Exploring abandoned places has become a popular pastime for many people, as it can be an incredible experience to step into a place that has been left untouched for years. From forgotten cities to mysterious structures, the world is filled with captivating places that have been abandoned by their former inhabitants.
Here are 15 of the most amazing abandoned places in the world that are worth a visit.
✅ Make sure you’ll see the entire collection in Framey App, including addresses, opening hours, and contact information!
1) Château de Saulxures Sur Moselotte, France – Amazing Abandoned Places
Located in the northeast of France, the Château de Saulxures Sur Moselotte is a stunning abandoned castle from the 15th century. This unique castle is known for its distinctive moat and towers that have been completely overrun by nature. The castle has been abandoned for centuries but is still a beautiful sight to behold. Visitors can explore the castle and its grounds, admiring the amazing architecture and history of this incredible place. The Château de Saulxures Sur Moselotte is truly a unique and breathtaking experience, and is worth a visit!
2) Magan David Synagogue, Romania
Magan David Synagogue is a beautiful example of Jewish heritage in Romania. The neo-Byzantine building features an elegant and striking façade adorned with seven stars of David and decorated with intricate Moorish patterns. Inside, the structure features ornate wooden furnishings and stained glass windows.
This impressive landmark of Romania’s Jewish history has sadly been abandoned since World War II when a large portion of the Jewish population left or was taken away. Today, the synagogue remains in a state of disrepair and is no longer used for religious services. Despite its current state, it is still possible to visit this beautiful site and admire its beauty.
It’s an important reminder of the vibrant culture that existed in Romania and serves as a reminder of its dark history.
3) Dundas Castle, New York – Amazing Abandoned Places
Located in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, Dundas Castle is a stunning abandoned castle that once belonged to the wealthy and influential Dundas family. The grand castle, built in 1877 by Charles Dundas, was the height of opulence and featured luxurious rooms, multiple towers, and a grand stone archway. Unfortunately, the castle was abandoned in 1914 when the last of the family passed away.
Today, Dundas Castle is a shadow of its former self. The walls and structure are still intact, but much of the decor has disappeared over the years. Nature has taken its course on the grounds, with ivy crawling up the walls and trees sprouting up everywhere. It’s a fascinating sight to see, and one that will stay with you for a long time.
4) Kayakoy, Turkey
Kayakoy is a beautiful abandoned village situated in the Fethiye district of Turkey’s Mugla Province. This village was once a thriving community of Greek-speaking Orthodox Christians and remained inhabited until 1923. Today, the village is composed of more than 300 deserted houses, two churches, and a few old stores.
The deserted village of Kayakoy has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique history. Visitors can explore the streets, wander around the churches and visit the ruins of old homes. The village was also used as a filming location for the movie The Water Diviner, starring Russell Crowe.
Kayakoy has a somber history that is worth exploring. Its decline began during World War I when the Ottoman Empire and Greece went to war. As part of the peace treaty, the Ottoman Empire ordered all Greek citizens living in Turkey to leave their homes and move back to Greece. This was done to encourage cultural homogeneity and resulted in many Greeks, including those from Kayakoy, becoming refugees.
Today, Kayakoy serves as a reminder of the tumultuous history between Greece and Turkey and is a powerful symbol of displacement and resilience. It is an interesting place to explore, where one can get a glimpse into the past and pay respect to the people who had to leave their homes behind.
5) Kolmanskop, Namibia – Amazing Abandoned Places
One of the most mysterious and fascinating abandoned places in the world is Kolmanskop, Namibia. It was once a diamond-mining village, but today it stands as a silent ghost town in the Namibian desert. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Kolmanskop was originally a well-developed settlement, boasting amenities such as a hospital, school, theatre, casino, ice factory, and even a bowling alley. However, when the diamond trade shifted elsewhere in the 1950s, its residents quickly moved out and the town was left to the ravages of time.
Today, Kolmanskop is an eerie landscape of empty buildings that have become blanketed by dunes over the years. The structures are still largely intact, although nature has taken its toll on some of them. Visitors to Kolmanskop can explore the desolate streets and crumbling structures, marveling at how quickly the once-thriving town disappeared into the desert. Despite its state of disrepair, Kolmanskop remains one of the most remarkable abandoned places in the world, offering an incredible insight into Namibia’s past.
