Most places are kept nice and are appealing to the eyes. But some places fall short of this and are completed abandoned and dilapidated.
We searched around the world and found some of the most amazing abandoned places. If you've ever wanted to visit these places, well, take a look.
This impressive bit of land was once home to an entire village, back in the 1930s. However, weather in the north of Scotland is no easy thing to battle, and the inhabitants moved to live somewhere warmer. One day they just got up and left.
These stone homes now stand tall, unchanged, after 80 years. Many of them appear to be repairable, so who knows what the future stores for Hirta.
These dome homes were built off the coast of Marco Island in 1980. Originally planned as vacation homes, they were hit by hurricanes and ultimately suffered from decay. Coastline agencies have determined that they are too expensive to fix, leaving them abandoned.
Today, it is nearly impossible to find one of these dome homes that hasn’t been left to crumble into the ocean. Would you have liked to see these fully operational? We think they would be amazing!
The strange thing about this villa in Lake Como is the complete mystery behind it. Locals understand that this villa was constructed in roughly the 1800s, but there are no records to indicate this.
Rumors state that the home was left alone after a gruesome murder or suicide – but still, no one knows. Today, it is left largely alone and visitors are advised to stay away from it. To us, it looks like the scene of a new horror film!
Berlin – in Nevada, not Germany! – became popular in 1897 in the midst of a mining boom. Unfortunately, the industry never quite took off and was essentially abandoned by 1911.
No one stayed around to maintain it or turn it into something else, so it hasn’t changed all the way up until today. At the time of writing, it is part of Nevada State Park. Visitors can explore the area and see what it looked more than 100 years ago.
Upon first glance, you’ll be fooled into thinking it’s a picture painted on a canvas. It’s actually a real photo of Kolmanskop. Founded in 1908, the town was formed after a man found a diamond in the rough. Suddenly, many outsiders flocked to the area hoping to strike it rich.
When no more diamonds turned up, villagers also exhausted all other rare and natural resources. Everyone soon left, leaving the town abandoned by 1954. No one visits it today.
This city opened its doors on February 4, 1970. Pripyat is situated near the Belarus border and is a Soviet nuclear city. At the time, it was home to many of the workers who commuted to Chernobyl.
After the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, the entire city was evacuated due to the extremely high levels of radiation. To this day, you are allowed to visit – but only with an escort and you must have your radiation levels checked afterward. You have been warned!
Today, Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed castles in the world. It was built in the 1400s and has sadly been left to decay since the 1700s.
The untouched estate attracts people from all over the world who marvel at its incredible presence despite being neglected for 300 years. In its time, it housed some of the most influential families and officials when they visited the country. It’s something we can imagine in the next James Bond film!
This small Turkish town sits 8km south of Fethiye in the Lycia province. According to sources, its entire population moved to Greece after being expelled by the Ottoman empire. The town today is deserted – leaving 350 buildings completely empty and neglected since 1914.
Moss and ivy have made them home now, with no humans spending time there. It is unsure if Turkey has plans to restore Kayakoy into a new town or to keep it how it is. What do you think they should do with it?
The boat, the SS Ayrfield, was constructed in 1911 in the UK. It was registered as an Australian steam collier but became a Navy transport vessel in WWII for American soldiers. It operated until 1972 when it was retired in Sydney along the Homebush Bay.
The bay is known specifically as a ‘ship graveyard’ and the SS Ayrfield has a new life as host of a mangrove tree and lush greenery. Visitors can observe it from a distance.
This monastery is almost 900 years old! It was built in 1192 inside of the Black Forest of Germany and still stands tall today. Sadly, the church was struck by lightning three times in a row during a particularly powerful storm.
It was burnt down and no one chose to rebuild it. If a church was struck three times, we think it should be left alone! We wonder what happened inside it for someone or something to strike it three times!
This temple sits 3.5 km northeast of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. After the demise of the 17th-century empire, it was abandoned and has been left alone even to today. Over the hundreds of years since its abandonment, the jungle has engulfed it and claimed the temple as its new territory.
Even though it is unused, locals to maintain it to make sure the powerful jungle doesn’t completely destroy it. Today, it is kept as a monument where people can explore it.
