50 Startling Photos of Forgotten Places
By Sophia Maddox | March 19, 2024
Indonesia’s Locomotive Graveyard Is Reminiscent of the Nation’s Global Steam Era
Come along on a trip around the world with us to visit some of the most visually stunning and occasionally haunting abandoned spaces. Each breathtaking image reflects a historically significant location once brimming with life and purpose.
Today, the following monuments stand alone as a signifier of bygone eras. From ancient fairytale-like palaces to forgotten covert military infrastructure, these abandoned buildings are a stark reminder of time's fleeting nature.
Behind the grasslands of Purwakarta lies a cadre of somber locomotives, many of which trace back to the early 20th century. The desolate resting place for these once-majestic engineering marvels powered Indonesia’s early industrial era. Today, these machines are scarcely supported by their own hulking steel frames. They sit rusted and stripped of the bustling lifeblood that once powered these robust industrial pieces of machinery through the Indonesian countryside.
This eerie gravesite for retired engines exists as a lasting, if haunting, memorial of rail travel's Golden Age.
Majestic Fantasy Meets Reality at the Abandoned Castles of Burj Al Babas, Turkey
An unexpected view from lush and verdant Turkish countryside near Mudurnu, the castles of Burj Al Babas appear as if out of an ancient fairytale. This surreal development of virtually hundreds of min-castles was imagined as a luxury housing project for wealthy international investors. The project broke ground in 2014, aiming for a blend of contemporary grandiosity and Old World luxury.
The homes were constructed in the Neo-Gothic style with pointed spires and ornate classical facades. The well-manicured surrounding landscape displayed hints of social extravagance and financial distinction. A struggling economy and the developer's bankruptcy brought this once-fanciful dream to an unexpected halt, leaving the expanse unfinished. The skeletal chateaus are still there, providing a surreal vista of wonderment and reflection over this once-ambitious real estate endeavor.
The Tranquil Fields of Lincoln, Massachusetts Reveal an Unsettling Equine Mystery in Ponyhenge
Ponyhenge is a curious display of rocking horses and other themed toys that can’t help but attract the attention of the casual passerby. This enigmatic (or, um, super weird) collection of plastic hobby horses marks a rather peculiar sight amid New England’s rural landscape. There’s no shortage of local folklore surrounding the eerie site.
As the legend goes, Ponyhenge started with a single rocking horse abandoned by an unknown party. Over time, more equine figures began to mysteriously accumulate until they attracted more anonymous donors. Contributors started to display this unusual collection in a unique circular pattern reminiscent of the ancient megaliths. The ever-expanding assemblage of toy horses has been said to mysteriously migrate from one part of the circle to another. The spontaneity of the display lends the area a truly unique expression that can’t be found elsewhere.
The Canfranc Station, Spain, Is the Fallen Star of Europe’s Historic Railway Crossroads
Deep within the Pyrenees lies the dormant yet spectacular Canfranc International Railway Station. Its Art Nouveau elegance offers a faded reminder of a time when the site was a bustling mecca of European travel. The station opened in 1928 to connect France with Spain and was globally renowned as one of the world's largest and most luxurious transportation hubs.
Canfranc International Railway Station came complete with an opulent hotel, high-end dining experience, and original custom facilities. The station’s lively platforms were frequented by countless international celebrities.
Echoes of Cape Romano's Futuristic Dreams Are on Display in This Abandoned Florida Dome Home Development
This cluster of derelict dome home structures off the coast of Marco Island, along its Cape Romano coast, look like strange orbs designed by a breakaway subaquatic civilization. As if out of a futuristic dream, these dwellings have long since succumbed to Florida’s notoriously powerful forces of nature.
The visionary dome structures were built by retired oil executive Bob Lee as an ecologically sustainable vacation home, complete with off-grid solar power and a forward-looking water collection system. The distinctive round shapes of this dwelling reflect an eco-friendly vision for modern living that has yet to be realized. At the same time, the abandoned domes point to a fading chapter in architectural history as the dome structures have long since fallen out of style.
This Scene at Holland Island, Maryland, Shows the Final Vestiges of a Sinking Chesapeake Bay Legacy
Holland Island in the Chesapeake Bay reveals how quickly the relentless elements of the coastal wilderness can overtake human habitation. The island once supported a thriving community of fishermen and agriculturalists alike. Scores of attractive homes and peaceful shops were scattered over the islane, which included a small local church.
The sea eventually became too much for this fragile splinter of land, as residents could no longer battle the intense winds, waves, and slow erosion that began to whittle away at the island’s shorelines. By the early 20th century, despite several efforts to protect the land, erosive forces accelerated, and the community eventually retreated in search of more stable ground.
