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Some of the most iconic buildings have withstood the passage of time, becoming celebrated and highly visited attractions. However, many of history's greatest structures didn’t make it to the present day. Take, for example, the original Seven Wonders of the World, where all but the Great Pyramid of Giza were destroyed by war, natural forces, or neglect.
Though these surviving landmarks are now safeguarded, they weren’t always as protected. Some narrowly avoided becoming nothing more than a forgotten concept. In other cases, visionary individuals took action to ensure their preservation, allowing them to exist today.
10. The Eiffel Tower: Almost Demolished
The French weren’t always fond of their most famous landmark. In fact, many still aren’t, but public sentiment has gradually warmed to the iconic Eiffel Tower.
When the tower was conceived to honor the French Revolution for the 1889 World’s Fair, a massive public outcry arose even before the construction began. Parisians at the time deemed Eiffel’s design an unsightly disruption to the picturesque views of Champ de Mars. Petitions were quickly circulated, trying to stop the project from ever starting.
With the understanding that the tower would be dismantled within 20 years once the World’s Fair ended, the community reluctantly agreed to its construction. Though opinions shifted as more people grew fond of the tower, and its usefulness as a wartime communications tower saved it, it came close to destruction again during World War II when Hitler ordered its demolition. Thankfully, the order was never carried out.
Today, the Eiffel Tower attracts over seven million visitors annually, making it the world’s most visited paid monument. The tower features restaurants and gift shops on its second level and offers possibly the best panoramic view of Paris from the third level, which stands 275 meters (900 feet) above the city. More than 500 people work daily to maintain and operate the landmark, ensuring it continues to grace the Paris skyline.
9. The Sphinx: Buried in the Sands
The Sphinx, one of the world’s most iconic and widely recognized landmarks, was once far from being either of those things. It has endured neglect, vandalism, political unrest, and the ravages of nature over the centuries.
Standing tall for over 4,500 years, the Sphinx has been a silent witness to much of human history, overlooking the famed Valley of the Kings. It was built to honor the Egyptian god Harmakhis, though the worship of this deity eventually faded. As a result, the great sculpture was abandoned, partially buried under the shifting desert sands, leaving only the head visible. This sight led locals to dub it the 'father of fear' due to its eerie, almost mythical shape.
Throughout the ages, the desert sands would be cleared away, only to reclaim the monument time and again. One unrecorded assault even destroyed the Sphinx’s nose. In 1817, in search of treasure, the Sphinx was unearthed once more, but archaeologists found no riches, instead battling the relentless sands. Worse still, it was discovered that salt rising from the base was damaging the statue's foundation, threatening its structural integrity.
The concrete originally used in the construction of the Sphinx had begun to deteriorate, putting the entire monument at risk. Restoration efforts have since replaced the aged mortar with a more durable material, ensuring the Sphinx's safety for the time being.
8. Statue Of Liberty: Hidden Away in Storage
For millions of immigrants, the Statue of Liberty was the beacon of hope, as they passed beneath her torch in pursuit of a new life in a land that promised greater opportunity. Standing proudly in the harbor, she continues to draw countless visitors each year, symbolizing the ideals of her nation and its people.
It is widely known that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, but that’s only part of the story. While it is true that France played a pivotal role, the statue’s conception was initially aimed at Egypt. The artist, Auguste Bartholdi, had hoped to design a monumental sculpture for the entrance of the Suez Canal at the World’s Fair. After being denied by Egyptian officials, he turned his attention to America, proposing it as a celebration of the young country’s independence.
It took 15 long years and extensive fundraising efforts to bring the statue to life. Built in a Paris neighborhood without substantial financial support from either government, it was only through the intervention of Joseph Pulitzer that the project found success. Pulitzer pledged to publish the names of every individual who contributed in his magazine, and with this plan, the funds were raised. The statue was then disassembled and shipped in 300 pieces across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the French vessel Isere, packed carefully in 241 crates.
The cargo was almost lost to the treacherous seas. After arriving in the harbor, America’s iconic statue was left in storage for over a year. There it languished, destined to remain forgotten until it was revived as the focal point of a clever publicity stunt. In this stunt, anyone who had contributed to bringing Liberty to her island had their names printed in the New York World newspaper. Who could resist such a promise?
Through a combination of bribery, fortune, and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned commercialism, America’s symbol was established in its current home.
7. The Alamo: Bowie’s Explosive Plan
Remember the Alamo? Texas remembers, Mexico remembers, and so does Bowie (Jim, not David).
The site that now holds little more than the adobe facade of what was once a grand structure has served numerous purposes. Initially built as the chapel of Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, it consisted of several huts and a stone tower, which was destroyed by a storm in 1724. A stone church was erected around 1744, but it collapsed in 1756.
A second stone chapel, the one we see today, began construction in 1758 and was designed to feature two large towers and a domed ceiling, covering over four acres. However, it was never completed. Epidemics had decimated the population of Valero, leaving too few people to continue the work on the building.
