Amazing and iconic tourist attractions that no longer exist (20 Photos)
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No matter where you go, all over the world, there are always certain touristy sites that you need to see. NYC has Times Square, South Dakota has Mount Rushmore, Paris has the Eiffel Tower and China has the Great Wall. But imagine if those places disappeared due to nature or lack of funds? That’d be pretty sad, right?
Well, that’s just the natural course of tourist spots, since the dawn of time, and the volume of places that are lost to history is insane.
These are some of the ones that I’d love to go back in time to visit.
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The Sutro Baths
California
This indoor swimming pool complex was located on the western edge of San Francisco, and it was the worlds largest. Developed by self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro, it had 7 pools that were filled with seater, an ocean pool aquarium, a massive bathhouse, and slides.
California
This indoor swimming pool complex was located on the western edge of San Francisco, and it was the worlds largest. Developed by self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro, it had 7 pools that were filled with seater, an ocean pool aquarium, a massive bathhouse, and slides.
Opening in 1894, it struggled with operating costs, and was eventually sold to developers in 1964. Two years later, a fire destroyed the property.
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The Terraces of Lake Rotomahana
New Zealand
These pink and white terraces were renowned all over the world during the 19th century. They were some of the largest silica sinter formations on earth and were an unofficial wonder of the world.
New Zealand
These pink and white terraces were renowned all over the world during the 19th century. They were some of the largest silica sinter formations on earth and were an unofficial wonder of the world.
In 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera buried the terraces, as well as entombed several villages and killed hundreds.
In 2017, researchers found a location where they believe the terraces are located, and are planning to excavate.
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The Azure Window
Malta
This limestone arch once jutted out from the coast of Gozo Island, and was even featured in season 1 of Game of Thrones when Daenerys and Khal Drogo married.
Malta
This limestone arch once jutted out from the coast of Gozo Island, and was even featured in season 1 of Game of Thrones when Daenerys and Khal Drogo married.
While it was assumed that the arch would eventually fall, scientists didn’t expect it so soon. During a violent storm in March of 2017, it collapsed.
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The Buddhas of Bamiyan
Afghanistan
There used to be a pair of colossal Buddhist statues, one 181 feet tall and the other 125 feet tall, that once towered over this valley. These figures were hand carved into the sandstone cliffs in the 6th century, and attracted visitors for over 1,500 years.
Afghanistan
There used to be a pair of colossal Buddhist statues, one 181 feet tall and the other 125 feet tall, that once towered over this valley. These figures were hand carved into the sandstone cliffs in the 6th century, and attracted visitors for over 1,500 years.
At least until the Taliban decided to destroy the World Heritage Site with explosives in 2001. What you see above is what existed prior to that year.
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The Original Penn Station
New York
Opened in 1910, the original station featured Beaux-Arts features, pink granite, a grand staircase, vaulted windows and huge columns. But by the 50’s and 60’s, air travel and highways meant that not enough people were taking the train.
New York
Opened in 1910, the original station featured Beaux-Arts features, pink granite, a grand staircase, vaulted windows and huge columns. But by the 50’s and 60’s, air travel and highways meant that not enough people were taking the train.
So it was decided that they’d demolish the station in 1963 and replace it with an underground station, and place Madison Square Garden on top.
Sure, that’s just as good, I guess.
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The Original Porcelain Tower of Nanjing
China
This was one of the 7 Medieval Wonders of the World, and was constructed in 1412 during the Ming Dynasty. Built with glazed white porcelain bricks, it was reportedly destroyed during the 19th century Taiping Rebellion.
China
This was one of the 7 Medieval Wonders of the World, and was constructed in 1412 during the Ming Dynasty. Built with glazed white porcelain bricks, it was reportedly destroyed during the 19th century Taiping Rebellion.
When the site was excavated in 2008, a number of artifacts were discovered. So one of the richest men in China decided to fund a replica, which you can visit today.
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Duckbill Rock Formation
Oregon
The story of this awesome formation is a sad one. It was a 7 foot tall sandstone formation that was beloved by tourists visiting Cape Kiwanda. It had been like this for centuries, until one night in 2016, the formation toppled on its own. Or so people thought.
Oregon
The story of this awesome formation is a sad one. It was a 7 foot tall sandstone formation that was beloved by tourists visiting Cape Kiwanda. It had been like this for centuries, until one night in 2016, the formation toppled on its own. Or so people thought.
Later, a drone operator came forward with a video showing a group of people intentionally knocking it down, because their idiot friend had broken his leg on it the previous year.
They told authorities it was a safety hazard and they were doing the world a favour. Now, if they’d just refuse to breed, their favour to the world will be complete.
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The New York Hippodrome
New York
When this building opened in 1905, this was the largest theatre in the whole world, with a massive stage that could have held easily 1,000 performers or an entire circus. It could also comfortably seat 5,200 guests.
New York
When this building opened in 1905, this was the largest theatre in the whole world, with a massive stage that could have held easily 1,000 performers or an entire circus. It could also comfortably seat 5,200 guests.
Sadly, running a theatre of this size was insanely expensive, and the venue didn’t last long. It was demolished in 1939 and is now the site of a boring office building.
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Disney’s River Country and Discovery Island
Florida
For years after its 1976 debut, this Disney water park was packed. But, in 2001, it was just shut down without warning, and left to rot.
Florida
For years after its 1976 debut, this Disney water park was packed. But, in 2001, it was just shut down without warning, and left to rot.