The "Chicken Church" of Java
Gereja Ayam, also known under its alternative moniker The Chicken Church of Java, sits abandoned near Magelang. This peculiar underground temple is set against a dense and unrelenting Indonesian jungle. Built by Daniel Alamsjah in the 1990s, the divinely inspired monument served as a worshiping space for followers of his religion.
After a series of financial obstacles and resistance among locals, the structure was ultimately left unfinished and surrendered under the weight of its own wings to the surrounding jungle. Originally intended as a dove, the temple found new life as stories of it circulated the internet. The whimsical Chicken Church of Java is now decked with jewel tiling and cloud-painted ceilings. This dream-like religious monument contains 12 prayer rooms in its catacombs. Early-bird visitors can pay to tour the structure and watch the sunrise from the crown of the chicken-shaped temple.
Japan's Aniva Rock Lighthouse Still Exists as a Solitary Relic of the Second World War
Spectacularly poised on an uneven outcrop at the southern tip of Sakhalin Island, the Aniva Rock Lighthouse assumes a lonely stance over Japan’s Sea of Okhotsk. Now abandoned to the elements, the lighthouse was originally constructed by Japanese engineers during the global depression of the 1930s. Known as one of the most remote lighthouses in the world, the structure, also referred to as Nakashiretoko, supports nine floors at 31 meters high.
Russia assumed control of the tower after the country annexed the Island of Sakhalin at the end of the Second World War. The stark beauty of its decaying facade hits at the isolation endured by its original keepers, who diligently monitored the area for the intermittent mariner brave enough to traverse these unforgiving straits. Its silent repost and imposing character summon its past as a lifeline to dozens of ship captains who found themselves lost at sea.
Tropical Banyans Reclaim History at the Site of the Anping Treehouse in Taiwan
The Anping Tree House in Tainan, Taiwan, offers an unforgettable sight where nature collides with a man-made dwelling and assembles into a new, unified whole. The building used to be a warehouse owned by Tait & Company trading from this long-abandoned structure is now overrun by an unrelenting cluster of banyan trees.
Their sprawling roots and branches cover the walls and windows of the edifice, weaving along the brick and plaster as if they were an intended part of the original architectural design. The leaves and wooded elements of the trees drip from the building, suggesting verdant life in a structure that has long since fallen into disuse.
The Ruins at Bannerman Castle, New York, Depict the Hudson Valley’s Old Fortunes and Forgotten Dreams
Nestled in the rustic terrain of the Hudson River’s Pollepel Island, the Bannerman Castle ruins tell a tale of lost grandeur and magnificent 20th-century opulence. Designed and constructed by Scottish entrepreneur Francis Bannerman VI, the castle was intended to serve as an armory and showcase for the architect's military surplus outfit.
The crenelated towers, with their stone ramparts, suggest Bannerman’s romanticized vision of a Northern European country fortress during the feudal era. Nestled incongruously yet almost perfectly within its bucolic upstate location, the structure remains an arresting sight of silhouetted crumbling walls, sweeping windows, and plush ivy flowing across its magnificent stonework.
The Beelitz-Heilstätten District Still Houses This 1889 60-Building Sanatorium Designed by the Berlin Worker’s Health Insurance Cooperation
The Beelitz-Heilstätten sanatorium sits in the heart of Beelitz, Germany's historical district. The expansive 60-building hospital dates back to the decades preceding World War I when it was originally conceived as a tranquil respite for tuberculosis patients. This labyrinthine network of pavilions and healing quarters remains tucked away in the serene German woodlands.
Throughout its history, the sanatorium has seen the ravages of both world wars, operating under Soviet control until the fall of the Iron Curtain. Its stately design has since been left to the mercies of time and nature.
Time Stands Still in the California Gold Rush Town of Bodie
The ghost town of Bodie, California, is a silent monument to the classical boom-and-bust saga of the American West. Bodie was among the most significant gold rush towns in the late 19th century. A bustling mining settlement is now a visually striking specter of decay in the heart of California’s high desert.
The village was established in 1876 to accommodate the surge of miners lured by the prospects of striking it rich in the gold mining trade. The diverse population represented an early melting pot culture, and Bodie was a hotbed of legendary figures in the Wild West. The site is currently managed and maintained in an arrested state of decay by the California State Parks system. Visitors can tour the more than 100 historical structures that still remain at the site, including the bespoke, weather-wooded saloons and original Methodist church.
The City Hall Subway Stop Offers a Subterranean Glimpse Into New York’s Gilded Age
The City Hall Subway stop sits beneath the restless streets of Lower Manhattan. This early-20th-century infrastructural marvel opened in 1904 as part of New York City’s first subway line. With its elegant curves, innovative skylights, and Guastavino tile arches, the artful station was meant to be the crown of the city’s then-new subway system.
