Incredible pictures of tourist attractions that no longer exist

Travel 8 Minutes

Slide 1 of 31: These days when we travel there are more accessible adventures and amazing opportunities on offer than ever before. But as the following pictures prove there are some experiences that money can’t buy – a glimpse of the attractions and hot spots from yesteryear that have disappeared off the map. Whether because of nature, mankind’s unthinking actions or climate change, we take a peek at travel hot spots that we'll never get to visit.

Lost wonders of the world

These days when we travel there are more accessible adventures and amazing opportunities on offer than ever before. But as the following pictures prove there are some experiences that money can’t buy – a glimpse of the attractions and hot spots from yesteryear that have disappeared off the map. Whether because of nature, mankind’s unthinking actions or climate change, we take a peek at travel hot spots that we’ll never get to visit.
Slide 2 of 31: The former Penn Station, which opened in 1910, was a striking sight: designed in the Beaux Arts style, it featured pink granite, vaulted glass windows, giant stone pillars and archways. Unfortunately, like many grand buildings, it cost a hefty sum to maintain, so in 1962 it was demolished – despite the backlash of many New Yorkers.

2/31 SLIDES © Everett Historical/Shutterstock

Penn Station, New York City, USA

The former Penn Station, which opened in 1910, was a striking sight: designed in the Beaux Arts style, it featured pink granite, vaulted glass windows, giant stone pillars and archways. Unfortunately, like many grand buildings, it cost a hefty sum to maintain, so in 1962 it was demolished – despite the backlash of many New Yorkers.
Slide 3 of 31: Today’s Penn Station is a far cry from what it once was, a smaller, underground network complete with neon lighting and all the mod cons. But its modest size means that the now-increasing number of rail passengers create a strain on the building, so new plans have been put in place to expand it. Check out these stunning pictures of abandoned train stations from around the world.

3/31 SLIDES © EQRoy/Shutterstock

Penn Station, New York City, USA

Today’s Penn Station is a far cry from what it once was, a smaller, underground network complete with neon lighting and all the mod cons. But its modest size means that the now-increasing number of rail passengers create a strain on the building, so new plans have been put in place to expand it.

Slide 4 of 31: Once a Victorian masterpiece, this impressive glass and steel structure was built in 1851 in London’s Hyde Park but it was later moved to Penge Place, where it remained for 82 years. In its heyday, it was home to a mind-boggling array of delights: a roller coaster, festivals, cricket matches and even a garden complete with model dinosaurs all featured within its grounds in the south of the capital.

4/31 SLIDES © Fox Photos/Getty

Crystal Palace, London, UK

Once a Victorian masterpiece, this impressive glass and steel structure was built in 1851 in London’s Hyde Park but it was later moved to Penge Place, where it remained for 82 years. In its heyday, it was home to a mind-boggling array of delights: a roller coaster, festivals, cricket matches and even a garden complete with model dinosaurs all featured within its grounds in the south of the capital.
Slide 5 of 31: Tragically, the building was swallowed up by flames in 1936 and it’s still not known how the fire was started and if it was intentional. Currently, remnants of the palace including terraces, sphinxes, and a huge bust of its designer Sir Joseph Paxton can be seen in the park, which has been renamed Crystal Palace Park.

5/31 SLIDES © Colin Smith/Wikmedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Crystal Palace, London, UK

Tragically, the building was swallowed up by flames in 1936 and it’s still not known how the fire was started and if it was intentional. Currently, remnants of the palace including terraces, sphinxes, and a huge bust of its designer Sir Joseph Paxton can be seen in the park, which has been renamed Crystal Palace Park.
Slide 6 of 31: If you picture San Francisco, attractions like the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz or Lombard Street might spring to mind. But did you know that the city was once home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment? The impressive complex included six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool, with capacity for 10,000 people.

6/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Sutro Baths, San Francisco, USA

If you picture San Francisco, attractions like the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz or Lombard Street might spring to mind. But did you know that the city was once home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment? The impressive complex included six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool, with capacity for 10,000 people.
Slide 7 of 31: After struggling financially for many years, the Sutro Baths closed in 1966, and later burned down in June of that year. Now, the foundations remain as a reminder of the Victorian attraction, with the cliff-side setting making it a popular spot for walkers.

7/31 SLIDES © FlyingToaster/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Sutro Baths, San Francisco, USA

After struggling financially for many years, the Sutro Baths closed in 1966, and later burned down in June of that year. Now, the foundations remain as a reminder of the Victorian attraction, with the cliff-side setting making it a popular spot for walkers.
Slide 8 of 31: Back in the mid-19th century, these gorgeous naturally-formed cascading pools attracted tourists from across the globe and were one of the biggest draws for those visiting the southern hemisphere. Often dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” they were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera back in 1886, and now their glory is captured only by a handful of paintings, like this one by English artist Charles Blomfield.

