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Article created by: Eglė Bliabaitė

The world around us is constantly changing, but we might not notice how much it actually transforms when we’re in the midst of all of it. It’s only when we compare photos taken in the past and the present that the contrast between the two becomes obvious. 

To draw your attention to how much we have progressed, Bored Panda compiled a list of then-and-now photos that show how dramatically our surroundings have changed. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget to upvote those you found the most surprising.

While you're at it, be sure to check out a conversation with photographers Mark Klett and Garry Pycroft, who dabble in then-and-now photography, called rephotography, and kindly agreed to share more about it.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Pyramid Of The Sun In Teotihuacan, Mexico. 1900 vs. 2023

Then-and-now pictures showing the transformation of an ancient pyramid site from natural hill to restored tourist attraction.

Library of Congress , Malkowo Report

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    #2

    Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, South Wales. 1855 vs. 2024

    Then-and-now pictures of a historic castle showing its restoration over time under the theme of mind-bending places.

    Francis Lockey , cadwcymruwales Report

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    #3

    Noorabad Bridge, Morena, India. 1829 vs. 2010

    Then-and-now pictures of a historic stone bridge showcasing architectural changes and nature over time.

    Edward Francis Finden and Patrick Young Waugh , Iceman_2222 Report

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    #4

    The Ruins Of Tikál, Guatemala. 1890 vs. 2023

    Then-and-now pictures showing the restoration of ancient Mayan pyramids surrounded by lush forest and clear skies.

    Alfred Percival Maudslay , here_to_be_me Report

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    #5

    Tokyo Station - 1914 vs. 2023

    Then-and-now pictures of Tokyo Station showing its historical building against modern skyscrapers on a clear day.

    wikimedia , MaedaAkihiko Report

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    #6

    Eilean Donan Castle, Taken Sometime Before 1911 vs. 2020

    Then-and-now pictures of a historic castle on an island, showing changes over time in architecture and surroundings.

    G. W. Wilson & Co. , moreracehorse Report

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    #7

    Mortuary Temple Of Hatshepsut, Luxor, Egypt. 1880 vs. 2022

    Then-and-now pictures showing the restoration and changes of an ancient temple site carved into rocky cliffs over time.

    ETH Library Zurich , Diego Delso Report

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    #8

    Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. 1930 vs. 2020

    Then-and-now images of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona showing dramatic changes over time in architecture and surroundings.

    Walter Mittelholzer , sagradafamilia Report

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    #9

    Moai Statues In Rano Raraku, Easter Island. 1914 vs. 2019

    Then-and-now pictures of Easter Island statues showing changes over time and preservation efforts in iconic places.

    Katherine Maria Routledge , Katherine Maria Routledge Report

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    #10

    Norway, Hellesylt 1885 vs. 2016

    Then and now pictures of a fjord village showing changes in architecture and landscape over time.

    Knud Knudsen , thenorwegianblue Report

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    #11

    Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., U.S. 1917 vs 2020

    Then-and-now pictures of Lincoln Memorial with a reflecting pool and surrounding trees showing time changes.

    Library of Congress , Woodenjars27 Report

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    #12

    Seoul, South Korea In 1900 vs. 2016

    Then-and-now pictures showing dramatic transformation of a cityscape from old village to modern illuminated metropolis at night.

    wikimedia , Joon Kyu Park Report

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    #13

    Roman Baths And Abbey, England. 1890 vs. 2024

    Then-and-now pictures of the ancient Roman baths showing architectural changes and preservation over time.

    Detroit Publishing Company , dontapscott Report

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    #14

    Seljestadjuvet In Odda, Norway. 1905 vs. 2022

    Then-and-now pictures of a mountain road and river valley showing changes in landscape and infrastructure over time.

    American Stereoscopic Company , pasolber Report

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    #15

    Machu Picchu In 1912 After Major Clearing Work Had Been Undertaken vs. 2023

    Then-and-now pictures of Machu Picchu showing the ancient Incan ruins with surrounding mountains and terraces.

    Hiram Bingham III , Draceane Report

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    #16

    Los Angeles In 1880 vs. 2019

    Then-and-now pictures showing the transformation of a place from a sparse settlement to a modern city skyline.

    metrolibraryarchive , Alek Leckszas Report

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    #17

    Buddahs Of Bamiyan, Afghanistan. 1963 vs. 2008

    Then-and-now pictures of the giant Buddha statues showing the effects of time on historic places.

    UNESCO/A Lezine , Carl Montgomery Report

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    #18

    Ponte Vecchio In Florence, Italy. 1965 vs. 2019

    Then-and-now pictures of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence showcasing changes over time.