These sea forts were designed by Guy Maunsell and constructed in 1942. Originally, they were situated on the Thames and Mersey, intended to protect the UK during WWII. It was less than 10 years until all of these forts were shut down and decommissioned.
For a while, they were used by people to broadcast illegal radio stations, but that also stopped in time. Today, they are entirely empty – or is that what they want us to think?
During the Hundred Year War, a soldier built Bodiam Castle to protect East Sussex from the French. It served as a defensive castle throughout the medieval times, but soldiers eventually left the castle. Today, it reminds visitors of the rich history in Britain.
Tourists simply cross a moat – yes, a moat – and can journey through the building and witness the history. Although not ‘abandoned’, it is no longer used to protect the British from the French.
This Methodist Church once had 3,000 members when it was used in 1926. This property was originally worth $1 million at the time ($13 million today), making it one of the most valuable buildings at the time.
Over time, employment in the area started to decline and crime rate rose – causing people to flock the town of Gary. Now, it is largely deserted – with it being totally abandoned in the 1980s. Who knows, it might be bought by another religion soon.
This creepy pool used to belong to a strip club built in 1972. The home was a massive 5,600 square foot property and the host of hundreds of parties in the swinging seventies.
Unfortunately, the place was shut down after only a year when its owner hired a hitman to kill his wife’s lover. For years, the place was largely left alone, earning the respect of locals who would enter and explore the property. Finally, in 2017, the site was demolished.
This hydrofoil has been left abandoned and is a reminder of the Soviet era. The boat was designed to take trips along the Dnieper, in Kiev, toward the Kiev Sea. Today, it remains the only single-deck high-speed passenger ship.
At its peak, it is estimated that the rocket, named ‘Sunrise’, could travel at speeds reaching 60km. The boat has since been abandoned and is left to nature. Adventurous explorers can go and visit it, although government officials don’t recommend it.
This hotel was built to overlook the Bogota River. Constructed in 1928, it gave tourists the opportunity to get close to the waterfalls and mother nature. Due to a number of safety concerns over time, the building was closed in 1991. Today, locals believe that the property is haunted!
Visitors often journey to the property but hear weird noises all throughout the night. It is not recommended to visit the Hotel Del Salto after dark! Would you go?
This train station once had everything going for it. Built in 1913, it promised to bring in talent from all the surrounding areas in the Midwest. But as the city’s economics began to crumble, so too did the station itself.
It was closed in 1988 and still stands tall, but empty, today. It has become a staple in Michigan, with rapper Eminem using it in his film, 8 Mile. Rumors are swirling around that car company FORD is planning to buy it.
This incredible site is home to a cooling tower. Located in an old power station in Monceau, Belgium, the structure is largely abandoned today. It was used in the 1900s but the government shut it down and has no plans to reopen it.
Perhaps in the future, officials or private companies will decide what to do with the massive space it takes up. For now, it rests unused and alone.
Here sits a house that was once a pretty successful island colony! It was located in the Chesapeake Bay, which suffered from the erosion of the mud along its coast.
Over time, the island started to crumble away! For a while, this was the last remaining property on the island. People could marvel from a distance at its seclusion. As you can see, the birds loved it! Sadly, it collapsed in 2010.
This is a view of the former headquarters for Bulgaria’s Communist Party. It looks just like a James Bond villain lair from the outside, and the inside isn’t much different! The building is literally in the shape of a flying saucer.
The building itself was in use for 10 years between 1981 and 1991. The party collapsed after the fall of the Soviet Union and no one has taken control of the site. It is now an empty and hollow room, although there are plans to restore it.
The Nara Dreamland Park was inspired by Disneyland. It opened its doors to the public in 1961, but by 2006 had already shut down. Perhaps Disney’s venture into Japan had an effect on sales and popularity.
Today, it remains the perfect spot for tourists and travelers to explore the ruins. But look out: security guards still sometimes patrol the area. While you won’t get in too much trouble if you’re caught on the site, you might get a fine.
Deep in Sorrento, Italy, sits this mill in the valley. According to reports, it was abandoned in 1866 and has been largely untouched ever since. At the time, it ground wheat and operated nearby a sawmill, too.
The reason for its abandonment is clear: it was isolated from the sea when Tasso Square was built. This meant the humidity rose to extra high levels and it became unsustainable.
