For a photographer, capturing the quiet dignity of a forsaken building or the eerie stillness of a deserted town can be a hauntingly beautiful experience. The ten locations listed here, scattered across Europe, the United States, and beyond, provide stunning glimpses into worlds that have been left behind. From former bustling metropolises to deserted industrial complexes, these sites are both melancholic and mesmerizing. Be sure to download the free PIXEO Photo Spots App. Explore the global map and filter for abandoned sites to discover hidden relics near you today.
1. Pripyat, Ukraine
Notoriously known for the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, Pripyat is a snapshot of a time forever frozen. Once a thriving city, it’s now an ominous ghost town, its deserted streets and dilapidated buildings echoing tales of a tragic past. The city’s most poignant symbol, an amusement park scheduled to open just days after the disaster, stands as a silent testament to the catastrophe.
2. Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
Perched atop the Central Balkan Mountains is the Buzludzha Monument, a relic of the Bulgarian Communist regime. With its UFO-like shape and dilapidated grandeur, the monument provides a dramatic backdrop for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
3. Oradour-sur-Glane, France
Oradour-sur-Glane is a haunting memorial to a World War II massacre. The village, left untouched since the war, presents poignant images of charred ruins, rusted cars, and deserted streets. Photographing here is a profound experience, allowing us to bear witness to the poignant remnants of a painful past.
4. Bodie, California, USA
Stepping into Bodie is like stepping back in time. The former gold-mining town is among the best-preserved ghost towns in America, with over 100 structures remaining. From the weathered wooden façades to abandoned artifacts of everyday life, Bodie provides a fascinating glimpse into the bygone era of the Wild West.
5. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA
Eastern State Penitentiary, with its formidable stone walls and vaulted, sky-lit cells, has an undeniably eerie presence. Its grand architecture, showing visible signs of decay, offers a wealth of unique photographic opportunities, creating starkly beautiful compositions of shadow and light.
6. Hashima Island, Japan
Also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), Hashima Island is an abandoned coal mining facility. With its crumbling concrete buildings and deserted infrastructure, Hashima presents a chilling dystopian landscape — a stark contrast to the country’s bustling cities.
7. Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Chile
Once thriving saltpeter refineries, Humberstone and Santa Laura now stand as ghostly relics in the harsh Atacama Desert. The preserved buildings against the stark desert landscape provide a compelling setting for capturing the solitude and beauty of abandonment.
8. Catacombs of Paris, France
A haunting labyrinth beneath the City of Lights, the Catacombs of Paris are an altogether different world. Once limestone quarries, these subterranean tunnels now hold the remains of millions of Parisians, transferred there in the late 18th century when overcrowded cemeteries became a public health risk. The carefully arranged skulls and bones lining the damp, dimly lit tunnels present a macabre yet fascinating tableau. As a photographer, the contrast between the tranquil silence and the visual echo of past lives creates a deeply compelling narrative. However, remember that this is a site of significant historical and emotional resonance — respect and sensitivity should guide your approach. It’s also worth noting that the Catacombs are a regulated site, and photography might require special permissions. Always check local guidelines before your visit.
9. Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Germany
The Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, a sprawling complex near Berlin, stands as a haunting testament to its past. Its decaying hallways, peeling paint, and overgrown vegetation offer photographers a wealth of opportunities to capture the eerie beauty of this deserted site.
10. Craco, Italy
Craco is a medieval ghost town abandoned due to natural disasters. Its beautifully preserved stone streets and buildings, overlooking the dramatic landscapes of southern Italy, make for a unique and captivating subject, offering photographers a journey back in time.
Leave No Trace
When photographing these sites, remember that many require permissions to visit and can be dangerous due to their state of decay. Always respect the laws and safety protocols, and above all, the history and stories these locations represent. While they might stand abandoned, through our lenses, they continue to live on, frozen in time, yet brimming with life.
Originally published at https://www.pixeoapp.com. PIXEO curates the world’s places to take pictures. Discover stunning photography spots at home or on the go with the PIXEO App.
