Panoramic photography has experienced quite a growth in recent years, due to technology and device improvements. The main procedure used at present is called image stitching and is mainly rendered by software such as QuickTime VR or Java. So if you want to get a real feel for a picturesque place, a panoramic photo is one of the best methods. With that in mind, here are the 10 most impressive panoramic views we can find on the web.

Keep in mind that most of the panoramas are larger than 1MB and take up to a minute to load, depending on your internet connection.

10. Calton Hill – Famous for being the headquarters of the Scottish Government, Calton hill is a place to sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent views of Edinburgh, Scotland. There are also two observatories with exhibitions and chances to see the Scottish sky at night. A number of festivals take place on Calton Hill, one of the most famous and spectacular being the Beltane Fire Festival, held every year at the end of April. [Panorama]

9.  Capri – Renowned ever since the Roman Empire, the small Italian island of Capri is packed with tourists throughout the summer. “The Isle of the Sirens” is not a location for budget-conscious travelers. On the contrary, Capri is quite expensive and popular with celebrities. Until our budget allows us to get there, we’ll settle for a panoramic view of the beautiful island. [Panorama]

8. Acropolis – A visit to Athens is not complete without seeing the Acropolis, a site which hosts some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces from ancient Greece. The three most important temples to the goddess Athena - Apteros Nike, Athena Polias and Athena Polias - were built between 450-330 B.C. Also known as the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, the Acropolis is indeed one of the wonders of the ancient world. [Panorama]

7.  Stonehenge – Erected around 2500 B.C., Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. The site was supposedly a burial ground, with cremated remains suggesting that burials took place as of 3000 B.C. Visitors are no longer permitted to touch the stones; one can only see the monument from a short distance. Here’s a sneak peek. [Panorama]

6. Machu Pichu – Known as one of the most spectacular ruins in the world, Machu Pichu is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its magnificent views and historical significance. Visiting the ruins is not cheap, but it’s certainly worth it, as can be seen from the panorama. The site was discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham; it includes the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows, some of the most sought after attractions of the site. [Panorama]

5. Bali – The island is just one of over 13,000 located in the Indonesian archipelago and the embodiment of paradise to many. Friendly, hospitable people combined with spectacular beaches and water sports make Bali a top destination worldwide. Furthermore, there are more than 20,000 temples on the island, each holding an annual festival. [Panorama]

4. Taj Mahal – Located in Agra, Northern India, the Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum built between 1631 and 1648 for the wife of Shah Jahan, the emperor at that time. Called a teardrop on the cheek of eternity, the castle is, along with the Agra Fort, the main attractions in the area. If you don’t want to go to all the trouble to get there or want to see what’s in store once you do, here’s a virtual tour of the palace. [Panorama]

3. Apollo 11 – The first trip to the Moon still resonates today in popular culture. Back in the 1960s, people only got to watch it on their black & white TV set. With modern techniques, photographers have reconstructed the images from the moon landing. Lay back and enjoy a panoramic view of the Moon you probably get to see for another couple of decades. [Panorama]

2. Rio de Janeiro – One of the most colorful cities in the world, Rio attracts millions of visitors with its Carnival and breathtaking views. The southern zone of the city has the most impressive landmarks and famous beaches. Christ the Redeemer, a symbol for both Christianity and the city of Rio, is one of the most visited pilgrimmage sites in the world for tourists. It can prove rather difficult to reach the statue, considering its location. But the panorama we found a pretty good substitute. [Panorama]

1. Mount Everest – The mountain that was once considered by locals to be the home of the Gods presents no shortage of obstacles to rise to the top. Snow and ice avalanches occur on a regular basis, burying valleys and climbing routes. The air is notoriously thin as well, causing fainting spells and altitude sickness. Needless to say, the passage to Everest’s peak is perilous. Considering the implicit dangers it takes to see the view in person, enjoy it from the relative safety of your own home. [Panorama]

For even more panoramic views, visit the frequently updated Panoramas.dk