Across the world, bustling towns and vibrant metropolises have been left eerily deserted, some seemingly overnight. These abandoned cities, which were once vibrant communities, now offer a glimpse into the past—and historic sites as such are both a photographer’s paradise and a potential tourist’s haunting experience. Whether nestled in lush forests or barren deserts, these towns bear the scars of time, showcasing human ingenuity while reminding us of the inevitability of decay. Yet, in their state of disrepair, these places have the power to captivate and unsettle us in equal measure. Below, we explore 10 of the most breathtaking abandoned cities and towns worldwide, each telling its own hauntingly beautiful story.
Old Town Al-‘Ula, Medina, Saudi Arabia
Nestled in the sun-drenched deserts of northwest Saudi Arabia, the enigmatic Old Town Al-’Ula is characterized by its winding alleys and ancient mud-brick houses. This once-bustling town, a vital stop on the Incense Route over 2,000 years ago, thrived as a haven for traders and pilgrims. That was, until the modernization that the ’80s ushered in lured the town’s residents away. Drawn to new homes with better amenities, they left behind a town frozen in time, its empty houses and narrow streets a reminder of a once bustling community. Today, efforts are underway to turn this historical gem into a tourism destination, including the transformation of 30 mud-brick houses into the new Dar Tantora The House Hotel.
Al Jazira Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Just 90 minutes north of Dubai, in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, is Al Jazira Al Hamra, a ghost town with roots stretching back to the early 14th century. Once a thriving pearl-fishing and trading village, the site is now defined by crumbling coral and mud-brick houses, silent mosques, and abandoned marketplaces. It paints a vivid picture of life before the oil boom, which consequently saw villagers abandon the town in the 1960s, leaving behind a perfectly preserved snapshot of traditional Emirati life.
Villa Epecuén, Imereti, Argentina
In 1985, Villa Epecuén vanished beneath the waters of a swelling lake in Argentina’s Imereti region. The the once-thriving lakeside resort town was immediately submerged under 33 feet of water. For more than two decades, its streets and structures were preserved in underwater silence, only emerging from obscurity in the early 2000s, when the waters surrounding it began to recede. Today, it stands as a haunting testament to the interplay of human ambition and nature’s relentless force.
Tskaltubo, Georgia
Celebrated for its healing mineral springs and luxurious Soviet-era sanatoriums, