The world is always evolving. Over the course of decades—or even centuries—cities grow, nature reclaims abandoned places, and once-celebrated landmarks may fade into ruins or disappear altogether. Some locations have changed so drastically that their past and present versions feel like entirely different worlds. In this collection, we take a look at 30 historic places that have undergone dramatic transformations, showcasing the immense power of time, nature, and human development to reshape our surroundings.
From once-thriving cities now reduced to ghost towns, to ancient monuments hidden beneath lush overgrowth, the passage of time leaves behind a trail of stories—some visible, some lost. Deserted mining towns buried in sand, or once-bustling villages replaced by towering skyscrapers, reflect both nature’s resilience and humanity’s evolving priorities. What was once the heart of a civilization may now be an overgrown ruin or a completely rebuilt cityscape.
In many cases, nature has slowly taken back what was once man-made. Forests now blanket abandoned train lines, and fields of wildflowers have grown over historic battlegrounds. These dramatic shifts remind us of nature’s quiet persistence and ability to heal and transform long after people have moved on.
At the same time, human intervention plays a major role in reshaping landscapes. Urban sprawl, infrastructure projects, and modernization have replaced centuries-old architecture with steel and concrete, leaving little trace of what once stood. While progress often brings innovation and efficiency, it can also erase tangible pieces of our past.
These 30 examples of transformed historical sites serve as compelling reminders that nothing is fixed. Time, weather, and people all leave their marks—sometimes slowly, sometimes overnight. Seeing these places “then and now” helps us reflect not only on what has been lost but also on how far we’ve come.
Scroll down to explore the powerful contrasts. All images are linked to their original sources, and we encourage you to explore more work from the talented photographers featured in this collection.
#1 Norway, Hellesylt 1885 vs. 2016
Image source: Knud Knudsen, thenorwegianblue
#2 Outdoor Theater, Bucharest, Romania. 1916 vs. 2016
Image source: 9999problems, Teatrul de vara Capitol
#3 Moai Statues In Rano Raraku, Easter Island. 1914 vs. 2019
Image source: Katherine Maria Routledge, Katherine Maria Routledge
#4 Pyramid Of The Sun In Teotihuacan, Mexico. 1900 vs. 2023
Image source: Library of Congress, Malkowo
#5 Tokyo Station – 1914 vs. 2023
Image source: wikimedia, MaedaAkihiko
#6 Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, South Wales. 1855 vs. 2024
Image source: Francis Lockey, cadwcymruwales
#7 Noorabad Bridge, Morena, India. 1829 vs. 2010
Image source: Edward Francis Finden and Patrick Young Waugh, Iceman_2222
#8 The Ruins Of Tikál, Guatemala. 1890 vs. 2023
Image source: Alfred Percival Maudslay, here_to_be_me
#9 Mortuary Temple Of Hatshepsut, Luxor, Egypt. 1880 vs. 2022
Image source: ETH Library Zurich, Diego Delso
#10 Hiroshima, Japan. 1945 vs. 2006
Image source: U.S. Navy Public Affairs Resources Website, mai-u
#11 Eilean Donan Castle, Taken Sometime Before 1911 vs. 2020
Image source: G. W. Wilson & Co., moreracehorse
#12 Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., U.S. 1917 vs 2020
Image source: Library of Congress, Woodenjars27
#13 Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. 1930 vs. 2020
Image source: Walter Mittelholzer, sagradafamilia
#14 Buddahs Of Bamiyan, Afghanistan. 1963 vs. 2008
Image source: UNESCO/A Lezine, Carl Montgomery
#15 Roman Baths And Abbey, England. 1890 vs. 2024
Image source: Detroit Publishing Company, dontapscott
#16 Seoul, South Korea In 1900 vs. 2016
Image source: wikimedia, Joon Kyu Park
#17 End Of Great Wall, Shanhai Pass, China. 1930 vs. 2008
Image source: Frey-Wyssling, fuzheado
#18 Machu Picchu In 1912 After Major Clearing Work Had Been Undertaken vs. 2023
Image source: Hiram Bingham III, Draceane
#19 Los Angeles In 1880 vs. 2019
Image source: metrolibraryarchive, Alek Leckszas
#20 Seljestadjuvet In Odda, Norway. 1905 vs. 2022
Image source: American Stereoscopic Company, pasolber
#21 Magnesia Ad Maeandrum, Anatolia, Turkey. 1984 vs. 2013
Image source: reddit.com, Orhan Bingöl
#22 Ponte Vecchio In Florence, Italy. 1965 vs. 2019
Image source: Biblioteca Europea Di Informazione E Cultura, zoon1984
#23 Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, Located On The Southwest Slope Of The Acropolis Of Athens, Greece. 1893 vs. 2001
Image source: William Vaughn, wikimedia
#24 Stonehenge In Wiltshire, England. Then vs. 2019
Image source: ETH Library Zurich, titans1fan93
#25 Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto, Japan. 1870 vs. Now
Image source: GooglySmelmo
#26 Arch Of Constantine, Rome, Italy. 1896 vs. 2022
Image source: Keystone View Company, fiodevelop
#27 The Parthenon, Athens. 1900 vs. 2022
Image source: Matson photograph collection, Chabe01
#28 The Peruvudaiyar Kovil Or Brihadeeswarar Temple, India. 1880 vs. 2016
Image source: wikimedia, Shanze1
#29 Malabar Hill – Panorama Of Bombay, India. 1860 vs. 2021
Image source: Samuel Bourne, ompsyram
#30 Statue Of Liberty In Liberty Island, New York City. 1927 vs. 2014
Image source: Department of Agriculture, Don Ramey Logan
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