Its ornate brass chandeliers and striking leaded glass hark back to an era when the New York Subway system engineers granted special attention to decorative details. The station closed to the public in 1945 after the stop recorded low ridership and its lack of ability to support modern train cars. It still exists as a phantom platform and a hidden gem of New York’s rich and storied underground rail history.
The Captivating Beauty of Craco, Italy, Shows a Medieval Village Frozen in Time
The village of Craco was forged atop a hill in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy in the 8th century. Craco has survived significant historical change since it was founded, witnessing countless events from the Norman conquests to feudal strife during the Middle Ages. Its maze-like streets, grand palazzo, and centuries-old church testify to the village's resilient past.
Recurring landslides and other geological instabilities started plaguing Craco in the 20th century, leading its residents to formally vacate the village in 1980. Today, its empty dwellings and deserted alleyways offer a ghostly yet charming picture of what this area once was. Craco continues to awe its frequent visitors, however, with an impressive record of historical endurance and mesmerizing imagery within the Italian countryside.
The Long-Forgotten Majesty of the Victorian Era Is Still Discoverable in England’s Crystal Palace Subway
Underneath the busy streets of London is the Crystal Palace subway station, a little-known jewel of Victorian engineering. Once a grand entrance to the now-extinct Crystal Place Parade, the station was built in 1865 to usher ferry visitors to the Crystal Palace after relocating it from Hyde Park to Sydenham Hill.
The underground stop is still widely regarded as an architectural marvel from England’s Victorian Era. Its octagonal pillars and vaulted ceilings made of cream-colored bricks reveal the period's ornate tastes and luxurious preferences. While the Crystal Palace tragically burned down in 1936, the subway lives on as a silent tribute to London’s rich historical tapestry from the Victorian Era.
The Mysterious Alpine Village of Curon Still Reveals Itself From Beneath an Italian Lake
Curon, sited within the picturesque mountains of South Tyrol, Italy, stands a surreal emblem of the country’s past from beneath the crisp, clear waters of Lake Resia. Following the construction of a nearby dam in 1950, the abandoned rural village was eventually submerged under an artificial lake along with the wealth of local history it once supported.
The only remnant of the town is an iconic 14th-century church steeple that rises gently and hauntingly from the Italian lake. This image is the sole testament to the ancient village that once thrived at the site. The unusual spectacle continues to draw curious visitors from around the world its uniquely mesmerizing and unreal beauty.
Romania’s Sinking Village of Geamana Finally Succumbed to a Toxic Lake
The Romanian valley of Geamana flourished until an environmental calamity overtook the landscape and turned it into a toxic flood zone. An eager bid for copper in the area during the 1970s led to the deliberate flooding of Geamana's valley that brought toxic leavings from the mining zones along with it.
Residents were ultimately forced to relocate from the tiny village, leaving only a small church steeple piercing through the chalky, chemical-laden lake as the only evidence the town ever existed. This unsettling image tells the story of Geamana and its ill fate at the hands of local industry. The solemn presence of the village church submerged against the toxic lake stands as a somber warning to future generations.
Natural Elements Have Reclaimed This Once-Thriving Fishing Village in China’s Gouqi Island
Gouqi Island offers a breathtaking display of the Shengsi Archipelago’s natural beauty along China's eastern coast. The abandoned fishing village nestled within the island is presently enshrouded with a magnificent covering of plant life that hides this formerly vibrant fishing community from view. As the story goes, the local fishing industry declined over time, and the island's younger residents migrated to urban centers where there was more upward mobility.
The village, in turn, was left to the wilderness. Dense vines and foliage gradually overtook the island’s existing structures. Current images of Gouqi reveal a supernatural-looking landscape of an abandoned civilization now seamlessly intermeshed with wild flora.
The Vacant Echoes of Grossinger's Resort in Upstate New York Reveal the Remnants of Vacation Life in the Catskills
Grossinger's Resort once epitomized luxury and prestige in New York's Catskill Mountains. Its mid-20th-century splendor represented the zenith of upstate vacation destinations during this era. The bucolic getaway was widely known as a bustling haven for the wealthy, offering lavish accommodations, world-class golf courses, and other luxury offerings unparalleled in this region at the time.
Grossinger's Resort was recognized as an exclusive destination among the East Coast cultural elite to see and be seen. Its opulent residence halls and sparkling swimming pools were immortalized with the comings and goings of the rich and famous in search of a quiet retreat from city life. Today, Grossinger’s Resort sits in a derelict state. With its overgrown tennis courts and crumbling ballrooms, this is a distant reminder and powerful relic of the Catskills’ golden age of exclusive resort life for New York’s rich and powerful.
Gunkanjima Island Exposes a Silent Industrial Warship-Like Image Rising Eerily From the Seas of Japan
Also known as Hashima Island, Gunkanjima rests on the coast of Japan, revealing a surreal military visage among the region's desolate waves and unforgiving waters. From a distance, the island’s distinctive silhouette of this isolated island is often mistaken for a battleship at sea. Once heavily populated, the conspicuous land mass used to support a thriving coal mining industry in Japan from the late 1880s until its ultimate abandonment in 1974.
