in the Indian Ocean, altering the climate and winds around the mountain. Experts predict that Kilimanjaro’s northern glaciers could completely disappear by 2030. Take a look at the world’s landmarks under threat from climate change.

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh, Scotland

The frequent nose rubs from tourists take their toll on the statue and cause serious damage to the patina. It costs hundreds of dollars to repair so in a bid to minimize damage, city officials have asked that he only get a light touch on the nose.

Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel

Lascaux, Montignac, France

The cave is now closed to the public but tourists can see a complete, incredibly detailed replica at a visitor center near to the original site (open with safety measures in place). You can gaze up at the animal paintings for as long as you like without fear they’ll deteriorate. The caves themselves became UNESCO-listed in 1979.

Caves of Altamira, Cantabria, Spain

The 14,000-year-old bison drawings in northern Spain’s Caves of Altamira are closed to crowds for similar reasons to the Lascaux Caves. Preservation is key. A maximum of six people are allowed to take the tour at each time.

Caves of Altamira, Cantabria, Spain

For those people who miss out on the cave tour, there’s a museum nearby that follows Lascaux’s lead and showcases a very convincing replica of the cave and its paintings. It’s not the real thing, but it’s expertly done.

Pont des Arts, Paris, France

Hooking a ‘love lock’ with your initials on the Pont des Arts in Paris was the must-do thing for loved-up tourists. Millions of them were locked onto the bridge and it became so heavy that part of the railings collapsed.

Pont des Arts, Paris, France

The grilles of the French capital’s famous bridge were replaced and it’s now illegal for romantics to attach locks to the bridge. However, it doesn’t stop people from attaching locks to the nearby lampposts. Take a look at other tourist attractions ruined by commercialization.

Crosby Beach, Merseyside, England

Some of the statues are placed far out at sea so can only be seen when the tide is out. It’s these statues that bear the brunt of Mother Nature. Weathering, oxidation and the addition of whelks and barnacles looking for a new home are all deliberately part of the ever-changing display. Find out how the world’s weather is affecting more popular tourist attractions.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Not only is pollution from the nearby city of Cairo damaging the incredible monuments, it’s causing decreased visibility for tourists. Those views aren’t so Instagrammable when you add a smog filter. Check out new secrets of the world’s ancient wonders here.

Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

But because Lady Liberty is made of copper, oxidation (the process of air and water reacting with the metal) has given the statue the trademark green hue we see today. Now see these incredible pictures of tourist attractions that no longer exist.

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