History has been marked by numerous stunning landmarks that initially stood as symbols of impressive innovation, culture, and undeniable power, ultimately lost to time itself. The world’s seen numerous instances of overwhelmingly beautiful architecture that have been taken out by natural disasters or human intervention. We’ll take a look at 19 landmarks that have somehow ended up being all but forgotten in the history books.
1. Original Penn Station (New York, USA)
Once a beloved, absolute masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, Penn Station served as an iconic gateway to New York City. It was. opened up in 1910 and featured unforgettable, mountainous vaulted ceilings, massive columns, and intricate detailing. Even with widespread public disapproval it ended up being demolished in 1963 to make space for Madison Square Garden.
2. Crystal Palace (London, UK)
This forgotten landmark was built for the Great Exhibition of 1851. The Crystal Palace stood as a truly stunning glass-and-iron structure that showcased just how far industrial innovation had gone. After it was relocated to South London, it ended up tragically burning down in 1936, ultimately leaving behind mere remnants of its once unforgettable frame.
3. Guairá Falls (Paraguay-Brazil border)
Once considered one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, Guairá Falls ended up heartbreakingly disappearing underneath the Itaipu Dam reservoir in 1982. The construction of the hydroelectric dam, looked upon as one of the largest in the world, ended up submerging the waterfalls.
4. Singer Tower (New York, USA)
Finished in 1908, the Singer Tower was ranked as the tallest building in the world at the time. Its stunning design made it easily considered to be an architectural gem. Sadly, it was demolished in 1968 to make space for modern office buildings.
5. Rotbav Fortified Church (Romania)
This medieval church was built in the 13th century and was one of Romania’s numerous fortified churches. It was both a place of worship and also protection. However, many years of neglect resulted in it collapsing in 2016. Centuries of history were wiped clean in an instant.
6. Chacaltaya Glacier (Bolivia)
The Chacaltaya Glacier was once home to what was considered to be the world’s highest-ever ski resort. However, it ended up completely vanishing in 2009 as a result of climate change. All that was left behind was barren rock.
7. The Old Man of the Mountain (New Hampshire, USA)
This infamous rock formation resembled a human face. It served as the symbol of New Hampshire for centuries on end. Even with the preservation efforts, natural erosion resulted in it collapsing in 2003.
8. Cave of Altamira (Spain)
Known for its prehistoric cave paintings that date all the way back to over 20,000 years, Altamira was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries throughout time itself. To put a halt to any more damage from human exposure, the cave ended up being closed to the public.
9. Original Wembley Stadium (London, UK)
Built in 1923, Wembley Stadium was a legendary venue that hosted historic sporting events and concerts. The iconic twin towers were demolished in 2003 to make way for a modern stadium, but its legacy lives on in British sports history
10. Stardust Casino (Las Vegas, USA)
The Stardust Casino was a true staple of the Las Vegas Strip. The Stardust went hand in hand with the Rat Pack era, and it actually even inspired the iconic movie, Casino. It was sadly demolished in 2007 to make way for more new developments.
11. The Mukurob (Namibia)
This rock formation was known as the Finger of God. It stood tall in Namibia’s desert for centuries on end. However, it ended up being weakened by erosion and ultimately collapsed in 1988.
12. Paleis voor Volksvlijt (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
With much inspiration gained by London’s Crystal Palace, this impressive exhibition hall was a meeting place for many cultural events. However, a huge fire in 1929 would end up wiping the building clean off the map.
13. Cornelius Vanderbilt II House (New York, USA)
Once considered the biggest private home in New York City, this decadent mansion belonged to the Vanderbilt family. However, it was demolished in 1926, making way for Bergdorf Goodman, which ended up serving as a notable contrast between grand wealth and then modern commerce.
14. Grand Court at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition (Omaha, USA)
This grandiose temporary structure was erected for the 1898 exposition for the purpose of showcasing the American West. Like many other world fair buildings, it was ultimately dismantled following the event, which left behind nothing but historical photographs in its place.
15. Wabash Terminal (Pittsburgh, USA)
This fancy train station represented Pittsburgh’s industrial power. However, declining rail travel ended up resulting in its demolition in 1954, which devastatingly ended up erasing a piece of the city’s railroad heritage.
16. Church of the Archangel Michael (Warsaw, Poland)
Built back in the late 19th century, during Russian rule, this church ended up being demolished in 1923 following Poland regaining its independence. It was viewed as a symbol of foreign oppression.
17. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt)
Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this enormous structure would end up guiding sailors for centuries on end. However, numerous earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries eventually ended up reducing the structure to nothing but ruins.