The island's expansive concrete structures and deserted block apartments reveal the rapid historical rise of Japanese industry. The now-crumbling ruins, silent dwellings, and blown-out windows among the shifting waves surrounding them stand as haunting reminders of how quickly a thriving civilization can reverse course and ultimately fall.
The Hachijo Royal Hotel Finds Itself Reclaimed by the Jungle
The lush volcanic island of Hachijojima once supported the thriving Hachijo Royal Hotel as a popular honeymoon destination until its ultimate demise in 2006. The hotel emblemized the Japanese luxury tourism market, while the nation routinely advertised the island as the “Hawaii of Japan."
The hotel opened in the early 1960s, drawing guests to impressive halls and spacious hot springs baths set against the backdrop of the island’s natural splendor. The hotel underwent a series of name changes in an attempt to reinvent itself, finally rebranding as the Hachijo Oriental Resort before ultimately closing in 2006. The island’s intense tropical head and saltwater caused the hotel to rapidly deteriorate after routine maintenance stopped. The venue is a ghost of its former self as the natural elements persistently take over the site.
Once a Tourism Oasis, Vietnam’s Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark Now Caters to Curious Explorers and the Surrounding Landscape
The Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark sits on the outskirts of Hue, Vietnam, where it continues to deteriorate into the surrounding wilderness. The spooky waterpark’s trouble started when it opened prematurely in 2004. Families and tourists initially lined up to enjoy the cool waters as an escape from the intense Vietnamese summer heat, but the fun ended almost immediately.
Unfortunately, the anticipated patrons never arrived in sustainable numbers, and the park succumbed to complete abandonment. Today, nature continues to take over the site as local urban explorers and graffiti artists etch their personal contributions onto the dome structure supporting the massive post-apocalyptic steel dragon perched aggressively at one end of the lake.
This Abandoned Retreat in Colombia, Hotel Del Salto, Hangs Delicately on a Tequendama Falls Cliff
Perched on a prominent cliffside overlooking the majestic Tequendama Falls, the Hotel Salto in Colombia once offered both stunning waterfall views and best-in-class luxury accommodations. The hotel opened in 1928, bringing a sense of Old World elegance to the region with its French-inspired architecture and ornately decorated interiors. Situated directly on a cliff’s edge, Hotel Salto was the premium destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable perspective of the falls and the lush surrounding landscape.
Unfortunately, the Bogotá River became more polluted with time and the hotel’s charm waned as patrons visited the attraction with less frequency. The hotel eventually shuttered in the early 1990s. Efforts have been made to transform Hotel Salto into a historical museum in recent years, as it continues to attract curious visitors from around the world.
The Haunting Remnants of Hotel Goricina in Croatia Evoke Distant Memories From the Adriatic
The silhouette of Hotel Goricina sits on top of the Adriatic’s rugged coastline as a relic of the region’s tumultuous history. The hotel was constructed during the Soviet era to serve as a seasonal getaway for tourists seeking an affordable, yet upscale escape along Croatia’s sun-drenched coast. The hotel’s modernist design points to the optimism among locals at the time, as the site promised an idyllic vacation experience amid the region’s spectacular natural beauty.
War and political upheaval disrupted the hotel’s promising future as a profitable tourist attraction, however. Like many other similar ventures of its time, the building quickly fell into disuse and, ultimately, a state of disrepair. These days, the hotel's vacant rooms sit silently, as they’re often pierced with intense, gale-force winds from the Adriatic Sea. The Hotel Goricina is a mere shell of its former self, revealing the impacts of abrupt social change.
This Haunting Collection of Dolls Marks an Eerie Vigil on Mexico’s Xochimilco Island
Just a short distance from bustling Mexico City lies the languid, Aztec-built canal system and the unsettling Isla de las Muñecas or Island of the Dolls. Here, visitors have encountered countless dolls that display severed limbs, decapitated heads, and vacant eye sockets. They can be seen dangling from the trees and fences, representing a foreboding homage to lost souls.
As the local lore explains, a young girl tragically drowned in the canal waters. The inland island’s caretaker, Don Julian Santana Barrera, began hanging dolls in the vicinity to appease her spirit. Over the last half-century, the Santana Barrera and other visitors collected and exhibited these strange doll figures, which have become weathered and entwined with natural growth over the years. Curious tourists have since been flocking to the island to view the suspended dolls that gaze inexpressively from behind the shadows.
