Every year, thousands of tourists visit renowned world attractions, including the Acropolis, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Taj Mahal.
Their rich history and beautiful appearances are often breathtaking and, in some cases, certainly worth a trip around the globe.
Yet, once you get there, you might be shocked to discover that some of these locations aren't just as you may have seen them on a postcard. For example, the Pyramids may appear to be in the midst of a desert with no civilization in sight, but that's not the case. And the Acropolis isn't much of a hike once you're in Athens, Greece.
Of course, that doesn't take away from what they mean to the world, but it's certainly fascinating to see them from this view.
View some of these marvelous landmarks from a different angle than you may be used to below, and please SHARE with your friends if you are surprised by any of them!
The Egyptian Pyramids
Ah, they look so majestic with a history so rich and fascinating.
They actually sit right next to the busy city of Giza.
The Acropolis
This Greek iconic figure made of white marble covers about seven acres of land.
This landmark sits right in the middle of Athens.
Stonehenge
This prehistoric stone circle is located in Wiltshire, England.
It sits in an open field with a road right next to it.
Christ the Redeemer
This statue of Jesus sits in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Check out how it overlooks the city!
The Taj Mahal
This mausoleum is India's prized possession.
Some of the land surrounding it doesn't seem quite as luxurious.
The Arc de Triomphe
This is one of France's most notable monuments.
It's right in the middle of a busy Parisian intersection.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall was first constructed in the third century B.C. to keep out invaders — although it didn't really serve its purpose. It stands as one of the most well-known symbols of China. It's so large that its actual length isn't even known.
From a distance, its marvel is almost unnoticed.
Sagrada Família
Although not fully constructed yet, millions of people come to visit this Roman Catholic church in Barcelona each year.
There it is, right in the middle of the city.
Niagara Falls
This beautiful attraction, sitting between the border of Canada and the United States, features three waterfalls.
It's not as isolated as you may think.
The Burj al Arab Hotel
Dubai's seven-star hotel is considered the world's most luxurious.
It sits right on the edge of the water!
Mount Rushmore
This carved sculpture in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest commemorates four famous U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
It looks like it's in the middle of nowhere.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
This Russian landmark in Moscow is multi-colored and almost cartoon-like.
It sits right in the city's Red Square.
The Forbidden City
This was the imperial palace, or the home of many Chinese emperors.
It looks so accessible right in the middle of Beijing, China.
Please SHARE if you were shocked by any of these!