    Biblioteca Europea Di Informazione E Cultura , zoon1984 Report

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    #19

    End Of Great Wall, Shanhai Pass, China. 1930 vs. 2008

    Then-and-now pictures of an ancient coastal fortress showing changes over time and restoration progress.

    Frey-Wyssling , fuzheado Report

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    #20

    Magnesia Ad Maeandrum, Anatolia, Turkey. 1984 vs. 2013

    Then and now aerial views of an ancient archaeological site showing nature reclaimed and later excavation revealing ruins.

    reddit.com , Orhan Bingöl Report

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    #21

    Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, Located On The Southwest Slope Of The Acropolis Of Athens, Greece. 1893 vs. 2001

    Then-and-now pictures showing ancient theater ruins amid modern city and natural landscape, illustrating time's impact on places.

    William Vaughn , wikimedia Report

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    #22

    The Peruvudaiyar Kovil Or Brihadeeswarar Temple, India. 1880 vs. 2016

    Then and now pictures of an ancient temple showcasing detailed architecture and changes in surroundings over time.

    wikimedia , Shanze1 Report

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    #23

    Stonehenge In Wiltshire, England. Then vs. 2019

    Then-and-now pictures of Stonehenge showcasing changes at the historic site over time in famous places.

    ETH Library Zurich , titans1fan93 Report

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    #24

    Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto, Japan. 1870 vs. Now

    Then-and-now pictures showing a rustic wooden bridge replaced by a modern concrete bridge over a river with hills.

    GooglySmelmo Report

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    #25

    The Parthenon, Athens. 1900 vs. 2022

    Then-and-now pictures of the Parthenon showing restoration progress and changes over time with visitors present.

    Matson photograph collection , Chabe01 Report

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    #26

    Milan Cathedral, Italy. 1938 vs. 2016

    Then-and-now pictures of Milan Cathedral and square showing architectural and urban changes over time.

    ETH Library Zurich , kuhnmi Report

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    #27

    Arch Of Constantine, Rome, Italy. 1896 vs. 2022

    Then-and-now pictures of the Arch of Constantine in Rome showing changes in architecture and surrounding areas over time

    Keystone View Company , fiodevelop Report

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    #28

    Golden Gate Bridge In San Francisco, California. 1934 vs. 2017

    Then-and-now picture of the Golden Gate Bridge construction versus completed landmark showing time's impact on places.

    Charles M. Hiller , Frank Schulenburg Report

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    #29

    Piramide Cestia And Porta San Paolo In Rome, Italy. 1920 vs. 2012

    Then-and-now pictures of an ancient pyramid and fortress showing historical changes over time in a cityscape.

    ETH Library Zurich , Blackcat Report

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    #30

    Seoul City Gates, Korea. 1910 vs. 2024

    Then-and-now pictures of a historic stone gate showing changes in architecture and surroundings over time.

    Frank G. Carpenter , tian.tan.official Report

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    #31

    Eiffel Tower In Paris, France. 1889 vs. 2025

    Then-and-now pictures of the Eiffel Tower showcasing changes over time in one of the most iconic places in Paris.

    Library of Congress , harry_gui_acorn Report

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    #32

    Reichstag In Berlin, Germany. 1900 vs. 2024

    Then-and-now pictures of the Reichstag building in Berlin showing changes over time from past to present.

    Library of Congress , przekraczajacgranice Report

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    #33

    Malabar Hill - Panorama Of Bombay, India. 1860 vs. 2021

    Then-and-now pictures showing dramatic changes in a coastal cityscape with modern buildings and historic boats.

    Samuel Bourne , ompsyram Report

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    #34

    Statue Of Liberty In Liberty Island, New York City. 1927 vs. 2014

    Then-and-now pictures of Statue of Liberty showing changes in the surrounding area and landscape over time.

    Department of Agriculture , Don Ramey Logan Report

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    #35

    Copacabana Beach In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 1930 vs. 2022

    Then-and-now pictures showing the transformation of a famous beachfront cityscape over time with changes in buildings and beach activity.

    Library of Congress , TucsonTank Report

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    #36

    Cairo, Egypt. 1870 vs. 2019

    Then-and-now pictures showing the transformation of an ancient cityscape with historic buildings and modern urban development.

    Antonio Beato , CE-85 Report

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    #37

    Pennsylvania Station In New York, United States. 1911 vs. 2007

    Then-and-now pictures of a historic station showing architectural and design changes over time in a public space.

    Library of Congress , Alan Turkus Report

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    #38

    Times Square In New York, United States. 1980 vs. 2023

    Side-by-side then and now pictures of a bustling urban place showing dramatic changes over time.




    Bernard Gotfryd , Camilo José Vergara Report

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