The Google Street View service is 15 years old: the American Internet giant launched this platform for exploring the landscapes of the world through the screen on May 25, 2007. On the occasion of this anniversary, here are eight exceptional places to discover online thanks to this tool, to travel without leaving your home.
It was 15 years ago. On May 25, 2007, the American giant Google launched Google Street View, its virtual navigation service. The platform integrated with Google Maps and Google Earth makes it possible to move around the world with the click of a computer mouse or the movement of a finger on a smartphone or tablet screen. The principle ? Very many images are captured with specialized devices, which “capture images in multiple directions simultaneously,” explains Google. They are then stitched together to create an image that can be navigated 360 degrees. Among these, there are many streets and other roads, but also many exceptional places, famous heritage sites for example. Here are eight, to discover from home.
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1. Machu Picchu, Peru
The famous historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, in Peru, can be visited on Google Street View. It is possible to walk through the ruins of this ancient city built and then abandoned by the Incas in the heart of the Andes mountain range.
2. Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque
It is one of the largest mosques in the world. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque unveils its 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, and 24-karat gold chandeliers to virtual visitors.
3. The Grand Canyon
It is a huge canyon carved by the Colorado River into the soil of the American West: the Grand Canyon is “the most spectacular gorge in the world”, according to Unesco, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
4. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa
At 828 meters high, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is the tallest skyscraper in the world. And he also visits. It is possible to stroll through the corridors of the imposing structure… and observe the impressive views offered by the building.
5. The Eiffel Tower
Google Street View suggests visiting the Eiffel Tower, the famous monument with its recognizable silhouette which rises 330 m above Paris. From there, it is possible to embrace the impressive views of the French capital…
6. The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, can also be visited virtually. A way to discover the famous mausoleum, an architectural gem, and to admire it from all angles.
7. Mont Blanc
Climb Mont Blanc? Google Street View suggests walking to the top of the highest peak in Western Europe. The images that make it possible to achieve this virtual ascent were captured by mountaineers, mountain photographers, skiers and climbers who collaborated with Google, indicates the company.
8. The vertiginous cliff of El Capitan
A vertiginous 914 m cliff, which rises almost vertically… The ascent of El Capitan, in the western United States, is considered one of the most difficult in the world, for climbers. And it can also be discovered on Google, thanks to a dedicated platform. Watch out for vertigo…
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