A Modern Ghost Town Rises Over the Silent and Pensive Gobi Desert in Kangbashi, China
The Kangbashi district is located deep into the heart of Inner Mongolia where it represents a land of contradictions. Here you'll find a sprawling urban metropolis surrounded by the eerily silent expanse of the Gobi Desert. The city center originally was developed to accommodate over a million residents. It hosts several impressive infrastructural marvels, including wide boulevards and dozens of mind-boggling public spaces.
Nonetheless, the city remains sparsely populated. Kangbashi is known as one of China’s most famous “ghost cities." It's one of China’s many rapid urbanization and complex urban planning projects that's been observable over the last 50 years.
The Kilchurn Castle of Scotland Is a Mystical Display of Remarkable Stoic Beauty at the Clan Campbell Ruins
The Kilchurn Castle of Clan Campbell, for centuries, used to represent one of Scotland’s mightiest strongholds. Today, the ruins of this ominous, yet whimsical castle on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loach Awe, Scotland, evoke memories of original 15th-century prowess. The structure has witnessed more than a few tumultuous events throughout Scottish history, serving as a military fortress and personal residence throughout the country’s many famous tribal wars.
The castle was abandoned long ago, in the 18th century. It’s currently one of Scotland’s most picturesque ruins against a dramatic backdrop that displays the nation's characteristically verdant landscape frequently enshrouded in ethereal mists. Artists, historians, and serial adventurers alike flock to the site to view the castle’s crumbling towers and walls that sit covered with wild flora and suggest countless tales from one of Scotland’s most significant bygone eras.
England’s Maunsell Army Forts Suggest the Storied Wartime Past of the Thames Estuary
The Maunsell Army Sea Forts seem to emerge softly and inexorably from the rippling waters of the Thames Estuary where it rests as an imposing testament to Britain’s wartime resilience during World War II. The forts were at the time fabricated with concrete and steel while they were strategically positioned to deter and defend against the onslaught of German air raids.
Their robust utilitarian design gave an otherworldly appearance to the forts as they loomed over the horizon, tethered to the sea like massive, imposing insects out of a fantasy novel. The isolated structure has long since been abandoned, gradually surrendering itself to the elements.
This Methodist Church in Indiana Provides a Unique Glimpse Into Historical Ruins Rarely Encountered in the US
Gary, Indiana, while rebounding by some accounts, has long been known as a symbol of urban decay observable across the declining “Rust Belt” region in the United States. Gary's City Methodist church is no exception. This stunning house of worship went from a pristine example of American Gothic Revival architecture to a woebegone canvas of industrial deterioration.
While the Methodist Church still stands today, almost as if in defiance of the inevitable forces that overtook it, the 1920s structure is not the same cornerstone of the Gary community as it was once was. While the church's unforgettable presence is still widely acknowledged, there is much doubt that, despite its magnificent beauty, this American marvel will ever be restored to its former glory.
The Michigan Central Station Still Stands as a Soaring Vestige of Detroit’s Golden Era of Rail Travel
Once an essential and pride-worthy element of the Detroit skyline, the Michigan Central Station is a mere remnant of the city's once-thriving industrial past. The station, constructed in 1913, was a bustling center of pedestrian activity. It represented the pinnacle of financial activity in Detroit during the American Industrial Revolution, with its striking marble halls and soaring archways.
As the 20th century progressed, favorable economic conditions waned in the Motor City, leading to the eventual closure of the transportation hub in 1988. Since that time, the structure has endured decades of neglect and decay. The structure's vacant corridors and dilapidated facade directly parallel Detroit’s rapid descent from one of the world’s leading manufacturing centers to a city much in need of an economic revival. The sheer size of The Michigan Central Station, along with its gorgeous remaining original features, still attracts interest from around the globe.
The Whimsical Miranda Castle in Belgium Looks Like a Familiar Image From an Ancient Fairytale
Nestled in Belgium’s lush Ardennes region, the Miranda Castle is also frequently referred to as Château de Noisy. It sits mysteriously in the Belgium countryside with its 19th century Neo-Gothic presentation. The castle’s spires and turrets make it look like something out of the imagination of an ancient storybook.
Edward Milner designed the castle for the prominent Liedekerke-Beaufort family as a lavish summer retreat. The edifice later fulfilled various functions, including a stretch where it served as an orphanage during World War II. Despite its aristocratic beginnings, the Miranda Castle fell on hard times toward the end of the 20th century when its maintenance costs soared and became unsustainable. The once-majestic castle eventually succumbed to the ill fate of time after being demolished in 2017, leaving only memories of its formally alluring presence behind.
The Nelson Ghost Town in Nevada Offers a Rustic Reminder of the Mining Rush in the Old West
Nelson is an abandoned mining town in Nevada’s Eldorado Canyon that tells a unique story of the state’s mining heyday. Early Spanish explorers had dubbed the area “Eldorado" after discovering gold. Nelson later boomed after another precious ore strike in the mid-19th century. Prospectors started flocking to the town from all over, braving Nevada’s rugged and unforgiving landscape.
