What are these places? where are they and what were they before they arrived at their current conditions? Well, lucky for you, we've compiled a list of beautiful, abandoned places and their forgotten stories.
Some of them were tourist attractions, some were once significant for military purposes, some were theme parks and some are just abandoned items. However, we want to explore them and the stories behind them, which could change them from a deserted spot to a little piece of history.
Keep reading to find out more about these incredible yet forgotten places…
The Haunting New Bedford Orpheum, U.S.A.
Believe it or not, this building used to be a theatre back in its day.
Ironically, when it closed, it was used as a storage unit for a tobacco company with a supermarket at the back of the building. It was then closed and there are some plans to revive the building.
TU-144 Supersonic Passenger Jet, Parked on the Lawn.
This is definitely not a suitable place to land an airplane. More than that, it's not exactly hidden. So as expected, many people began asking about this out-of-place item. As well as, taking photos. This image has clearly been taken by a drone, giving us a great bird’s eye view.
The TU-114 was the Russian version of the Concorde. It has since then been tested and apparently, there are still working parts. So who knows, maybe we’ll see this bad boy in the sky sometime.
Germany's Autumn
This is the Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge, which is located in Gablenz, Germany. It was built in the 19th century and if you’re lucky with perfect timing, sometimes the light hits the water in such a way, that it forms a circle.
Although it looks deserted, it also could make for a great location for wedding photos! Not only is it a gorgeous surrounding but it’s also a part of history.
Abandoned Store in Fukushima
In the year 2011, a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit this region. It was so tragically effective, that it caused a nuclear power plant to have a radiation leak thus the entire population had to evacuate.
This exodus involved 30 000 people which was the population of the town, at the time. The population had high hopes to return to their area. However, it was declared too unsafe. This is one of the stores that was left untouched for that period.
Abandoned Castle in Ireland
This castle once belonged to McDermott. It can be found in County Roscommon which is a small island. This bad boy was built by the Mac Diarmada dynasty in 1184. However, it was sadly destroyed when the castle was struck by lightning.
It was pretty much dilapidated from the fire but was rebuilt in 1586. Not long after, it became under siege which meant Cormack McDermott had to pack his bags, leaving the castle completely abandoned.
Christ of the Abyss at San Fruttuoso, Italy
This kind of contradicts the theory that Jesus could walk on water. However, this statue was designed to be submerged into the sea to represent Christ offering a benediction of peace as he casts his eyes towards the sky and into heaven.
This legendary statue was built by Guido Galletti and put in the Mediterranean Sea between Camogli and Portofino. Eventually, when the statue lots its beauty, it was taken out in 2003 for some touch ups and returned to the bottom of the ocean in 2004.
Cottage in Stradbally, Ireland
This adorable little cottage was found in Stradbally. Seriously, what troubles could possibly get to you with that massive field of flowers.
It is estimated that the cottage was built somewhere between 1800 – 1920, but with its tiled roof and cast-iron windows, there’s a strong possibility that the time frame is closer to the 1800’s.
Ferris Wheel in an Abandoned Theme Park in Japan
This giant Ferris wheel is located in the abandoned theme park of Kejonuma Leisure Land which was originally opened in 1979. Only it never looked as deserted as it does now. Back in the day, this park used to host around 200 000 people.
Over time, people began to lose interest and so the theme park began to lose money. Once they declared bankruptcy, the park was shut down and left abandoned.
Tiki Palace, Tennessee
The renowned strip club owner Billy Hull also owned the Swinger’s Tiki Palace which sits on top of Missionary Ridge in the mountains of Chattanooga in Tennessee. During the 1970’s, this was considered to be a dream home.
It even had a Play Boy bunny shaped pool with tunnels. The former owner, Hull, was found guilty on three different charges of murder so the house was left abandoned. It was demolished in 2017.
Vehicles Left by US Soldiers, Belgium
In a small village in southern Belgium called Chatillion, there is a graveyard of old cars which once belonged to the US army. Their soldiers were given these cars whilst they had to be in Belgium during World War II.
When the war finally came to an end, the soldiers needed to decide what to do with their cars. They were given the choice of having them shipped back to the US. However, it would be at the soldier's expense. In the meantime, they parked all the cars at the top of a hill, to at least keep them out the way.