In 1793, the chapel was converted into a self-sustaining parish. Its doors and windows were removed, and it served as a parish for soldiers before eventually becoming San Antonio’s first hospital. The parish received its modern name from a military unit, the Second Flying Company of San Jose and Santiago of the Alamo of Parras, who were stationed there for nearly a decade starting in 1801 or 1802. The name, meaning 'cottonwood,' has endured for centuries.
The Alamo changed hands more than 16 times during the battles fought by Texan, Spanish, Mexican, Union, and Confederate forces over control of the land. What remained of the Alamo—likely just the first 7 meters (23 feet) of the walls still standing—was nearly destroyed for the final time when Sam Houston requested permission from Governor Henry Smith to remove valuable items and demolish the structure to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Smith refused, Houston left, Bowie stayed, and history was made. On February 2, 1836, Bowie wrote to Smith, saying, 'Col. Neill & Myself have come to the solemn resolution that we will rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy.'
6. The Washington Monument: Earthquake
The Washington Monument was nearly lost before it even had the chance to be built. Due to early financial difficulties in the young United States, Washington himself halted the ambitious and costly project to honor him. Instead, he focused on founding the city that would one day carry his name. A series of political mistakes and ongoing financial struggles caused nearly 75 years to pass before any substantial construction began, which was eventually abandoned once more.
A smaller, less expensive version of the monument was eventually constructed, though it was built with a subpar base structure. In 2011, the monument’s integrity was tested when a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Washington, D.C. The quake caused significant structural damage, forcing the monument to close to the public for necessary repairs.
According to a report from the National Parks Service, several marble panels decorating the monument’s exterior, especially around the pyramid section, were broken or shattered. Inside, vertical supports cracked, and pieces of the monument fell off. The twisting motion during the earthquake caused parts of the outer facade to crack and break off. The keystones were damaged and had to be completely removed. Crucial ribbing inside the monument fractured at key joints, and gaps in the mortar were large enough to let daylight shine through, leading to leaks and water damage.
The necessary repairs were carried out to ensure the monument could reopen to visitors. At over 130 years old, the Washington Monument was not built with earthquake resistance in mind. Although it was patched up and approved by the National Parks Service, another major incident could lead to devastating consequences for the landmark.
The White House has endured significant damage over the years, but perhaps the most devastating event took place in 1814 when British forces set fire to it during their attack on Washington. The original structure has been damaged, gutted, and rebuilt multiple times, with the 1814 fire being the most catastrophic event in its history.
Historians regretfully acknowledge that the current White House is not the same as the original building. The original structure suffered severe damage over time, including the burning and reconstruction caused by various historical events. The most notorious incident occurred in 1814, when British soldiers invaded Washington, expelled its residents, and set fire to public buildings including the White House and the Capitol.
The tale of the White House's survival after the British assault seems almost unbelievable. The destruction of Washington seemed inevitable, as Union forces were scattered, and the city appeared to be lost. But then, a remarkable, unseasonal weather event provided an unexpected turn of fate, defying reason and probability.
On August 25, 1814, just two days after the British siege of Washington began, an unexpected tornado struck downtown D.C. The violent rainstorm extinguished fires, disoriented British forces, and caused widespread damage. It even tossed their cannons into the air, killing more British soldiers than the battle itself.
After the sudden storm, the invading army withdrew to their ships to reorganize, left the harbor, and never returned. It is believed that up to three tornadoes struck that day—a rare occurrence, especially since only seven tornadoes have made landfall in the subsequent 200 years.
4. Taj Mahal Military Armament
It is shocking to think about how former rulers and the people of Agra worked to tarnish their nation's most iconic monument. The Taj Mahal, now one of India's most treasured landmarks, was nearly destroyed multiple times, defaced for decades, and scorned by various past leaders. Today, it stands as a priceless relic, embodying both historical grandeur and the enduring power of love.
Originally constructed as a tomb for Shah Jahan's wife, the Taj Mahal was one of the most magnificent creations of its time. After the emperor's death, the monument was neglected and left to deteriorate. The British took control, transforming it into a military base. The marble facades were destroyed, barracks were erected on the grounds, and forts were turned into garrisons. In an attempt to impress the Prince of Wales, the central hall was covered with a thick coat of whitewash.
After the departure of the original architects, proposals were made to demolish the Taj Mahal and replace it with a government building. While those plans were eventually discarded, the damage continued. The grounds became a place for picnics, fairs, and various events, where attendees would chip off pieces of the intricate decorations as keepsakes.
In 1828, Lord William Bentinck decreed that several historical landmarks were to be demolished and sold in parts in London. Portions of the Taj Mahal were stripped down to their foundations and sent to Europe, with some pieces even reaching King George IV. As demolition equipment was set up and the destruction was about to commence, the auctions in London failed, leading to the abandonment of the project.
In the early 1900s, Lord Curzon was appalled by the dilapidated state of the Taj Mahal. He initiated its restoration, bringing it back to its present condition, alongside many other mosques and tombs that had been repurposed as kitchens, police stations, and ticket booths. In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa: War Orders
Throughout history, many of the ancient world's wonders were destroyed in the heat of battle. In more recent times, many priceless works of art remain lost, having been misplaced or destroyed during wartime.