After prospectors deemed the location a bust, they left behind a scatter of mines and countless relics of their original presence. Nelson is rife with history from the Old West Boom and Bust era and remains a picturesque location where visitors can journey back in time. Its time-worn wooden buildings, vintage gas pumps, and graveyard of antique vehicles illustrate a uniquely Western landscape frozen in time against the backdrop of the Nevada desert.
The Abandoned Nicosia International Airport of Cyprus Used to Be a Gateway to Historically Divided Territories
The Nicosia International Airport of Cyprus is situated in a UN-controlled buffer zone that puts it in a unique state of limbo. The site was once the principal airport of Cyprus and a hub of major air traffic activities. The airport welcomed visitors from around the globe as a symbol of open international air travel. A 1974 Turkish invasion of the site, however, turned it into another casualty of the ongoing regional conflicts.
This geopolitical event rendered the airport inactive, leading to the ultimate closure of the terminal. It’s one rare major airport that can be experienced as a curious time warp, with its vintage departure signs and decaying customs equipment still in place. Nowadays, the seats at this airport’s gates only gather dust, as the runway, once dotted with roaring jets, sits solid and vacant.
This Forgotten German Olympic Bobsleigh Track Is an Eerie Reminder of the Country’s Bleak Pre-War Winter Sporting History
This abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh track still stands in Germany’s Bavarian Alps. The course winds through the German forest as a relic of the famous 1936 Winter Olympic events that preceded the Second World War. The track is carved almost inextricably into the Garmisch-Partenkirchen mountainside where it harkens back to a venue that was once thunderously alive with the echoes of bobsleds the cheering onlookers standing by.
Olympic athletes from around the world gather at the site to brace the course’s dramatic curves in pursuit of a winning medal. The track is now overgrown with foliage and moss, as it has become overtaken by the surrounding natural elements over time. The motionless gates of the winter sporting venue have since faded, while the spectator stands remain empty and silent.
The Rummu Prison, Estonia Marks a Bizarre Story of a Forced Labor Camp Submerged in Water
Amid the quiet village of Rummu, Estonia, the submerged ruins of the town prison serve as a grim reminder of the locality's dark chapter of Soviet history. Established in the 1940s, the penitentiary and its surrounding limestone earned a notorious reputation as a forced labor camp in which inmates mined limestone rock used in developments across Soviet Russia.
After Estonia gained its independence, the prison found itself abandoned in the 1990s. The pumps used to keep the quarry dry were shut down, swiftly flooding the machinery and infrastructure left behind. Today, divers and explorers marvel at this unexpected gem, drawn to its crystal-clear and surreal landscapes.
Visitors Can Encounter Reflections of Macedonia’s Past at Abandoned Saint Nicholas Church
Deep within the tranquil village of Mavrovo, North Macedonia, the half-submerged Saint Nicholas Church extends, hauntingly, from the artificial lake that shares the village's moniker. The church’s lone bell tower and partial roof are chief among its remaining elements that remain visible year-round. The rest of the structure was drowned following the construction of a local dam in the 1950s.
The dam claimed the entire village, engulfing homes and the history they possessed with water. Only the church provokes surreal memories of the town’s past amid the expanding lake. The dry months, when the lake's levels recede, reveal a complete visage of the structure. Like a scene from a gothic novel, the receding water displays the church’s once hallowed grounds as it becomes exposed to view. Images of Saint Nicholas Church capture a scene as beautifully serene as it is morose.
This Church in San Juan Parangaricutiro, Mexico, Amazingly Survived a Massively Destructive Lava Path
The Paricutin volcano still shades the remnants of this church in this small San Juan Parangaricutiro village. It stands half-buried as a grim reminder of the natural devastation that struck in 1943. It started with a violent volcanic eruption that ensued over months. Intense streams of lava continued to flow over the small Mexican town, consuming virtually everything in its path.
Shockingly, the church’s main altar and twin steeples managed to withstand an onslaught of infernal lava, remaining defiant in the face of total natural destruction. These elements can observed protruding from a vast expanse of solidified lava. Locals and visitors alike view the intractable church as a symbol of spiritual strength and resilience amidst a catastrophe of biblical proportions. Images of the church show its spires climbing to the sky. This is an awe-inspiring sight for those who can appreciate the unpredictable qualities of nature and its potentially devastating impacts on civilization.
The Great Wall, China
The landscape surrounding the Great Wall of China is renowned for its rugged terrain. The structure represents a monumental feat of human engineering and perseverance, stretching thousands of miles across the Chinese countryside. Constructed centuries ago, the ancient national barrier created a formidable line of defense against foreign invaders. The wall's creators placed strategic surveillance towers along its length where watchmen stood in preparation for a territorial battle.