Smoking Volcano, Mount Sinaburg
This looks like something out of a horror movie! This photo was taken when the volcano Mount Sinaburg in Karo, Indonesia erupted, the sky quickly filled will smoke and ash and destroyed pretty much everything in its pathway.
The population who once called this place home had no choice but to evacuate and turn to refugee camps.
The Selma Abandoned Plantation Estate, Virginia
This mansion was built between 1800 – 1815. When the owners passed away, and the property exchanged ownership several times including to the Beverly family who owned the estate during the Civil War.
Although nothing has been confirmed as of yet, rumor has it, that there are plans to fix this old structure and restore its glory. So stay tuned and don’t lose hope just yet.
Fishing Hut on a Lake, Germany
This little hut can be found in the depths of the mountains of the Berchtesgaden National Park. By the time this hut was found, there was no telling who the previous owners were or for how long it had been left vacant.
I’m no architect, but it seems like this house is unsavable. Unless you don’t mind living knee-deep in water (to each their own).
Abandoned Yellow House, Nova Scotia
We know what you’re thinking, how could someone leave such a gorgeous home? Well, it can only be one thing, location. This was a little too far from town and the owners decided to give up their little slice of dandelion paradise.
This little property is still vacant. So if yellow is your color and you don’t mind being an hour away from your closest grocery store, then it may be time to pack your bags.
VW Bug Underwater in Cancun, Mexico
This is a replica of a VW bug which is part of the exhibition at the Underwater Museum in Cancun. The museum has a few galleries which are located 3-6 feet under water.
This is a popular spot for those who like snorkeling or diving. This takes the underwater world to a whole new level.
Abandoned Space Shuttle at Baikonur, Cosmodrome
The Baikonur Cosmodrome was for a long time a Russian state secret, and in fact, it was from this very spot that Yuri Gagarin, the first man to go into space was launched in April 1961.
The site is situated in Kazakhstan, which gives us a good idea as to why it's abandoned.
Abandoned Farm, Ontario
This one is pretty weird. The house behind is basically destroyed but the lawn couldn’t be more perfect?
Although this shows great gardening skills, the house looks a little too creepy to be lived in.
Russian shipwreck, The Red Sea
There is something so fascinating about shipwrecks. This here is The Russian Wreck. This ship is named Khanka and was found in 1988 in the waters of the Red Sea.
It remains to this day and is now a popular spot for divers.
The Last House on Holland Island, U.S.A.
Believe it or not, this place was once booming with people, shops, schools, and churches. Unfortunately, this island was subject to erosion and slowly but surely gave way to the sea.
At this point, the water has taken over and the only family willing to call this home, are those beautiful birds who seem pretty comfy.
Abandoned House of Bulgarian Industrialist, Pancho Semov
Pancho Semov was known as the Bulgarian Rockefeller owing to his large wealth. He was born in a small village which made his story of going from rags to riches even more inspirational. His plan was to make this a retirement home.
When Pancho Semov passed away, his dreams were not followed through, leaving the property completely abandoned and unfinished.
British Warship, Ontario
This former British warship was found in the Great Lakes. Known as the HMS Ontario, it is believed to have been sunk in 1780 with 130 men on board, all of which sadly lost their lives.
This is definitely a great hiding spot, considering the ship was only then discovered in 2008.
Abandoned Railroad Bridge, Pittsburgh
This bridge can be found in good old Pennsylvania. This is one of the many railroads which had been abandoned as a result of the public not taking to the transport method so fondly.
So even though it can’t be used for transport, it is still a popular tourist attraction to this day.
Abandoned home, Nebraska, USA
This image should be an advert for Halloween, it's too creepy! This was captured in Nebraska in 2015 when a huge storm hit.
Owing to the large, empty fields, the lightning usually hits with immense strength. Mother nature is just awesome.
Police Motorcycle Graveyard (Harley-Davidson)
If you’re a motorcycle fanatic, then you might want to look away. This graveyard can be found in Lima, Peru. It is owned by the National Police od Puente Piedra.
Owing to a few budget issues, they were unable to maintain the bikes, leaving them to just lie and go to waste. Such a shame.
