It’s hard to imagine London, Paris, or even Seoul without high-rise buildings and dazzling lights. But believe it or not, centuries ago, these capital cities from around the world looked nothing like they do today. Before modernization took hold, the towering skyscrapers, tarred roads, and flashy cars we’re used to seeing were once medieval buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets. Thanks to photography and the amazing artists behind it, catching a glimpse into the past has never been easier. Get ready to take a step back in time with this list of 49 rare early photos of the world’s capital cities.
#1 Vilnius, Lithuania, 1860s
Vilnius, Lithuania, was both ethnically and religiously diverse when under the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Taken just a few years before political repression began in the country, this historic image of Gediminas Castle Hill, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, was captured by photographer Abdon Korzon in the 1860s. Originally a studio artist, this was not only his first outdoor photo, but also the very first image taken outside of a studio in the whole country.