Despite the endless the inevitable ravages of time, the structure remains largely intact as a significant emblem of national pride. The contours of the wall blend seamlessly and harmoniously with its surrounding landscape. This expansive piece of construction is truly among the most unique wonders of the world and one of the finest remaining representations of ancient China.
The Neptune Baths Offer a Curious Glimpse Into a Historical Romanian Thermal Oasis
Romania’s famous spa region supports the now-defunct Neptune Baths that currently rest in a somber state of decay. These therapeutic waters, once celebrated for their healing properties, have since been emptied while the spa corridors are silent. The spa was constructed in the early 20th century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The venue combined luxurious amenities with a striking architectural design that drew visitors from all over the continent.
The attraction drew from the local hot springs and was renowned for its intricate mosaic and classical structure displayed throughout the establishment. These elements, unfortunately, have started to crumble and fade as the baths have morphed into something of a local relic of Romania's spa tourism industry.
Alaska’s Fascinating Mining Industry Is Discoverable in the Kennecott Mines
The Kennecott Mines are situated deep in the Alaskan Wilderness. The now-dilapidated structures are recognized on the US National Historical Registry as noteworthy testaments to the region’s rich mining history. The site is located in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, an area that represented a thriving early 20th-century mining operation that extracted vast amounts of copper from Alaska.
Kennecott was considered a “company town,” and it was rife with mining activity that included miners, mining engineers, and their families, all in search of financial upward mobility. Residents eventually abandoned the town in 1938 after local resources were depleted. The site has since been left to the elements, leaving behind another ghost-like American mining settlement from the early 20th century.
Tianducheng, China, Reveals a Surreal Parisian Landscape in the East
Within the suburbs of Hangzhou, China, visitors encounter a curious European specter in the city of Tianducheng. The residential area supports Parisian replica architecture throughout in an attempt to emulate and reproduce the most splendid aspects of France. City engineers even incorporated a mini version of the Eiffel Tower, standing at one-third of the original structure’s height.
Tianducheng displays dozens of lovely manicured gardens and countless hints of classical European architecture for those seeking an escape from the status quo. The city was originally conceived as a luxury-scale tourist attraction that allowed visitors to find a taste of France without leaving the borders of China. Since its inception in the early 2000s, however, Tianducheng hasn’t attracted the visitors many anticipated. This has, in turn, lent to the city a ghost town-like atmosphere.
Varosha, a Formerly Captured Seaside Ghost Town in Cyprus Has Only Recently Opened to the Public
Varosha had been a glitzy coastal resort town in Cyprus until it was invaded by Turkey in 1974. Since then, the area has been barricaded by barbed wire and remained largely untouched until 2020 when segments of the town reopened to the public as a tourist destination. In the early 1970s, Varosha was known as a hotspot for global celebrities who once enjoyed its luxurious hotels and pristine coastline.
The Turkish invasion abruptly ended the area's status as a tourist attraction. Local residents fled their homes, and the district was fenced off, creating a desolate no-go zone suspended in time. Previously, the closed-off streets could be seen from a distance flanked by abandoned high-rises and overgrown vegetation. The once-busy beachfront is starting to find a new life amid the rustling Mediterranean palms and lapping sea waves after parts of the area known as Maras recently reopened to visitors for the first time in decades.
This Strange Abandoned Villa Near Italy’s Lake Como Was Built for a Famous Italian Count
Tucked away among the wooded landscape and the stunning upscale homes that saturate Italy’s mountainous Lake Como region, this eerie abandoned villa, also known as Villa de Vecchi, was built by Count Felix De Vecchi in 1854. As the story goes, the house witnessed a series of tragic events, including the Count’s own suicide, shortly after its completion in 1857.
The villa’s architect, Alessandro Sidioli, designed the home to sit on a 13,000-acre site in a blend of Baroque and Classical Eastern styles. He mysteriously died a year before completing the Italian villa. After some renovations, the villa was entirely abandoned by the late 1930s. While nature didn’t take long to reclaim the property, its walls miraculously withstood a 2002 avalanche that wiped out the neighboring homes.
The SS Ayrfield Shipwreck in Sydney’s Homebush Bay Blossoms out of the Harbor Like a Floating Forest
Jutting out from the impassive waters of Homebush Bay in Sydney, Australia, visitors can observe the rusted-out hull of the SS Ayrfield supporting an unusual cluster of mature mangrove trees. The century-old ship once transported supplies to US troops during the Second World War before it capsized into its final resting spot in Homebush Bay.
Over time, the mangroves took root in the vessel's rotting frame, creating a lush canopy of trees that blossomed almost spontaneously from the water. Many describe the SS Ayrfield Shipwreck as a “floating forest” that brings a sense of life and growth to an otherwise stark industrial setting. The sprouting foliage and unexpected fusion of rust fascinate onlookers as a truly unique display of maritime history.