Abandoned Hotel, Colombia
This hotel can be found on a cliff which overlooks the Bogata River. This used to be a great holiday spot but that was quickly ruined by the rover being flooded with contamination and industrial waste.
Is there anything more heartbreaking than seeing the consequences of mankind and industrialization? Another beautiful river destroyed by us, devastating.
The Old Helensburgh railway tunnel, Australia
In the 1980’s, this tunnel was one of seven other lines which linked the countryside in Australia. The location had too many hills, so they decided to go back to the drawing board.
The remains of the unfinished tunnel have been left for so long that it basically became the base of a natural waterfall. That’s pretty cool if you think about it.
Michigan Central Station in Detroit, U.S.A.
It's hard to believe that this used to be one of the tallest train stations in the world. It was built between 1912 and 1913, it replaced the original depot in downtown Detroit after a fire in 1913 forcing it to close.
The building was abandoned but recently given a ‘Landmark Status’. So at least all that construction didn’t go totally to waste.
Abandoned Bug in Lagoon Beach, Milnerton, South Africa
This little bug can be found on Milnerton beach in South Africa. It seems that there was a volcano erupting behind and the owners had to abandon their vehicle.
This bug is a fantastic car. However, you’re going to need a lot more engine power if you’re trying to outrun a natural disaster!
Little Abandoned Victorian Home, San Francisco
This little Victorian home can be found in San Francisco. Rumour has it, it was owned by an artist who would sit at his window allowing his imagination to lead the way.
This doesn’t seem like a bad view to wake up to every morning. It’s hard to believe an artist would be willing to leave a scenery like that.
The Wreck of SS America, Canary Island
The SS America was built in 1940 and was primarily used as a passenger ship until it was caught up in a wreck in 1994.
The ship was caught in a storm off the coast of Canary island which basically caused it to split in two. The sailor had originally planned a 100-day journey. Needless to say, that didn’t work out so well.
HHalf-sunken Ship in Roatan, Honduras
This isn’t Roatan's only shipwreck, in fact, it has a few. This shipwreck occurred during a storm in 1970. It is said to have had many valuables on board when it was found.
What was once a tragedy, has now become a popular tourist attraction and still remains abandoned.
Abandoned Mining Town on Silver Islet, Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada
Amongst the gold rush in Australia, this silver rush stood in a little town on the banks of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada. In 1945, they discovered a great supply of silver.
Unfortunately, they were unable to withstand the weather conditions which left them with no other option other than to abort mission.
Lucy The Elephant Hotel, New Jersey
This hotel was built in 1881 and had 6 floors which featured a beautiful Howdah. It was designed as an elephant structure. Back in its day, everyone wanted a spot in this unique hotel.
Lucy The Elephant Hotel endured numerous natural disaster and eventually, its condition was past the point of repair.
Old Power Station, Belgium
You would never think that this old power station was once capable of cooling down 480,000 gallons of water per minute. It was once a significant feature of the town and by 1977, was the primary source of energy for the town of Charleroi.
Needless to say, this caused a great deal of pollution. Many unhappy citizens protested against it, thus it was shut down in 2007.
Abandoned Gentzrode in Neuruppin, Brandenburg, Germany
This was once known as Gentzrode. It was designed by Carl von Diebitch and then purchased by Johann Gentz in 1840. It took 21 years just to start the construction. After being passed from owner to owner, it eventually fell in the hands of a Turkish investor who had hoped to fix the structure.
In the end, the plans of renovation were canceled when live ammunition from World War II was thought to have been found on-site which required proper disposal.
Halcyon Hall, Bennett College, Millbrook, New York
This building was once supposed to be a luxury hotel but eventually became Bennett Women’s College in 1907. As the school grew, so did the campus. They wanted to build more labs and classrooms to cater to their growing number of students.
Once those renovation plans came into play, the college found themselves in debt. They were then forced to close down.
'Ice' Castle Called The Swallow's Nest Castle, Ukraine
This structure is known as the ‘Swallows Nest’ and can be found in Cape Ai-Todor on the coast of the Black Sea, South Ukraine.
It was built in 1912 and has now become a symbol of Crimea, owing to its popularity.