8/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Pink and White Terraces, Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand

Back in the mid-19th century, these gorgeous naturally-formed cascading pools attracted tourists from across the globe and were one of the biggest draws for those visiting the southern hemisphere. Often dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” they were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera back in 1886, and now their glory is captured only by a handful of paintings, like this one by English artist Charles Blomfield.
Slide 9 of 31: Nowadays, Lake Rotomahana remains a beautiful sight, although the exact location of the Pink and White Terraces is not known. However, researchers are using the diaries of geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who wrote detailed notes on its location before the eruption, to try to pinpoint and excavate the terraces – meaning they could one day be restored.

9/31 SLIDES © Brain Taylor/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Pink and White Terraces, Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand

Nowadays, Lake Rotomahana remains a beautiful sight, although the exact location of the Pink and White Terraces is not known. However, researchers are using the diaries of geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who wrote detailed notes on its location before the eruption, to try to pinpoint and excavate the terraces – meaning they could one day be restored.
Slide 10 of 31: Daring skiers would once have dreamed of ticking the notoriously tough Chacaltaya mountain, the highest ski resort in the world, off their bucket lists. The ancient glacier which sits within it spanned more than 2,000 square feet back in 1940 but rapidly decreased in size over the years until 2009, when it completely melted away.

10/31 SLIDES © Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Chacaltaya glacier, Bolivia

Daring skiers would once have dreamed of ticking the notoriously tough Chacaltaya mountain, the highest ski resort in the world, off their bucket lists. The ancient glacier which sits within it spanned more than 2,000 square feet back in 1940 but rapidly decreased in size over the years until 2009, when it completely melted away.
Slide 11 of 31: In 1998 experts predicted the glacier would survive until 2015 but due to climate change, it melted six years earlier than estimated. Now, Chacaltaya is pretty barren, but despite the lack of skiing it remains a popular spot for mountaineers looking to hike its summit. Check out the world's most dangerous attractions.

11/31 SLIDES © Aizar Raldes/AFP/Getty

Chacaltaya glacier, Bolivia

In 1998 experts predicted the glacier would survive until 2015 but due to climate change, it melted six years earlier than estimated. Now, Chacaltaya is pretty barren, but despite the lack of skiing it remains a popular spot for mountaineers looking to hike its summit.

 

Slide 13 of 31: Unfortunately, the theme park was forced to close in 2013 after several years of declining visitor numbers. The space is currently undergoing construction to enlarge the neighboring city zoo and a few rides will be maintained. In fact, the century-old carousel has already been relocated to the zoo and is now up and running again. Take a look at America's best theme parks.

12/31 SLIDES © Jeremy Thompson/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Vidámpark, Budapest, Hungary

While it may not possess stunning architecture or natural beauty, this former amusement park was an institution for thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers alike. The attraction offered several historic rides, including the City Wave Roller, a wooden roller coaster built in 1922, and a carousel built in 1906.
Slide 14 of 31: Thirty-seven years ago, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, lay the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Comprising a series of 18 falls, with the tallest 130 feet high, this natural wonder attracted tourists from across the globe, who were captivated by its immense power and beauty.
14/31 SLIDES © @pombero008/YouTube

Guaíra Falls, Paraguay/Brazil

Thirty-seven years ago, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, lay the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Comprising a series of 18 falls, with the tallest 130 feet high, this natural wonder attracted tourists from across the globe, who were captivated by its immense power and beauty.
Slide 15 of 31: In October 1982, the falls fell victim to a giant engineering project. They were closed and dynamited to create the Itaipu Dam, which now provides 75% of the electricity used by Paraguay and 25% of the electricity in Brazil. While they’re clearly a viable source of renewable energy, whether it’s worth the price of losing such a natural spectacle is another question altogether.
15/31 SLIDES © Noberto Duarte/Getty

Guaíra Falls, Paraguay/Brazil

In October 1982, the falls fell victim to a giant engineering project. They were closed and dynamited to create the Itaipu Dam, which now provides 75% of the electricity used by Paraguay and 25% of the electricity in Brazil. While they’re clearly a viable source of renewable energy, whether it’s worth the price of losing such a natural spectacle is another question altogether.
Slide 16 of 31: Today, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a beloved attraction in this seaside town, but just along the coastline you’ll find the skeletal remains of an older pier. Opened in 1866, during the Victorian boom for seaside holidays, the West Pier featured a concert hall, funfair and tearoom and was extremely popular in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

16/31 SLIDES © Francis Frith/Hulton Archive/Getty

West Pier, Brighton, UK

Today, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a beloved attraction in this seaside town, but just along the coastline you’ll find the skeletal remains of an older pier. Opened in 1866, during the Victorian boom for seaside holidays, the West Pier featured a concert hall, funfair and tearoom and was extremely popular in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
Slide 17 of 31: The West Pier fell into financial decline in the 1960s, before closing in 1975 and falling into disrepair. Since then, it partly collapsed due to a storm in 2002 and caught fire the following year, in a suspected act of arson. Despite being mostly destroyed, the hollowed-out structure makes for a spooky yet beautiful silhouette for photographers.