Rusting Locomotives in Bolivia’s Great Train Graveyard Symbolize the Country's Once-Thriving Mining Era
Formerly the site of Bolivia’s mining industry, the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni form a stark, desert-like expanse in Bolivia that is now an open-air repository for disused and abandoned locomotives and railcars that date as far back as the early 20th century. The trains represent the lifeblood of Bolivia’s Pacific Coast mineral mining sector when it was in full swing.
During the Great Depression, mining activity in the region started to wane, leading to the eventual collapse of the rail lines in the 1940s. The once-powerful machines were eventually abandoned and left to endure Uyuni’s thin, high-altitude air. The combination of high winds, arid climate, and desert terrain created a sandblasting effect, smoothing the train's rusted, graffiti-covered metallic skins. While a decidedly peculiar attraction, Bolivia’s Great Train Graveyard has remained a popular urban exploration site over many years.
Romania’s Turda Salt Mine Is an Astonishing Living Salt Formation Turned Subterranean Wonderland
The Salina Turda Salt Mine sits deep beneath the rolling hills of Transylvania. This below-ground wonderland dates back to the 17th century and has endured a remarkable transformation since that time. The site was primarily used for salt extraction and has since been turned into a surreal theme park.
Halite structures compose the park’s otherworldly chambers where miners once tirelessly extracted salt. The mine's walls, ceilings, and stairways are all meticulously carved from the surrounding live salt formation. Visitors can take tranquil boat rides through the underground lake, enjoy the underground amphitheater, or take a peaceful ride on the Ferris wheel. It has been said that the salt content from the mine could meet the needs of the entire plant for the next 60 years.
The Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse Offers Spectacular Views of the North Sea and the Surrounding North Jutland, Denmark, Vicinity
The Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse towers above the coastal slopes of North Jutland as a solitary structure. Until coastline erosion disrupted its operations, it was the highest point of the immediate cost at 60 meters above sea level. During the 1910s and 1920s, there was an attempt to preserve this section of the coast by planting trees and shrubs around the lighthouse to halt the excessive erosion.
The trees are mostly gone now, and the area surrounding the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse is dominated by a vast expanse of dunes. The lighthouse was formally decommissioned in 1968. Some years later, the Vendsyssel Historical Museum used the structure as a sand drift exhibition. By 2002, the lighthouse succumbed to the dunes entirely. In an amazing feat, Denmark’s environmental ministry eventually moved the 124-year-old lighthouse inland before it collapsed into the sea.
A Stunning Display of History and Volcanic Activity Can Be Seen at Antarctica's Remote Deception Island
An active volcano, Deception Island sits among the South Shetland Islands, just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Since the time it was first documented, the island’s stark, desolate beauty, where snow and ice meet the distinctly black volcanic soil, has mystified explorers. Its ring-like shape points to the caldera of an active volcano. The caldera has a diameter of roughly nine miles, displaying a narrow entrance on one side known as Neptune’s Bellows.
Under the right conditions, area explorers have been known to sail through the caldera's opening where geothermal activity takes place. There haven’t been any eruptions since 1970. The island has long been a destination for sealers, whalers, and seafaring explorers since 1820. The area still offers world-class hiking and bird watching.
Kolmanskop, Nambia, Was One of the Wealthiest Communities in Africa Before It Was Reclaimed by the Desert
The mining remnants discoverable in the ghost town of Kolmanskop are significant relics of a once-thriving diamond rush in the region. The settlement developed almost overnight as speculators flocked to Kolmanskop in the early 1900s in search of precious gems.
It wasn’t long before the settlement shaped up into a bustling trading hub, complete with luxury homes, a working hospital, and its famous ballroom that symbolized the town’s affluence. After World War I, diamond prices fell while richer diamond deposits were being discovered in the fields surrounding Kolmanskop. By 1954, a city that once housed roughly 1,000 inhabitants was left to the forces of the desert. The De Beers Mining Company restored and transformed the town into a public museum in 1980.
Balaklava Bay Submarine Base in the Crimean Peninsula Was a Top-Secret Military Stronghold During the Cold War
Secluded under Crimea’s rugged coastline, the Balaklava Bay Submarine Base tells the story of Cold War espionage and military prowess. The covert facility, also known as “Object 825 GTS,” was etched out in the Crimean shoreline in the 1950s and was engineered to withstand a direct nuclear attack.
The base’s labyrinthine tunnels and waters offer a refuge for Russian submarines seeking to evade detection by rivaling superpowers. The hidden strategic facility fell into disuse after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The naval base remained in use until 1993 when it was finally decommissioned. Russia eventually donated the property to the Ukrainian government. The country, in turn, converted the base into a museum. Its present status isn't fully known. Some speculate that it might have been redeployed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
