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If you moved to another city for college or work, it can be an interesting experience to return to your hometown. After all, human creations are rarely static and more often than not planners and builders regularly change things. This is true for cities across the world, with the changes getting more and more prominent as time goes by.

This Facebook page is dedicated to interesting before and after photos of cities and we’ve gathered the best ones. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts in the comments below.

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#2

Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?

Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?

The world is full of beautiful old historical buildings that connect us to the past, but too many are lost to decay or thoughtless development. Restoration can give us glimpses into what they might have looked like decades or centuries ago

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#5

It Was Damaged During The Civil War, You Can Still See The Hole Made By A Cannonball On One Of The Large Oak Beams...?

It Was Damaged During The Civil War, You Can Still See The Hole Made By A Cannonball On One Of The Large Oak Beams...?

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General Anaesthesia
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, England. "One of the roof beams has a hole in it, a result of cannon fire in the Civil War, when Dunster Castle was a besieged Royalist stronghold for five months under the command of Colonel Wyndham. Following the damage, it was restored in 1647 to its present condition by Francis Luttrell" - Wikipedia Yarn_Market,_Dunster

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#6

Then And Now: Tyre, One Of The Oldest Continually Inhabited Cities In The World.........???

Then And Now: Tyre, One Of The Oldest Continually Inhabited Cities In The World.........???

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#7

Rephotography Is The Act Of Repeat Photography At The Same Site, With A Time Gap Between The Two Images; The So-Called "Then And Now" View Of A Particular Area

Rephotography Is The Act Of Repeat Photography At The Same Site, With A Time Gap Between The Two Images; The So-Called "Then And Now" View Of A Particular Area

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Pandemonium
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be right after the March 11 tsunami, then after cleanup and landscaping

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#8

Before After

Before After

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MoMcB
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've often seen the reclaimed picture, but not the way it was.

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#10

Before & After

Before & After

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Fat Harry (Oi / You)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty sure this is Bath, England. The curved building at the bottom right is Bath Spa railway station, and the circular building bottom left is the bus depot. The "cathedral" in the centre is Bath Abbey.

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#11

Warsaw, Before And After

Warsaw, Before And After

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#12

Kingsgate, Dating From The 14th Century, Is One Of Two Surviving Medieval Gates In Winchester. The Buildings Next To The Arch Were Demolished In The 1930s...?

Kingsgate, Dating From The 14th Century, Is One Of Two Surviving Medieval Gates In Winchester. The Buildings Next To The Arch Were Demolished In The 1930s...?

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#13

Who Better Time

Who Better Time

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Glix Drap
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't like the modern building on the left of the 2017 picture. Looks too modern to be a rebuild after WW2 (but I could be wrong).

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#14

The War Is Over! Berlin/Reichstag 1945

The War Is Over! Berlin/Reichstag 1945

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#16

Mike Seaborne’s Isle Of Dogs, Then & Now

Mike Seaborne’s Isle Of Dogs, Then & Now

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May
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I moved to London, even if I was in my twenties, I somehow assumed i'd find packs of dogs there.

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#18

Right Near The Top Of Our Bucket Lists Is Visiting Japan Someday (Hopefully Soon)

Right Near The Top Of Our Bucket Lists Is Visiting Japan Someday (Hopefully Soon)

It’s a fascinating country that sometimes seems more at home in a fairytale book than on Planet Earth. There’s a sense of excitement, modernity, and love for its people present there that’s almost unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It’s far from just about anime, manga, samurai, and Sony—concentrating just on those would do the culture a disservice.

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#19

We've All Seen Pictures Of Paris

We've All Seen Pictures Of Paris

The "City of Love" is one of the most recognizable places on earth due to its iconic architecture. The famous Eiffel Tower standing high above the city, the wonderful bridges built above the river Seine, and the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame.

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#20

Then & Now, Kiev, Kreschatik Street, Ukraine, Ussr

Then & Now, Kiev, Kreschatik Street, Ukraine, Ussr

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, I couldn't tell which one was then and now. And that's sad (support Ukraine!)

