17 Iconic Landmarks That Appear Majestic Up-Close- Until You Zoom Out!

We all have seen the beauty of famous landmarks of the world. In pictures and up-close, you will be amazed at how magnificent the structures are. But have you ever wondered what it would look like if it was not seen from a close view?

This collection of photos just shows that perspective is an important factor in producing good or bad images. Well-known landmarks have always captivated the hearts of people and for those who haven’t been to any of them all they have is envy for people who have actually visited the locations.

Sometimes, photography can be misleading. Add to that the technology of post-photo editing, anyone can make an ordinary-looking object look like a million-dollar snapshot.

But the different perspectives of these landmarks do not mean that they are less beautiful than how people already see them. The best examples are Greece’s Acropolis and New York’s Central Park, which—when viewed from above—are just as splendid, if not more, as they are up-close.

1. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

For a moment there, the pyramids lost their magnificent appeal.

2. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

Who would’ve thought, the majestic Mount Rushmore would look ordinary from above.

3. Forbidden City, Beijing, China

I almost missed it.

4. The Stonehenge, England

What do you think of the Stonehenge from above?

5. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Not quite dramatic as it looks up-close.

6. The Acropolis, Greece

The ruins are still breathtakingly beautiful.

7. Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal’s beauty is always perfectly captured in photographs. But when seen from afar and with slum areas visible, it’s a different story.

8. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

You’d think Niagara Falls is located in some natural area away from the sight of the city. Think again.

9. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

You have to admit, the aerial view is stunning.

10. Central Park, NYC, USA

The Central Park viewed from above is spectacular.

11. Little Mermaid Statue, Denmark

Photoshop here played a very important role.

12. Santorini, Greece

I don’t know about you, but Santorini still looks gorgeous from afar.

13. Hollywood, California

When viewed from afar, it’s not as awesome as it is up close.

14. Machu Picchu, Peru

This zoomed out photo of the Peruvian ruins shows that the iconic landmark retains its magnificence.

15. Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris

From afar, the painting looks like any other piece of artwork put up in an exhibit.

16. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

This landmark is even more stunning from the aerial view.