6) Agrasen ki Baoli, India
Located in the heart of Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is a remarkable stepwell from the 14th century that has become one of the city’s most iconic attractions. The stepwell is one of the few surviving ancient monuments in India, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
The three-story structure features 108 steps that descend 60 feet down to the water below. It was built by King Agrasen of the Agrawal clan, who is said to have been a legendary king in India. The stepwell is said to have been used as a popular bathing spot for many years.
The surrounding area is lush and green, making Agrasen ki Baoli an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the city. While you can’t enter the stepwell, visitors can take in its beauty and appreciate its history from the top. It’s worth a visit if you’re ever in Delhi!
7) Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic – Amazing Abandoned Places
The Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Church of Bones, is located in the Czech Republic and is a unique and hauntingly beautiful sight. The chapel is made entirely out of the bones of over 70,000 people who have died throughout the centuries. The bones have been arranged in various ways such as a chandelier and coat of arms, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere. The chapel itself is located in a small village near Kutná Hora which was a major religious center at the time of the Black Death. It was founded in the 15th century by a monk named Henry who brought back a handful of earth from the Holy Land to spread around the cemetery. Today, the Sedlec Ossuary is one of the most visited attractions in the Czech Republic, making it an amazing abandoned place to visit.
8) Shicheng, China
Shicheng is an ancient city located in the Zhejiang Province of China, which has been abandoned since 1959. This impressive city is said to have been built during the time of the Ming and Qing dynasties, making it over 400 years old.
This abandoned city has a lot to offer visitors, from its mysterious caves, grand towers, and temples to its beautiful water gardens and statues. A visit to Shicheng is like stepping back in time and taking a tour of ancient China.
The ruins of the city are fascinating; the palace gates, the watchtowers, and the elaborate stone carvings are still visible today. One can explore the many temples and ancient houses that are scattered throughout the city. The stunning underground water gardens have been recently discovered and make for a great photo opportunity.
Visiting this abandoned city is like being transported back in time, as few places in the world are as well-preserved as Shicheng. A trip to Shicheng is an opportunity to discover a place steeped in history and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
9) Cinema at the end of the world/Head in the stars, Egypt – Amazing Abandoned Places
This mysterious abandoned movie theater is located in Alexandria, Egypt. It has been deserted since the late 1970s and its walls are now covered in vines and graffiti. It is a sight to behold with its grand staircase, high ceilings, and large mosaic-tiled floors. The main hall was once the center of attention, with its multiple screens and high-end projection equipment.
The cinema is nicknamed “Head in the Stars” due to the many movie posters that still adorn its walls, depicting scenes of science fiction and fantasy. Despite its crumbling state, the cinema is still a great destination for photographers and urban explorers. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage that once flourished in the area and provides a unique glimpse into a bygone era.
10) Bhangarh fort, India
Situated in the Rajasthan district of India, Bhangarh Fort is one of the most mysterious and amazing abandoned places in the world. The fort was built in the early 17th century by Maharaja Madho Singh and it once served as a capital for his descendants. The fort was abandoned after being besieged by the Mughal Empire, and it has been abandoned ever since.
This place is full of mystery and legends, as some locals believe that it is haunted by the spirit of a magician who cursed the fort after a princess rejected his advances. Visitors claim to experience strange feelings while walking around the ruins, so much so that the Archaeological Survey of India has declared it off-limits between sunset and sunrise.
The fort stands tall with its high walls and imposing gates, despite the ravages of time. Its spectacular views and eerie ambiance make Bhangarh Fort one of the most fascinating abandoned places in India. If you ever find yourself in Rajasthan, make sure to visit this mysterious place.
11) Hotel del Salto, Colombia – Amazing Abandoned Places
Hotel del Salto, Colombia
Hotel del Salto is an abandoned building situated on a cliff overlooking the Tequendama Falls, which are located near Bogota, Colombia. The hotel was built in the 1920s and operated until the early 1990s. It served as a popular tourist attraction, but over time it became deserted as the nearby river became increasingly polluted and people stopped visiting the area.
Today, Hotel del Salto remains a mysterious and hauntingly beautiful abandoned building. The exterior of the hotel features white walls, terracotta tiles, and arched windows and balconies, giving it a traditional Spanish-colonial look. Inside, the hotel has been left to decay, with furniture, fixtures, and other items scattered throughout its abandoned rooms.
