Tourist attractions that have been moved or replicated
Welcome to the fascinating world of moved and replicated tourist attractions! These landmarks, while originally rooted in their unique cultural contexts, have found new homes or inspired replicas across the globe.
It’s a testament to their iconic status that people wish to recreate these marvels in different places, allowing more people to experience their charm. In this article, we will journey across continents to explore these fascinating reproductions and discover the stories behind them.
The Journey of London’s Iconic Bridge: Tower Bridge in Arizona
Did you know that a piece of London resides in the Arizona desert? In 1968, Lake Havasu City became the new home for the original London Bridge. The bridge was dismantled and shipped to the U.S., where it was meticulously reconstructed.
Robert P. McCulloch, the city’s founder, purchased the bridge for $2.46 million to attract tourists. Today, it stands as a quirky landmark, bridging the history of London with the modern charm of Arizona.
The Many Faces of the Eiffel Tower: Replicas Across the Globe
The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of romance and engineering brilliance. Its allure has led to numerous replicas, including one in Las Vegas, Nevada. This half-scale replica is part of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and brings a slice of French elegance to the Strip.
Another notable replica is in Tokyo, Japan, known as the Tokyo Tower, which serves as a communications and observation tower. These replicas allow people to experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower without traveling to Paris.
The Traveling Statue of Liberty: From Paris to New York
The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Interestingly, smaller versions of Lady Liberty exist in Paris, where the original was conceived.
One can be found on the Île aux Cygnes, a small island in the Seine River. This statue faces west, towards her larger sibling in New York Harbor. These statues symbolize the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The Ancient Wonder Reimagined: The Parthenon in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, originally built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to classical Greek architecture in the heart of America.
Inside, visitors can find a statue of Athena, just like in the original Parthenon in Athens. The Nashville Parthenon serves as an art museum and a cultural landmark, bringing a touch of ancient Greece to the Southern United States.
The Big Ben in Little China: A Timepiece in Shenzhen
Shenzhen, China, features its own version of London’s Big Ben at the Window of the World theme park. This park is known for its scaled-down replicas of international landmarks.
The Shenzhen clock tower is a nod to the iconic Elizabeth Tower, housing Big Ben, in London. While it may not chime like its London counterpart, the replica allows visitors to enjoy a slice of British heritage in the heart of China.
From Egypt to Las Vegas: The Luxor Pyramid and Sphinx
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas brings the grandeur of ancient Egypt to the modern world. Complete with a towering pyramid and a colossal Sphinx, this hotel-casino complex offers a unique experience for its visitors.
The pyramid, standing at 350 feet, is one of the largest in the world and features a powerful beam of light shining from its apex. This dazzling display of Egyptian architecture is a must-see on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Roman Colosseum: Echoes in Los Angeles and Beyond
The allure of the Roman Colosseum has inspired numerous replicas, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This stadium, although not an exact replica, draws inspiration from the ancient amphitheater and has hosted two Olympic Games.
On the other side of the world, Pula, Croatia, boasts an impressive ancient Roman amphitheater, still used for events today. These structures echo the grandeur of Rome, offering glimpses into the past’s architectural prowess.
The Berlin Wall: Pieces Scattered Around the World
The Berlin Wall, once a symbol of division, now stands as a monument to unity, with pieces scattered across the globe. Sections of the wall can be found in places like the Vatican Gardens, New York City, and Seoul.
These fragments serve as reminders of the past and symbolize hope for a future without barriers. The distribution of these pieces allows people worldwide to reflect on history and its lessons.
The Taj Mahal’s Twin: Bibi Ka Maqbara in India
In Aurangabad, India, stands a monument often referred to as the ‘Taj of the Deccan.’ The Bibi Ka Maqbara was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s son in memory of his mother. It was modeled after the Taj Mahal, albeit on a smaller scale.
While it doesn’t quite match the Taj Mahal’s grandeur, it holds its own charm and beauty. This lesser-known mausoleum offers a glimpse into the Mughal era’s architectural finesse.
The Leaning Tower of Niles: Italy’s Icon in Illinois
Niles, Illinois, is home to a half-size replica of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg as part of a recreation park for his employees, the tower leans at a similar angle to its Italian counterpart.
It has become a quirky landmark in its own right, attracting visitors who want a taste of Italian architecture without leaving the Midwest. This unexpected treasure adds a unique touch to the Illinois landscape.
The Global Reach of Christ the Redeemer: Replicas in Portugal and Beyond
The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro has inspired replicas worldwide, with one notable version in Lisbon, Portugal. Known as Cristo Rei, this statue overlooks the city and shares a similar pose with its Brazilian counterpart.
Another replica can be found in Dili, East Timor, symbolizing peace and protection. These statues demonstrate the global reach of this beloved monument, spreading hope and unity across different cultures.
From London to the World: The Globe Theatre’s Dramatic Replicas
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London has inspired replicas around the world, allowing audiences to experience Elizabethan theatre magic. The most famous replica is in the United States, known as the Globe Theatre in San Diego, part of the Old Globe complex.
Another notable replica is in Tokyo, Japan, where performances are held in a similar open-air style. These theatres bring the Bard’s works to life, keeping the spirit of Shakespeare alive across continents.
The Heart of Russia in Paris: Moscow’s Kremlin in France
A piece of Russian heritage can be found in Paris with the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, inspired by the architecture of Moscow’s Kremlin. This stunning structure, completed in 2016, features traditional Russian design elements, including golden domes.
It serves as a cultural and spiritual hub for the Russian community in France, bridging the two nations through faith and architecture. This unique landmark adds a touch of Russian charm to the Parisian skyline.