Sunken Boats Moreton Island in Queensland, Australia
This set up is convincing but don’t be fooled, it was arranged like this on purpose. These sunken boats go back all the way to 1963, they were previously barges or steam dredges that were no longer in use.
They were repurposed to make the harbor a safer place for the small boats to be.
Abandoned Castle, Italy
This is one of many abandoned castles in Italy. It is not a rare occurrence to see such a sight. Many of these structures used to be the epitome of luxury and royalty.
Noticing a trend here? Most of these abandoned locations were caused by plans which seemed great at the time but ended up biting off more than they could chew.
Abandoned Dome Houses, Southwest Florida
On the Southwestern coast of Florida, can be found a group of small and uninhabited domed structures on Cape Romano. In 1981, they were supposed to be holiday homes.
Although the idea seemed flawless, the only remains of these holiday homes are the shells of where they once stood.
Abandoned Farmhouse Surrounded by Wheat Fields, Oregon
This abandoned house can be found in Boyd, Oregan and is one of the many run-down buildings, which are surrounded by wheat fields. This is far from an uncommon site in Oregon.
In the year 1955, the low wheat prices caused the farmers to struggle and leave their homes. Leaving nothing but wide spaces and empty homes.
Love Finds a Church, Iceland
In the small Icelandic town of Búðir, on the Snæfellsjökull peninsula, you will find a hidden church called Búðakirkja. It was originally built in 1703.
Even though Sunday’s are for church, the area didn’t have enough parishioners. Many tourists still go to visit the graveyard behind the church. However, the church itself remains deserted.
Six Flags in New Orleans, U.S.A.
What is it about abandoned theme parks that is just so creepy? The Six Flags Jazzland park was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans on 25 August 2005. Despite many investors showing interest in regenerating the park no one seems to be able to restore its life.
Despite many investors showing interest in regenerating the park no one seems to be able to restore its life.
Former Treatment House (Payilionul De Bai) from Baile Govora, Valcea County, Romania
This is the Pavilion de Bai, which stood as a treatment center and sanitorium. It was shaped like an E and had 145 rooms in total.
Eventually, communism took over and institutions like these were basically starved of funds. The building was left vacant.
Abandoned Rollercoaster in Nara Dreamland, Japan
This theme park stemmed off from the inspiration of Disneyland parks. The Nara Dreamland park was opened in 1961. It started off with a craze of people wanting to experience a different form of Disney World. However, like most new things, the excitement began to fade and in 2006, the park was closed down owing to poor attendance.
The park was left shut down and untouched until it was demolished between the years of 2016 to 2017.
Atkins Halls Apartments in Cork, St. Anne's Asylum
This structure can be found in Cork, Ireland. It used to be a mental asylum during the 1800’s. Surprisingly, some parts have been renovated and turned into modern apartments.
Maybe it’s a little bit old fashioned to assume this, but moving into an apartment which used to hold a mental asylum is pretty much your basic horror movie script right?
Man Hole Spills Diamonds for Decades
The Mir Diamond Mine is the second largest man-made hole in the world. During years 1957 – 2001, it was a rich source of diamond and even nicknamed, the “Navel of the Earth.”
Over the course of its existence, it slowly became unmanageable to afford the cost of its maintenance and was shut down.
Abandoned Railroad Track in a Forest
This incredible sight is called the Jiancing Historical Trail and can be found near the Taipinshan Villa in Taiwan. It was originally made up of 5.5 km of log railway.
Over time, better-suited routes were constructed, and the trains slowly began to stop using the tracks. It is now a preferred trail for a good hike.
Old Farmhouse in Orpund, Canton Bern, Switzerland
This abandoned farmhouse is actually one of many, in fact, there are so many of these deserted farms that they eventually merged into giants plots of land. The nature in this image is truly breath-taking and can make you wonder what it would be like to live there!
However, having such open and empty spaces is extremely dangerous, especially during storms, so people rarely visit these sites.
Submerged US WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Wales
This image is of Maid of Harlech, a United States Air Force Army (USAAF) fighter jet which still remains under the sand since it crashed during a training exercise off the coast of Wales in 1942.
This ruin has been described as ‘one of the most important WWII finds in recent history’.