17/31 SLIDES © Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty

West Pier, Brighton, UK

The West Pier fell into financial decline in the 1960s, before closing in 1975 and falling into disrepair. Since then, it partly collapsed due to a storm in 2002 and caught fire the following year, in a suspected act of arson. Despite being mostly destroyed, the hollowed-out structure makes for a spooky yet beautiful silhouette for photographers.
Slide 18 of 31: If you’ve ever smashed a piece of porcelain crockery, a 260-foot tower made from the stuff might not sound like the smartest idea. Yet surprisingly this architectural gem lasted for around 400 years, from the 14th to 19th centuries, before being destroyed by rebels. In its day, it showcased a traditional pagoda style, adorned with colorful Buddhist imagery and lit up by lanterns at night.

18/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

If you’ve ever smashed a piece of porcelain crockery, a 260-foot tower made from the stuff might not sound like the smartest idea. Yet surprisingly this architectural gem lasted for around 400 years, from the 14th to 19th centuries, before being destroyed by rebels. In its day, it showcased a traditional pagoda style, adorned with colorful Buddhist imagery and lit up by lanterns at night.
Slide 19 of 31: In 2015, the tower was reborn in the form of a modern, steel and glass construction when property developer Wang Jianlin donated $156 million (£118m) to the construction of a new building. Complete with multiple viewing platforms and surrounded by a futuristic Buddhist-themed museum, it certainly provides a new take on the historical site.

19/31 SLIDES © MyCreative/Shutterstock

Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

In 2015, the tower was reborn in the form of a modern, steel and glass construction when property developer Wang Jianlin donated $156 million (£118m) to the construction of a new building. Complete with multiple viewing platforms and surrounded by a futuristic Buddhist-themed museum, it certainly provides a new take on the historical site.
Slide 20 of 31: If you had walked down to 1120 6th Avenue in New York 100 years ago, you’d have been greeted by the sight of this spectacular theater. The giant 5,697-seat Hippodrome was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy, who enticed new middle-class customers with lower ticket prices and made theater accessible for all.

20/31 SLIDES © Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock

The Hippodrome Theatre, New York City, USA

If you had walked down to 1120 6th Avenue in New York 100 years ago, you’d have been greeted by the sight of this spectacular theater. The giant 5,697-seat Hippodrome was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy, who enticed new middle-class customers with lower ticket prices and made theater accessible for all.
Slide 21 of 31: As was the case for other grand turn-of-the-century buildings, the Hippodrome fell into the trap of high maintenance costs. Despite going through the hands of numerous owners, it finally had to close in August 1939 and was demolished later that year. In the 1960s it was replaced by a parking lot and an office building, which has remained ever since.

21/31 SLIDES © Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hippodrome Theatre, New York City, USA

As was the case for other grand turn-of-the-century buildings, the Hippodrome fell into the trap of high maintenance costs. Despite going through the hands of numerous owners, it finally had to close in August 1939 and was demolished later that year. In the 1960s it was replaced by a parking lot and an office building, which has remained ever since.
Slide 22 of 31: Yes – it’s just a tree, but it’s possibly one of the most pictured ever after landscape photographer Ansel Adams brought it to fame back in 1940. With its dramatic, keeled-over shape, the tree became a popular photo spot for visitors to Yosemite National Park, showing the effects of over 400 years of windy weather.
22/31 SLIDES © David Schroeder/FlickrC/C BY-NC-ND 2.0

Jeffrey Pine, Yosemite, California, USA

Yes – it’s just a tree, but it’s possibly one of the most pictured ever after landscape photographer Ansel Adams brought it to fame back in 1940. With its dramatic, keeled-over shape, the tree became a popular photo spot for visitors to Yosemite National Park, showing the effects of over 400 years of windy weather.
Slide 23 of 31: Nature took its course and, in 1977, the tree finally died. However, it remained upright, looking even more striking for its bleached wood, until 2003 when it toppled to the ground after a storm. Jeffrey Pine remains in its former spot and attracts the fascination of visitors and photographers, despite no longer standing tall.
23/31 SLIDES © John Krzesinski/Flickr

Jeffrey Pine, Yosemite, California, USA

Nature took its course and, in 1977, the tree finally died. However, it remained upright, looking even more striking for its bleached wood, until 2003 when it toppled to the ground after a storm. Jeffrey Pine remains in its former spot and attracts the fascination of visitors and photographers, despite no longer standing tall.
Slide 24 of 31: This quirky tradition saw tourists flocking to the City of Love to express their amor by signing theirs and their partners’ names on padlocks, before attaching them to the Pont des Arts over the River Seine. The practice became so popular that at one point the bridge contained a million padlocks weighing 45 tons.