The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa almost became another casualty. However, it wasn’t the usual bombings or destruction from gunfire that nearly reduced the tower to ruins. It was an order given to Sgt. Leon Weckstein by his superiors during World War II that posed the greatest threat.
As the Allied forces fought the Nazis in Pisa, soldiers were instructed to destroy any structures that could have been used by German soldiers as sniper positions. Weckstein recounts receiving orders to demolish the tower, but the task was delayed due to the extreme heat, which made it impossible to aim accurately. After a pause, he finally took aim at the monument, but before he could fire, enemy fire forced them to retreat. The military command approved the retreat and spared the tower.
It remains unclear whether the German soldiers ever used the tower for cover, but Weckstein’s hesitation provided just enough time for the landmark to be saved from a violent and unnecessary fate. Today, efforts are made to preserve the Leaning Tower, which requires periodic adjustments to prevent it from toppling over.
2. The Golden Gate Bridge: High Winds
During the Golden Gate Bridge’s 50th anniversary celebration in May 1987, around 300,000 people walked across the bridge. Spectators reported feeling motion sickness as the bridge swayed in the strong winds, causing the deck to drop by more than 2 meters (7 ft). Though no panic ensued, the normally curved bridge seemed to flatten completely when viewed from the side.
Engineers reassured the public that there was no real danger. Each section of the Golden Gate Bridge is designed to hold 2,600 kilograms (5,700 lb) per foot, while the weight of the marchers amounted to about 2,450 kilograms (5,400 lb) per foot of the bridge.
The bridge was actually at greater risk during its construction than it was on that day. Dangerous scaffolding and severe tidal issues during the foundation work led to the deaths of 911 workers. Then in 1951, strong winds reaching 113 kilometers (70 mi) per hour caused the bridge to flutter, and the road was shut down for hours. This incident was reminiscent of the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, designed by the same architect, which fell due to winds of 65 kilometers (40 mi) per hour just a decade earlier.
While the Golden Gate Bridge did suffer structural damage from these winds, the gusts were so strong that they bent the bridge enough for the light poles at the center to touch the support cables. Former chief engineer of the Golden Gate, Daniel Mohn, claimed that the bridge was on the verge of collapse. If not for quick action by officials, the added weight of traffic might have caused a disaster.
1. The Colosseum: Struggling Against Time
The Colosseum in Rome, or Amphitheatrum Flavium, has suffered extensive structural damage over the centuries while still remaining intact. Nearly 2,000 years old, the surviving two-thirds of the Colosseum stands as a remarkable testament to the engineering expertise of the ancient Romans and the ongoing conservation efforts.
The Colosseum has been struck by lightning not once, but twice, causing significant damage. Both strikes ignited the wooden support beams and severely damaged the basement area added by Titus's brother, Domitian. It required the full effort of firefighters and the naval fleet to extinguish the flames and prevent total destruction. The fires also caused extensive harm to the stone and mortar holding the structure together. It took many decades to complete repairs.
The greatest damage to the Colosseum has come from both human actions and the passage of time. The structure barely survived attempts at destruction by Christian emperors, spared due to its association with Christian martyrs. However, this didn’t prevent its marble facade from being stripped for use in other buildings for the new elite. Thieves also took the iron supports, selling them as scrap. Additionally, centuries of ground shifting have cracked and weakened the stones, putting the Colosseum in peril. A recent discovery revealed that the Colosseum, much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is leaning—40 centimeters (16 inches) higher at one end.
A major conservation project is underway to repair the damage caused not only by years of neglect but also by the vibrations from nearby subways and traffic, which have compromised the Colosseum’s structural stability. The project was delayed by several months as pieces of the structure were found falling from the walls.
+The Kremlin: Blown Up
The Kremlin in Russia is widely regarded as one of the most architecturally significant landmarks in the country. Serving as the residence for the ruling family from the beginning, the Kremlin, meaning 'the town', stands at the location where Moscow was founded in the 11th century. Surrounded by a fortified wall and moat, it became the focal point for the development of what would ultimately become the capital city.
During the 1812 battle, the Kremlin was seized by Napoleon and nearly became his personal residence before his retreat. Before leaving, Napoleon gave the order to have the Kremlin destroyed. His plan came close to success, but a timely rainstorm dampened many of the fuses. Additionally, some explosive caches were found by residents, who bravely extinguished the fires.
Despite the thwarted attempt, the Kremlin suffered considerable damage. Five explosions erupted, decimating much of the structure and leaving lasting harm. Two of the fortifying towers were obliterated, the arsenal partially collapsed, and several government buildings sustained damage. The first explosion, the strongest of the five, was so powerful that it shattered not just the windows and glass in the Kremlin, but also the window frames themselves.
Though the Kremlin was severely damaged and extensively burned, the people of Moscow were resolute in their efforts to restore the beloved landmark. It took decades of rebuilding to complete the repairs, but today, the Kremlin stands as a proud symbol of the city’s resilience and the determination of its citizens.