Abandoned Soviet Passenger Hydrofoil, Kama Reservoir
Don’t worry, most people wouldn’t be able to tell that these were the Russian high-speed boats which used to transport high numbers of passengers, quickly and efficiently.
However, When the Soviet Union collapsed, funding for such projects was canceled as the economy could no longer support them.
Abandoned theatre in Norwich State Hospital, Connecticut
This was once known as Norwich State Hospital, located in Preston and Norwich, Connecticut. It was originally built in 1904 under the name of the Norwich State Hospital for the Insane.
Eventually, rumors spread about the staff behaving unethically which caused the business to have a bad reputation. It was consequently closed down.
A Library Which Was Bombed During WWII
The Holland House Library was built by Sir Walter Cope in 1605. This image displays the wreckage of the library after a German bomb hit the building in 1940.
This tragedy left a broken building which now serves as a piece of history. You can’t help but hurt a little for all those lost books.
Frozen St. Joseph Lighthouse, Michigan
The St. Joseph Lighthouse was built on Lake Michigan which is one of the Great Lakes of North America. There were two lighthouses dedicated to these massive lakes.
The lighthouse became completely covered in ice when temperatures dropped to an incredible -34C in December of 2016. The icy waves froze perfectly around the lighthouse, making it a truly fascinating site.
The Doomed Serendipity House, Rodanthe NC
This house can be found in North Carolina and was built in the 1980’s. It was intended for romantic films to depict the perfect home and life on the shore.
This was once stationed on the beach. However, over time the water slowly eroded away.
Oodnadatta Track, South Australia
The Oodnadatta Track is a 383-mile-long road which goes between Marree and Marla and passes via Oodnadatta.
The road is still relatively well maintained, however, on the way you will find abandoned railways, buildings, and bridges.
Abandoned Cottage at The Kerry Way Walking Path, Ireland
This cottage sits along the Kerry Way walking trail. It was proposed in 1982 and forms part of the E8 European Walking Route.
This is a long and intertwining route, so if you’re looking for a good workout, look no further.
The remains of The Pegasus in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica
This area is named after the Pegasus plane which crashed in the area on 8 October 1970. When the pilots were faced with poor weather conditions, they had already passed the Point of Safe Return (PSR), and there was not enough fuel to get them home safely.
They then decided to make an emergency landing in Antarctica. You’ll be pleased to know, none of the passengers were injured. The aircraft remains well preserved in the cold and dry conditions.
A Victorian Gothic Building Which Was Also a Hospital
The Manchester Convalescent Home or Barnes Hospital was built in 1875. It was originally intended to be built in a rural setting but now the area around Cheadle is surrounded by roads and industrialization.
The institution was then closed down in 1999 and left completely abandoned.
Pripyat, Ukraine
It was the year 1986 in April, when a meltdown at the nuclear plant in Chernobyl caused a devasting disaster.
The population was forced to evacuate their homes because of the radiation. It will still be many years until anyone is able to return.
Abandoned Villa, Savona
This structure is known as the La Villa Zanelli. It was originally built in 1907 as a family villa for Nicolo Zanelli. However, once it was sold to the municipality, it was then used as a hospital after World War 2 to aid the soldiers who had been wounded in battle.
Slowly but surely it shortly after became abandoned and neglected.
'Haunted House' Built in 1908, Belgium
This spooky house was built in 1908. Either nobody cares or they’re more likely just too afraid to go inside! This building definitely has a haunted look to it and I don’t blame anyone who would rather see this location in a picture than in person.
Only myths and legends have been spread about what once haunted this home, but obviously, nothing confirmed.
Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea
This huge Ryugyong Hotel was once a project under the North Korean dictatorship. They had every intention of making it the tallest hotel in the world.
However, the country suffered from famine and it inevitably had a devastating effect on their economy. Thus the plans were then cancelled.
Sanzhi UFO Houses in San Zhi, Taiwan
Although this hotel may seem relatively fine on the outside, the insides are very much in a state of decay.
They wanted to make this a weatherproof building and it cost millions of dollars to build. The plans were never completed as they didn’t have enough money.