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#21

Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities

Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities

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#22

Clifton Rocks Railway Top Station By The Gorge Hotel 1990 2021

Clifton Rocks Railway Top Station By The Gorge Hotel 1990 2021

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Cee Cee
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right by the famous Bristol suspension bridge. A masterpiece by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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#23

Leblone Ipanema, Rio Janeiro Then vs. Now

Leblone Ipanema, Rio Janeiro Then vs. Now

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#27

Rush Into Germany! Aachen In Germany

Rush Into Germany! Aachen In Germany

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sofacushionfort
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IIRC, the mayor offered to surrender the city, the US refused (thinking they were going elsewhere) then the Nazis reinforced and the US had to fight their way in.

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#28

I❤️poland

I❤️poland

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Homosapiens will eventually destroy their species. Three strikes, and you're out!

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#29

Guess City

Guess City

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#30

Public Celebrations

Public Celebrations

Looking down from the top of Park St from a viewpoint near the Wills Memorial Tower of Bristol University

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Chewie Baron
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trying to think what was being celebrated in 1899. I think this could actually be from 1897 which was Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

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#31

Nuremberg Then And Now!

Nuremberg Then And Now!

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#32

Then And Now! Brevands In The Utah Beach Sector

Then And Now! Brevands In The Utah Beach Sector

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Pernille
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still get confused by the WW2 names, Normandie, France, if anyone is as stupid as me.

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#33

Royal Hotel, Five Ways, Paddington - C1920 & 2014

Royal Hotel, Five Ways, Paddington - C1920 & 2014

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#34

A German Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troops) On The Walls Of The Venetian Fortezza Castle, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece 1941 - 2024

A German Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troops) On The Walls Of The Venetian Fortezza Castle, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece 1941 - 2024

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#35

Good Morning History Buffs! Gressenich/Germany And The Rush Into The Reich

Good Morning History Buffs! Gressenich/Germany And The Rush Into The Reich

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#36

Paris, Before vs. After

Paris, Before vs. After

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May
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The two factories were built to provide the Universal Expo with electricity

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#38

Cherbourg June 1944

Cherbourg June 1944

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#40

Secrets Of The Ancients

Secrets Of The Ancients

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Janissary35680
Community Member
Premium
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This and three others' (Tyre, Hattusa, London) "Then/Before" pix are actually artists' renditions of what researchers think the places looked like *based on evidence* in the "Now" pix. In accounting, that's called "Cooking the Books".

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#42

Bombing Of Dresden - Dresden, Germany, Wwii And Now

Bombing Of Dresden - Dresden, Germany, Wwii And Now

The bombing during WWII was horrific. Tens of thousands of people died during the attacks and all of them were civilians

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could read a newspaper from the light of the fires 20 miles away. The fires were so hot they melted the pavement and people trying to get away would sink into the hot cement.

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#43

Germany In 1945

Germany In 1945

World War II's Final Year
Germany in 1945 was a nation in ruins.
Key Events:
April 30: Adolf Hitler's death in Berlin bunker
May 7: Germany's unconditional surrender (V-E Day)
Allied occupation zones established (US, Britain, France, USSR)
Potsdam Conference (July-August): Post-war reorganization
Devastation:
3.2 million German soldiers killed
3.5 million civilians dead or missing
5 million displaced persons
40% of infrastructure destroyed
Economy shattered
Occupation and Rebuilding:
Denazification: Removing Nazi influence
Demilitarization: Disbanding German military
Democratization: Establishing democratic institutions
Economic reforms: Introduction of Deutsche Mark (1948)
Division and Reunification:
1949: East Germany (GDR) and West Germany (FRG) established
1961: Berlin Wall erected
1989: Fall of Berlin Wall
1990: German reunification
Germany's 1945 marked the end of Nazi rule and the beginning of a long reconstruction process.

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#44

Flinder Street Station 1960 vs. 2014

Flinder Street Station 1960 vs. 2014

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#48

Rue Beethoven ♠1900-2008♠ Paris Xvi

Rue Beethoven ♠1900-2008♠ Paris Xvi

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#49

Il Castello Di Beuville Liberato Dalla Ksli Distrutto Da Un Incendio Appiccato Dai Tedeschi

Il Castello Di Beuville Liberato Dalla Ksli Distrutto Da Un Incendio Appiccato Dai Tedeschi

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#50

Leaning Tower Of Pisa Then vs. Now

Leaning Tower Of Pisa Then vs. Now

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Julie S
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't recognise it without all the people pretending to hold it up for photos

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#52

1915 Victoria Street

1915 Victoria Street

Looking towards Bristol Bridge with Temple Meads approach behind camera(R) Like the old railway bridge, the ‘old’ George & Railway Hotel and Grosvenor Hotel were built during the Age of Steam. Both buildings became cut off on an island as adjacent road improvements evolved from the 1960s. Changes continue to this day, even this 2019 ’Now’ is out of date!