It’s assumed that other Disney water parks such as Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon proved to be more popular, but it was such a waste to just bail on this one.
The same story went for Discovery Island. One day it was a place to visit exotic birds and animals. The next day, closed forever.
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The Crystal Palace
England
This gorgeous building was erected ahead of the Great Exhibition in 1851. Known as London’s Crystal Palace, it was a huge draw during the Expo. Afterwards, it was deconstructed and rebuilt elsewhere in London, where it stood until 1936, when it mysteriously caught fire.
England
This gorgeous building was erected ahead of the Great Exhibition in 1851. Known as London’s Crystal Palace, it was a huge draw during the Expo. Afterwards, it was deconstructed and rebuilt elsewhere in London, where it stood until 1936, when it mysteriously caught fire.
The disaster left only two water towers, which were demolished in the years going into WWII, to make the area less conspicuous to the Germans.
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Paleis voor Volksvlijt
Netherlands
This was a stunning exhibition hall modelled after the Crystal Palace in London, with cast iron gates, mosaic floors and an impressive pipe organ. It was one of the most sophisticated sites in Amsterdam at one point. Opened in 1864, it was the place to be.
Netherlands
This was a stunning exhibition hall modelled after the Crystal Palace in London, with cast iron gates, mosaic floors and an impressive pipe organ. It was one of the most sophisticated sites in Amsterdam at one point. Opened in 1864, it was the place to be.
But in 1929, the building tragically caught fire and was completely destroyed.
13
The Wall Arch
Utah
This was once a popular photo op place along the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park. Spanning 71 feet across and 33 feet high, this arch was one of the largest documented arches in the park.
Utah
This was once a popular photo op place along the Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park. Spanning 71 feet across and 33 feet high, this arch was one of the largest documented arches in the park.
Unfortunately, this awesome natural feature fell in 2008.
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Guairá Falls
Paraguay/Brazil
These enormous waterfalls flowed down the Paraná River between the two countries, and had a drop of 375 feet. It was reported that you could year the falls from 20 miles away. For that reason, and for its sheer beauty, tourists came from all over the world to take in the sight.
Paraguay/Brazil
These enormous waterfalls flowed down the Paraná River between the two countries, and had a drop of 375 feet. It was reported that you could year the falls from 20 miles away. For that reason, and for its sheer beauty, tourists came from all over the world to take in the sight.
In 1982, a hydroelectric dam was built, that flooded the river and submerged the basin and the falls, making a man-made lake instead. Who wants to see that?
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Rotbav Fortified Church
Romania
Throughout Europe, churches also had a secondary role during wartime as a fortified stronghold to keep them save. Known as “Fortified Churches” they had thicker walls and other defensive measures.
Romania
Throughout Europe, churches also had a secondary role during wartime as a fortified stronghold to keep them save. Known as “Fortified Churches” they had thicker walls and other defensive measures.
One such church was Rotbav, built during the 13th century. While the country has tried to keep them all maintained, there are over 160 churches requiring attention and work, and not every one of them gets enough love. This one, one of the oldest in Transylvania, collapsed in 2016 due to neglect.
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The Old Man of the Mountain
New Hampshire
This rock formation used to watch the adventurers exploring the white mountains. Standing 40 feet tall, it was the most recognizable symbol of New Hampshire, seen in every tourist booklet, on the license plate and on the state quarter.
New Hampshire
This rock formation used to watch the adventurers exploring the white mountains. Standing 40 feet tall, it was the most recognizable symbol of New Hampshire, seen in every tourist booklet, on the license plate and on the state quarter.
Due to high winds, freezing temperatures and rain, the formation took it’s last bow in 2003.
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Cave of Altamira
Spain
These caves are located in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, and was once a popular tourist destination for people who wanted to see examples of Paleolithic art, dating back 22,000 years.
Spain
These caves are located in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, and was once a popular tourist destination for people who wanted to see examples of Paleolithic art, dating back 22,000 years.
Over time, however, the presence of people caused the art to start to deteriorate and form mold. This caused the caves to be closed in 1972, then again in 2002. Now, only a handful of tours are allowed weekly, and the attendees have struck rules to follow.
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The Original Wembley Stadium
England
The original Wembley stadium opened in 1923 and was the London hub for all things sporty. It was demolished in favour of a new Wembley stadium, which opened in 2007.
England
The original Wembley stadium opened in 1923 and was the London hub for all things sporty. It was demolished in favour of a new Wembley stadium, which opened in 2007.
While the new one is bigger and more advanced, fans miss the original stadium and its storied history.
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Stardust Casino
Nevada
Las Vegas’ Stardust had plenty of claims to fame; it was Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack’s hangout, it was the inspiration for the film Casino and it also was the place where Sigfried and Roy called home.
Nevada
Las Vegas’ Stardust had plenty of claims to fame; it was Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack’s hangout, it was the inspiration for the film Casino and it also was the place where Sigfried and Roy called home.
It was originally built in 1958 and expanded in 1989, and was an enduring symbol of Vegas. But sadly, it couldn’t compete with the mega-resorts like Caesars Palace and The Bellagio, so it was demolished in 2007.
As for the land where it used to sit; it’s still empty.
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Amazing and iconic tourist attractions that no longer exist (20 Photos)
![Amazing and iconic tourist attractions that no longer exist (20 Photos)]()
Reviewed by Your Destination
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November 10, 2019
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