Coronavirus: These images show some of the world’s most famous landmarks – deserted
St. Peters Square in Vatican City is normally teeming with thousands of people. Image: REUTERS/Yara Nardi
- Tourist hotspots around the world are deserted due to COVID-19, with several major cities under lockdown.
- In cities not under lockdown, social distancing measures are being heavily encouraged.
- Governments are advising against all non-essential domestic travel, with the US and Europe enforcing strict international travel bans.
Have you ever tried to capture that perfect photograph of Rome’s Trevi Fountain, only to be thwarted by bustling crowds? Well, if you were to go there today, you’d be able to take as many perfect pictures as you like without anyone wandering into the frame.
As governments urge citizens to practise social distancing and self-isolation, streets, restaurants and landmarks across the globe are now eerily empty. Travel bans are in force, with many countries taking drastic measures to delay the spread of COVID-19.
From the Sydney Opera House to the Grand Canal of Venice, here’s what some of the world’s most famous sites look like during the pandemic.
Venice: Grand Canal
Usually one of the busiest places in an already bustling city, the Grand Canal is now deserted after Italy announced a nationwide lockdown to combat coronavirus.
Rome: Trevi Fountain
Save for the occasional patrolling police officer, Rome’s Trevi Fountain is completely deserted. On a typical day, it would usually attract around 1,200 visitors per hour.
Paris: Trocadero Square, near the Eiffel Tower
Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower is usually one the busiest places in France’s capital. Now it stands completely empty due an enforced coronavirus lockdown.
Sydney: Opera House
The steps of the Sydney Opera House, where scheduled performances have been cancelled due to coronavirus, are now completely empty.
Nepal: Mount Everest
The impact of coronavirus even extends to the highest place on Earth. Nepal's government announced that it would cancel all climbing permits from 14 March until 30 April.
Paris: The Louvre
There’s also a clear view of the famous glass pyramid that sits in front of the Louvre thanks to the new coronavirus lockdown. This image was taken on 18 March.
Rome: Spanish Steps
A man walks past Rome’s famous spanish steps on the fourth day of an unprecedented lockdown in Italy.
Milan: Duomo Square
A rare shot of Duomo Square in Milan. Usually swarming with tourists and commuters, it’s now a quiet rest spot for birds.
London: Westminster Bridge
It’s unusual to see London's Westminster Bridge so quiet. The UK government announced social distancing measures on 16 March, advising people to work from home where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
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