City before after Report

#53

Inside Of St Peters Church Castle Park . Unknown Date

Inside Of St Peters Church Castle Park . Unknown Date

City before after Report

#54

Brooklyn Bridge, New York: Then vs. Now Then (1883-1940s)

Brooklyn Bridge, New York: Then vs. Now Then (1883-1940s)

Engineering marvel : First steel-wire suspension bridge
Iconic landmark : Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan
Industrial and commercial hub : Streetcars, railroads, and shipping
Population growth : Brooklyn's population doubled (1880-1920)
Now (1950s-Present)
Renovations and restorations (1950s-1980s)
Historic designation (1966): National Historic Landmark
Tourist attraction : 120+ million visitors annually
Cultural icon : Featured in art, literature, and film
Modern transportation : Pedestrian and bike paths
Transformation
From industrial artery to recreational destination
Shift from functional to iconic landmark
Preservation of history, embracing modern usage
Today
1.6-mile promenade : Stunning city views
Nighttime lighting : Spectacular display
Community events : Fireworks, festivals, and parades
Brooklyn Bridge's enduring legacy:
Engineering innovation
Cultural significance
Timeless symbol of New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge connects past and present, uniting two boroughs and generations.....??

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#55

Long Past Its Peak

Long Past Its Peak

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad and shameful to tear down a beautiful building to make room for this monstrosity.

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#56

Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?

Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?

The world is full of beautiful old historical buildings that connect us to the past, but too many are lost to decay or thoughtless development. Restoration can give us glimpses into what they might have looked like decades or centuries ago

City before after Report

#57

Then & Now Stalingrad, Central Square (German Pows)

Then & Now Stalingrad, Central Square (German Pows)

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Carl Roberts
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Volgograd. The city hasn't been known as Stalingrad since 1961.

#60

Omaha Beach!

Omaha Beach!

Community Days December 2020! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture in WW2! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community days in december! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter, world wide! Become part of D-Day History and show the community your most beautiful photo! Let's go

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#62

Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities

Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities

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Scrappychick
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in Singapore in the early 90s and the development speed was scary quick, it's now breakneck

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#63

The Lincoln Memorial: Timeless Icon

The Lincoln Memorial: Timeless Icon

The Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of American democracy, has stood the test of time.
Then (1914-1960s):
Dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln
Designed by Henry Bacon, inspired by ancient Greek temples
Sculptor Daniel Chester French's iconic statue of Lincoln
Civil Rights Movement hub: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech
Now:
National Park Service maintenance ensures preservation
Ongoing restoration projects (e.g., 2019-2020 refurbishment)
Enhanced security measures post-9/11
Accessibility improvements for visitors
Continued symbol of freedom, equality, and American values
Milestones:
1939: Marian Anderson's historic concert
1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
2020: 57th anniversary of King's speech
The Lincoln Memorial remains an enduring beacon of American history, freedom, and human rights.
Visitors:
Over 7 million annually.

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to keep it a Democracy, for your grandchildren's sake, vote BLUE 💙

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#64

Looking South Down Queen Street Towards The Intersection With Collins Street. Then vs. Now

Looking South Down Queen Street Towards The Intersection With Collins Street. Then vs. Now

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#66

Lombard Street

Lombard Street

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coming up from over the hill so we could go down Lombard on the other side, is another very steep hill. My friend was driving a stick shift and when we had to stop once almost at the top, she couldn't get her car in gear again. We were slowly backing down the hill every time she tried and the car behind us kept backing up further and further. Eventually she managed the gears and then we went up and over to go down Lombard. Fun times in San Francisco.