This spooky ship sits under the water in Antarctica – frozen in time forever. The Brazillian ship, called Mar Sem Fim, was shipwrecked near Ardley Cove.
Rumor has it that the crew traveled south to film a documentary, but plans quickly turned south – much like their ship. Stormy winds meant that the team had to abandon their ship in order to protect their lives. The water washed over and quickly froze it. Recently, trekkers rescued the ship.
This old theater and entertainment building can be found in Massachusetts. It opened its doors in 1912 and operated all the way through to 1959. Now 60 years later, it has been left largely alone.
Recently, nonprofits have gathered in Bedford to try and raise money to renovate the building, which is taking up space in the community. We would love to see it turned into something new!
During the War in Abkhazia, this train station was left abandoned. The war took place across 1992 and 1993 and was a dispute between Russia and Georgia over the region and who owned it. Since then, the dispute left the area largely derelict.
Even though it has been abandoned, we can still see the intricate work from the architects. Sadly, there are no plans to renew or renovate the station.
Here are some truly amazing buildings found deep in the Russian forests. They have some intricate designs and authentic woodworks that make them a beauty to admire. These buildings were largely left alone by the original builders due to the cold temperatures.
Over time, they left their wooden homes for brick-made ones in town. Now, visitors can explore these historic houses.
Fans of Aquaman will be amazed to see that China has its very own Atlantis! This underwater city has been trapped in time since 1959 when the construction of the Xin’an River Hydropower Station caused it to deliberately flood.
Strangely, the water protects the city from the usual erosion that can occur through rain and wind, so it remains in fairly good condition 60 years later. As you can see, divers can go and explore the site. Would you go down and visit it?
This secret subway station lies under the City Hall in New York City. It was a highly anticipated project due to its ‘prime real estate’ location, and so much effort was put into its initial designs. Perhaps this is why it looks so much nicer than the ones we see today!
Unfortunately, its twists and turns made it unsafe for newer trains to navigate. The station was subsequently closed in 1945 and is left alone today. Occasionally, it is opened for walking tours.
This photo shows the Beelitz-Heilstatten hospital. It was built at the end of the 1800s and even helped Adolf Hitler when his leg was damaged in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.
Today, parts of the complex remain open to the public. However, most areas (like the one above!) were abandoned after the Soviets withdrew in 1995. Today, it is largely left alone and doesn’t serve patients.
These homes look like something out of a sci-fi film, which is maybe why they weren’t as popular as anticipated! They were designed to be a vacation home, with US military officers in mind.
The site was burdened with bad luck, including lost investments and an unusually high amount of car accidents. Interest in the development was lost and the site closed down in 1980. San Zhi was a popular trekking spot until the buildings were knocked down in 2010.
This abandoned subway tunnel lies below Kiev, Ukraine. Its subway system was constructed during the Soviet time but poor planning resulted in broken floors and uneven routes.
Today, it is basically prohibited to visit the sites due to the dangers surrounding it. Some people sneak in and snap some shots, including this one. We can see it is still flooded with electrical cables hanging from the top. Stay away!
This Canadian church stood high in the countryside for 100 years before it was abandoned. It served as the congregation area for Catholics who would meet weekly. Unfortunately, due to a changing climate, citizens relocated and left the building largely empty.
Since no one wants to be the person responsible for knocking down a church, the building still stands today. It has been left alone and can be admired by passersby who can see how it rests in the white snow.
Technically, this submarine dock in Ukraine isn’t actually abandoned. The submarine base was fully operational until 1993 when it was decommissioned. At the time, it was one of the most secret bases in the world belonging to the Soviets.
Today, its doors have been opened to the public where the site is now a national naval museum. Visitors can explore what was once a clandestine location full of mystery.
Ross Island was built to be the British administrative center for the Indian Penal Settlement. Since its independence, the area has been largely deserted and left for nature to take control.
Over time, vines and leaves have made themselves at home and the site is now completely void of human visits. No one looks after the region or cares for the animals that have found a home there, making it quite the site! What do you think?
Miranda Castle was built in 1866, but the designer had died before the castle could be completed. This resulted in a confused next step for the construction workers since no one knew the next stage! Construction halted and the projected was ultimately abandoned.
