There are probably millions of places and buildings in the world that were abandoned years ago and are simply left empty and unused. Quiet streets, ruined buildings, derelict possessions, icy cold images and indeed many of the cities on this list have been abandoned due to a certain event. But it doesn’t mean they look depressing, in fact, they are eerily beautiful…
Hashima Island, Japan
The closure of the coal mine, which was the only source of income, caused all the people to migrate. No one has lived since 1974.
Centralia, USA
Uncontrollable mine fire caused great migration. No one has lived since 1962.
Beelitz-Heilstatten, Germany
It is abandoned after the Soviet army withdrew. Ever since the Russians left in 2000, the area is a dark tourism and urbex hotspot. In the past, it was easy to get in and out and a lot got vandalized or stolen. Since 2015 the area is well guarded
Oradour-Sur-Glane, France
It was abandoned after the massacre by the Nazis. Nobody lives since 1944.
Maunsel Sea Forts, England
The structure established by the British for World War II has not been used since 1964.
Bodie-California, USA
Gold mining town unused since 1942.
Humberstone, Chile
This is an abandoned refinery that no one has used since 1960. It was named after James Humberstone, a British chemical engineer who emigrated to South America in 1875. He made his fortune from saltpetre, which was dug out of caliche – the nitrate-rich crust of the desert – and used to make fertilizer.
Kolmanskop, Namibia
The abandoned diamond mining town has not been used since 1954.
Craco, Italy
Life in the city, which has constant earthquakes, has come to an end. No one has lived in the city since 1963.
Prypiat, Chernobyl, Ukraine
After the nuclear disaster in 1986, the city was completely evacuated.
Would you visit any of these places? Have you been to any of them? Do let us know in the comments below.