#68

Altes Museum, Berlin, Then vs. Now

Altes Museum, Berlin, Then vs. Now

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#70

Rio De Janeiro

Rio De Janeiro

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#71

Stettin/Szczecin Nabrzeże Wieleckie, Then vs. Now

Stettin/Szczecin Nabrzeże Wieleckie, Then vs. Now

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#73

Excursion Train At Split Rock - Colorado, United States. Then vs. Now

Excursion Train At Split Rock - Colorado, United States. Then vs. Now

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#78

Then vs..now

Then vs..now

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#80

Hawthorne Road From Waterworks Street, Bootle, 1900s And 2019

Hawthorne Road From Waterworks Street, Bootle, 1900s And 2019

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#81

Derby Square And South Castle Street, 1915 And 2021

Derby Square And South Castle Street, 1915 And 2021

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Widdershins66
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Queen Victoria monument, built 1906, Liverpool City centre, UK. It is built on the former site of Liverpool Castle. The large red building behind is the Liverpool Civil Courts.

#84

Vasagatan In Stockholm: Transformation Over Time

Vasagatan In Stockholm: Transformation Over Time

Vasagatan, a major street in Stockholm's city center, has undergone significant changes.
Then (19th-20th centuries):
Bustling commercial hub with shops, restaurants, and hotels
Grand architecture, including the iconic Central Post Office Building
Horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles shared the street
Vibrant nightlife with theaters and dance halls
Now:
Modern, pedestrian-friendly design with widened sidewalks
Tram lines and bike lanes prioritize sustainable transport
Contemporary architecture blends with historic buildings
Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Nearby: Stockholm Central Station, City Terminal, and Arlanda Express
Revitalization Efforts:
1960s-70s: Urban renewal projects
2010s: Vasagatan renovation, improving infrastructure and public spaces
Today, Vasagatan is a thriving, cosmopolitan hub, balancing heritage and innovation.
Interesting Fact:
Vasagatan is named after King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), a key figure in Swedish history.

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#85

Queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle.queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle

Queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle.queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle

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#86

Percy/Normandy

Percy/Normandy

US troops resting after the liberation! Community Days Then/Now in 2021! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community Days! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter! Become part of D-Day History and show the Community your most beautiful photo! Let's go! Thx to Philip Cole (via Facebook) for the support and pictures!

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#88

Dresden, Then vs. Now

Dresden, Then vs. Now

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Pernille
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was pulverised by allied bombs towards the end of WW2.

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#91

Then vs. Now

Then vs. Now

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#92

Sydney, Australia - 1932 And Now

Sydney, Australia - 1932 And Now

Believe it or not, but the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world counts its existence for 11,000 years as of today. The town, Damascus, is the Syrian capital city, and astonishingly enough, not much has changed behind this ancient city's walls. However, not many towns keep the same faces for such a long time, often changing and evolving. Sometimes the city development makes it even more beautiful, but as it is in a more often case, the alluring greenery and historical houses have to make way for skyscrapers in the ever-changing city skyline

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Kenneth Barns
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nicely played: title describes Sydney; photos show London (if I am recognising the Shard and the Walkie-Talkie correctly); blurb talks about Damascus!

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#95

Broadway And Hudson Ave, Then And Now, Albany NY 1930s And 2013. (Al Quaglieri)

Broadway And Hudson Ave, Then And Now, Albany NY 1930s And 2013. (Al Quaglieri)

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#96

New Orleans: Then vs. Now

New Orleans: Then vs. Now

Then (Pre-2005)
Vibrant cultural hub, rich in history and music (jazz, blues)
Thriving tourism industry (French Quarter, Bourbon Street)
Economic challenges: poverty, crime, and decay
Hurricane Katrina (2005): devastating flooding, displacement
Now (Post-2005)
Resilient rebirth and revitalization
Rebuilding and renewal: $14 billion invested
Economic growth: tourism, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Diverse cultural landscape: arts, music, and cuisine
Population growth (393,000+)
Transformation
From vulnerable to resilient city
Shift from decline to economic growth
Preservation of heritage, embracing modernity
Challenges Remain
Affordable housing and gentrification
Infrastructure and flood protection
Economic inequality and crime
Progress
Revitalized neighborhoods (Bywater, Treme)
Thriving food and music scenes
Enhanced tourism infrastructure
New Orleans' spirit:
Resilience and adaptability
Cultural preservation and innovation
Community-driven rebirth
Today, New Orleans blends tradition with progress.

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#97

1971 vs. 2012

1971 vs. 2012

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#98

Detroit, Before vs. After

Detroit, Before vs. After

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