Striking photos show empty landmarks around the world

Coronavirus has created a new normal, and it's quieter and far less crowded.

With more than one-third of the world's population hunkered down indoors, once-bustling international landmarks and attractions are now vacant. The near-total absence of people has allowed for extraordinary photographs that show some of the world's most celebrated places as quiet shadows of their pre-COVID-19 existences.

While it may be tempting to go out to visit historical sites near you, it's best to stay away and stay home. But you can marvel at these eerie images as you practice social distancing.

An Orthodox Jewish man prays by the Western Wall of Jerusalem, a famous pilgrimage site, on March 29, 2020. Credit: Ilia Yefimovich / Getty

Berlin's Victory Column, or Siegessäule, has only a smattering of cars in front of it on March 29, 2020. Credit: Fabian Sommer / Getty Images

St. Peter's Square, a large famous plaza located right in front of the Vatican, is almost empty on March 29, 2020 as Pope Francis prepares to live stream a prayer. Credit: VINCENZO PINTO / GETTY IMAGES

The impressive Sydney Opera House in Australia is almost deserted on March 28, 2020. Credit: IZHAR KHAN / Getty Images

Rome's Colosseum is no longer teeming with people as Italy is on lockdown, with this photo taken on March 28, 2020. Credit: VINCEZO PINTO / Getty Images

Burj Khalif, the tallest building in the world, towers above the Dubai Mall's closed compound during the coronavirus pandemic on March 23, 2020. Credit: GIUSEPPE CACE / Images

Workers clean and disinfect the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid in Egypt, on March 25, 2020. Credit: GEHAD HAMDY / Getty IMAGES

Times Square in New York City is usually crowded with tourists and entertainers but on March 28, 2020 it is completely empty. Credit: Tayfun Coskun / Getty Images

There are no cars or people on Lombard Street's meandering curves in San Francisco on March 17, 2020. Credit: jOSH EDELSON / Getty Images

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris, France seems even more sacred as its courtyard sits empty on March 25, 2020. Credit: EMERIC FOHLEN / Getty Images

Almost no one is rushing to catch the subway  or checking out shops in the World Trade Center's Oculus transportation hub in New York City on March 22, 2020. Credit: GARY HERSHORN / GETTY IMAGES