24 Sites That Will Disappear In Our Lifetime Photo credit: CC license by Cheryl 7. Taj Mahal Postcard perfect, all is not well with the 17th century mausoleum that was built for Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shal Jahan, Mughal emperor. Air pollution, tourism, and a tawdry renovation has left the Taj Majal eroding and in distress. UNESCO wishes to close the mausoleum for preservation, which would stop 3 million annual visitors from stopping by. Prev7 of 26Next From Around The Web Facebook Comments comments