Gulliver's Travels Park in Kawaguchi, Japan
As you can see from the giant Gulliver in the middle of the park, it doesn’t take a genius to tell this is the park dedicated to Gulliver’s travels.
The Japanese government tried to keep the property afloat but were unsuccessful.
Disney's Discovery Island on Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Although this may look like a relatively safe and enjoyable location, don’t be fooled. The lake has bacterium in it which is highly dangerous and can cause death.
Obviously, the park was marked dangerous and shut down. It will probably remain untouched for a while considering the risk of the bacterium.
Aniva Rock Lighthouse in Sakhalinskaya Oblast, Russia
Although this may seem like a lovely honeymoon spot, located in the seas between the East coast of Russia and Japan, you couldn’t be more wrong.
This location was once, in fact, a building which used to be home to some of Russia’s most dangerous criminals. The prison was closed down and left vacant.
Chateau Miranda- Celles, Belgium
This castle can be found in Belgium although it was built by French aristocrats. When the Second World War began to arrive, it was turned into an orphanage.
The orphanage closed down in 1980 and left the structure abandoned.
Hashima Island, Japan
It’s hard to believe this little island was once populated by over 5000 miners and their families. However, the island began to decline when Japan decided to replace their coal with petroleum.
That chemical swap is usually always a mistake, as you can see, it has been left deserted conditions.
City Hall Station in New York, New York City
This iconic station is located in the belly of New York. Although it was clearly an exceptional structure, an average of 600 passengers a day wasn’t going to cut it.
The average of 600 passengers slowly began to decline more and more. The station was sadly closed in 1945.
Underwater City in Shicheng, China
The city of Shicheng in China was over 1,300 years old, but around 50 years ago the government decided to flood the area for the Xin’an River Hydro Plant intentionally.
This also makes for a great Scooba diving experience.
Abandoned Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, New York
This Domino Sugar factory lasted all the way until 2004. Although it was closed down, it became an essential part of the Brooklyn skyline.
Although the building is nowhere near what it was, it was awarded a ‘Landmark Status’ in 2007.
Red Sands Sea Forts in Sealand, United Kingdom
Sealand can be found off the coast of Suffolk, England. All their structures were originally made during the Second World War to help protect the River Thames and the route to London.
Everything has been left untouched and unfinished. They look like the Imperial Walkers from Star Wars to me!
Dadipark in Dadizel, Belgium
Dadipark opened in 1980. It was a friendly atmosphere and an old fashioned theme park. Unfortunately, it was no match for the developed and more modern theme parks.
Their target market slowly began to take a liking to the more industrialized theme parks and activities. Thus they were forced to close down.
Military Hospital in Beelitz, Germany
This structure was initially designed to be a sanitorium but became a military hospital during World War 1. In 1995 the Soviet Union had taken over.
They tried to maintain the hospital but were unsuccessful.
Czestochowa Train Depot, Poland
Częstochowa was once a thriving town, wedged between Russia and Poland. This was basically because of the Warsaw-Vienna Railway and it was built in 1846.
Back in the day, it used to make getting around Europe a lot easier. However, it was then left abandoned when no one had any use for it.
Easter State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This creepy building was founded 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was one of the USA’s first modern prison’s and remained open until 1971.
Kolmanskop in Namibia
The town of Kolmanskop in Namibia reaped in the benefits of the diamond rush in the 1900’s.
After the Second World War, it dwindled and was left desolate.
Floating Forest in Sydney, Australia
This is a moving piece of history. The 102-Year-Old floating forest can be found in Homebush Bay, Sydney, Australia. The forest has grown out of the remains of the old SS Ayrfield, which was a large ship used during the Second World War.
When the war ended, the boat was left to rot in the bay, and the trees started to sprout out of it.
Sunken Yacht in Antarctica
Just by Ardley Cove in the middle of Antarctica lies a sunken yacht called Mar Sem Fim. It has since been salvaged. However, its history behind this sunken yacht is that a group of Brazillian documentary filmmakers had bought the yacht to the area.
Due to strong winds and harsh conditions, the crew was forced to, quite literally, abandon ship.
Holy Land USA in Waterbury, Connecticut
This park was designed with inspiration from different biblical passages. Back in the 1960’s, this park was a popular favorite.