Aside from being used briefly by the Nazis in WWII, the site has been left forgotten. There are no plans to resurrect the castle for modern use – all proposals have been called too expensive.
This Japanese island goes by many nicknames, including Battleship Island and Ghost Island. In the 19th century, the island was populated with people because of its access to coal mines under the water.
Over time, the country shifted from coal to petroleum, causing the mines to close down. Eventually, the island’s population departed the island and have left it pretty much deserted.
This forgotten fishing village can be found on the Yangtze River. Amazingly, ever since its citizens abandoned the location, moss and ivy have surrounded all of the buildings – giving this green pop.
Photos started circulating online of the lost village that had finally been photographed and shared to millions of people. One website called it ‘Wizard of Oz’s Dream’.
Today, this church sits flooded a few feet underneath the Mavoro Lake in Macedonia. Once upon a time, people would travel to visit and pray in the spiritual site.
Unfortunately, a local power plant was built nearby and it caused flooding to take place, affecting the church. Not a good omen if you ask us! Today, it is visited by the occasional cow.
Ever since the year 540, Craco has sat comfortably on top of a mountain in Italy. In fact, it was a thriving city for 1400 years! It was in full force all through until 1972 when it’s citizens got up to leave.
There were a few reasons why Craco became unsustainable. The main cause of its downfall was an unfortunate rock slide in 1963, of which the citizens never recovered.
This abandoned Roman Catholic church opened its doors in 1564. Originally, it could fit the entire congregation and was even prepared for planned population growth for the neighboring regions.
Getty Images Sadly, the city was surrounded by a Smallpox epidemic in 1773-1776 and everyone eventually died out. Ever since the construction of the Malpaso Dam, it occasionally suffers from flooding.
This spooky ghost town is one of the most famous of its kind on the west coast, bordering Nevada. What was once a budding gold mining town next to the mountains is practically stuck in time after everyone abandoned it.
It has remained untouched for decades, meaning its relics can still be found in several of the buildings spread across the small town.
This Russian Lighthouse was actually built by the Japanese in 1939 during the war. It looks like somewhere that Luke Skywalker would hide out – or not, depending on your Star Wars preference!
After the war, the lighthouse was annexed since its entire existence was full of conflict. Today, it stands tall as a reminder of the war and the battles fought on its coastal lines.
This abandoned, international, train station can be found in the Spanish Pyrenees. Way back in WWII, the Nazis overtook it and ran it themselves. It continued to operate after the war when it returned to its rightful owner.
Destiny would not be kind to the Canfranc Rail Station. A tragic train accident in 1970 would ultimately lead to the entire station being shut down. Today, it rests alone.
Bannerman Castle is situated on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River. It was erected in 1901 with the intention to store military supplies after the Spanish war.
Unfortunately, in 1920, 200 pounds of ammunition accidentally went off and destroyed most of the castle. No plans were made to restore it and the Bannerman castle has been largely left alone ever since.
Located in the San Juan Mountains, this abandoned mine was once the site for thousands of workers. It was part of the Red Mountain Mining District, which extended over five miles and had 40 mins.
Over time, miners left the region to focus on more profitable parts of the mountains and the place was left alone. Today, all that sits is the mementos of previous generations who would spend their days searching for gold or diamonds.
Famously, the Great Wall of China is made of stone, brick, wood, and Chinese workers. Of course, we all know there are parts of the wall (that was built in the 7th century) is open to the public. The 13,000-mile wall can apparently be seen from space, although this is unconfirmed.
However, there are many parts of the wall that are completely left alone and are therefore void of any and all maintenance. If you can, avoid the crowds and see these parts.
The Jet Star Coaster was a popular part of Seaside Heights in New Jersey. Built in the 1970s, it was operational all the way until 2012 when it faced off against Superstorm Sandy.
After that, the owners tried to refurbish it but it was deemed too expensive and burdensome. It was left alone for a few years but was eventually demolished to make room for future projects.
The last recorded use of the SS America was in 1994. It was 54 years earlier, in 1940, that the US ship first hit the waters. After more than half a century, it met its fate when it wrecked on the Playa de Garcey in the Canary Islands.
In the 25 years since it rested along the rocks, visitors can look at her resting peacefully and being gently rocked by the waves. Sadly, most of her shell has been eroded and destroyed.