Nature needed us to stay at home.
Ever since the coronavirus began to spread rapidly from Wuhan, China, to the rest of the world, and was later declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, authorities in many countries decided to quarantine some of its most crowded places as a preventive measure.
However, no one imagined how the little – to no – human presence would really affect them.
The vast majority of these sites now look clean and we can easily appreciate their true beauty:
1. Venice
After humans had to stay home, the canals of Venice suddenly appeared clean and with crystal clear water. Even the swans have gone back to swimming in that area
2. Fontana Di Trevi
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most extraordinary fountains in Rome, which is why it’s always packed with tourists admiring its baroque details, throwing coins and making wishes. However, now that the city is in quarantine, it’s completely empty. The only people that are there now are the police that guard it and the occasional pigeon that walks through the place, taking advantage of how few people there are.
3. Kaaba
This is the most important holy place in Islam. The rectangular prism is inside the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca and is usually surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims. However, now it is totally desolate.
4. Chaillot Palace
Did you ever think you’d see the Eiffel Tower this empty? Probably not. However today the only ones who enjoy this landscape are a couple of policemen, who make sure that people respect quarantine.
5. Las Vegas
During the quarantine, the city of fun, casinos, shows and endless nighttime activities looks totally desolate.
6. Spanish Steps
The stairs of the Spanish Steps in Rome are usually used by tourists to enjoy the view or take a break during hot days. However, they are now completely empty.
7. Senso-ji Temple
The Sensō-ji Temple receives thousands of tourists each year who are interested in learning about the architecture of Japan’s oldest temple. However, now that the coronavirus has affected the health of many people in that country, now just one or two tourists wander its corridors.
8. St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square used to be a welcoming place for the thousands of tourists who come to Venice to navigate its canals. However, now it’s is totally deserted.