Despite its abandonment, Hotel del Salto still draws visitors from around the world. People come to admire its unique beauty, explore its forgotten halls, and learn about its fascinating history. While some believe the hotel is haunted by the ghosts of those who stayed there, others simply enjoy its scenic views and eerie atmosphere. No matter why you visit Hotel del Salto, it’s sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
12) Floating Forest, Sydney
Located in Sydney, Australia is a unique and magical place known as the Floating Forest. This man-made wonder is the result of an abandoned wharf that has been left untouched for decades. This particular wharf has become home to an array of unique plant life, creating a surreal atmosphere of nature amongst the decaying structure.
The area consists of many different species of plants including mangroves, seagrasses, and other aquatic vegetation, which provide a lush and vibrant atmosphere. As the years go by, the area continues to fill with more and more plants and animal life, further adding to the mystique of this place. It’s a great spot for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The area has become popular with photographers who come to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the Floating Forest. It’s also a great spot for kayakers who want to take in the tranquil atmosphere that surrounds the area. With its amazing views, unique plant life, and peaceful atmosphere, the Floating Forest is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Sydney.
13) Gouqi Island, China – Amazing Abandoned Places
Located in the East China Sea off the coast of Zhoushan City, Gouqi Island is an amazing abandoned place in the world. It was once a bustling fishing village, with a population of 2,000 people. But today, this beautiful island is completely deserted.
The reason behind the abandonment of Gouqi Island is not clear. Some say it was due to rising sea levels while others say it was caused by a decline in the fishing industry. Whatever the case may be, it has left this once-thriving community eerily empty.
The buildings and streets of Gouqi Island are slowly being overtaken by vegetation. Trees and shrubs grow among the buildings and offer a beautiful contrast between nature and man-made structures. The walls of some houses still bear signs of their former inhabitants, such as Chinese characters written on the exterior walls.
If you ever visit Gouqi Island, you will be mesmerized by its beauty and uniqueness. The abandoned buildings, trees, and shrubs make it a photographer’s paradise. You can also explore the remnants of the village and imagine what life was like here before it was abandoned.
14) Ghost Town of Bodie, California, USA
Deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the forgotten mining town of Bodie, California. This historic town was once a bustling gold mining hub, with over 10,000 residents and 2,000 buildings in its heyday. Now, the town is a desolate shadow of its former self, with only 170 buildings standing amongst the ruins. The eerie ghost town has been preserved in its state of “arrested decay” since the 1960s, making it one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the world.
Visitors to Bodie can explore a variety of deserted sites, including the old hotel, post office, schoolhouse, mines, and saloons. The most famous building is the Bank of Bodie which dates back to the late 1800s and still contains the original vault with all its contents untouched. The town is also home to a range of fascinating artifacts from the era, from everyday items like furniture to more unusual items like Chinese temple bells.
Bodie is now managed by California State Parks and is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a unique experience. The old town is open to visitors year-round, however, parts of it are closed off during winter due to weather conditions. It truly is an amazing sight and a must-see if you ever get the chance!
Read more about:
Secrets of the World: 20 Amazing Places on Earth You’ve Never Heard Of
Top 10 Undiscovered Offbeat Destinations + 5 Travel Tips
15 Mind-Blowing Natural Phenomena You Have to See
15) Kilchurn Castle, Scotland – Amazing Abandoned Places
Kilchurn Castle is located on the eastern shore of Scotland’s Loch Awe and was built in the 15th century. It was a stronghold of Clan Campbell, one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands. The castle was abandoned in the 18th century, and since then has slowly been reclaimed by nature.
Today, Kilchurn Castle is a stunning sight to behold. The ruins are covered in moss and ivy, and there are still some sections of the castle walls standing. Visitors can wander around the ruins, admiring the intricate stonework, and take in the breathtaking views of Loch Awe from atop the castle walls. The castle is also a great spot for photography, with its dramatic backdrops and serene atmosphere.
Kilchurn Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful abandoned places and a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Highlands. With its picturesque setting and evocative atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this castle remains one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.
Check out Framey
With so many amazing abandoned places in the world, you may be inspired to visit some of them. From the hauntingly beautiful Kolmanskop in Namibia to the mysterious Kayakoy in Turkey, you’ll never run out of things to explore.
And don’t forget to use Framey App to share your holiday photos with friends and get even more inspiration for your next trips!
Framey is a great way to stay connected and discover new places to explore.
So start planning your next journey and make sure to capture it all with Framey!