24/31 SLIDES © Stephane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty

Love Locks Bridge, Paris, France

This quirky tradition saw tourists flocking to the City of Love to express their amor by signing theirs and their partners’ names on padlocks, before attaching them to the Pont des Arts over the River Seine. The practice became so popular that at one point the bridge contained a million padlocks weighing 45 tons.

Slide 25 of 31: In a moment of extreme irony, in 2014 part of its fence broke due to the weight of these symbols of ‘everlasting’ love. The following year, city officials began to remove padlocks and replace the bridge’s metal grilles with plastic panels, which have now been replaced by glass panels. Determined to keep the tradition going, some have begun to attach padlocks to lampposts along the bridge instead.

25/31 SLIDES © Stephane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty

Love Locks Bridge, Paris, France

In a moment of extreme irony, in 2014 part of its fence broke due to the weight of these symbols of ‘everlasting’ love. The following year, city officials began to remove padlocks and replace the bridge’s metal grilles with plastic panels, which have now been replaced by glass panels. Determined to keep the tradition going, some have begun to attach padlocks to lampposts along the bridge instead.
Slide 26 of 31: Seen from a distance, this piece of rock jutting out from Franconia Notch might not have looked like much. But when seen from the north, the rock once resembled the profile of an old man, with a clearly-define forehead, nose, lips and chin. Hence it became known as the "Old Man of the Mountain", an iconic symbol in New Hampshire.

26/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire, USA

Seen from a distance, this piece of rock jutting out from Franconia Notch might not have looked like much. But when seen from the north, the rock once resembled the profile of an old man, with a clearly-define forehead, nose, lips and chin. Hence it became known as the “Old Man of the Mountain”, an iconic symbol in New Hampshire.
Slide 27 of 31: After existing for an estimated 12,000 years, the poor Old Man fell off the mountain one fateful night in May 2003. Local people mourned the loss of their mascot, creating a memorial in Profiler Plaza at the base of the mountain. This picture shows the now-missing section. 

27/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire, USA

After existing for an estimated 12,000 years, the poor Old Man fell off the mountain one fateful night in May 2003. Local people mourned the loss of their mascot, creating a memorial in Profiler Plaza at the base of the mountain. This picture shows the now-missing section.

Slide 28 of 31: You might recognize this stunning natural formation – it’s been featured in Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo and Clash of Titans, as well as many an Instagram feed. The arch was formed by the collapse of a coastal cave, probably in the 19th century, and was a popular spot for photographs.
28/31 SLIDES © Sascha Steinbach/Getty

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

You might recognize this stunning natural formation – it’s been featured in Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo and Clash of Titans, as well as many an Instagram feed. The arch was formed by the collapse of a coastal cave, probably in the 19th century, and was a popular spot for photographs.

Slide 29 of 31: When heavy storms hit the Maltese archipelago in March 2017, the world was devastated by the announcement that the iconic arch had collapsed. However, it wasn’t all bad news, as the fallen rock formation has now added to the intrigue underwater, attracting scuba diving enthusiasts to the area.

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

When heavy storms hit the Maltese archipelago in March 2017, the world was devastated by the announcement that the iconic arch had collapsed. However, it wasn’t all bad news, as the fallen rock formation has now added to the intrigue underwater, attracting scuba diving enthusiasts to the area.

Slide 30 of 31: This ancient city, which was built in the third millennium BC, combines Greco-Roman, Persian and Arabian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, among its ruins are the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, Damascus Gate and a Roman amphitheater. But tragedy hit in 2015, when the site was captured and partially destroyed by Isis. Discover 15 destinations around the world that are nearly impossible to visit 

Palmyra, Homs, Syria

This ancient city, which was built in the third millennium BC, combines Greco-Roman, Persian and Arabian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, among its ruins are the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, Damascus Gate and a Roman amphitheater. But tragedy hit in 2015, when the site was captured and partially destroyed by Isis.

Slide 31 of 31: Between 2015 and 2017, the militants rampaged and blew up parts of the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Victory. While it may no longer contain some of its original features, humanity can continue to be inspired by its history, as UNESCO has funded renovations and the site is set to reopen later this year. Now read 17 destinations you must visit before they disappear 

Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Between 2015 and 2017, the militants rampaged and blew up parts of the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Victory. While it may no longer contain some of its original features, humanity can continue to be inspired by its history, as UNESCO has funded renovations and the site is set to reopen later this year.

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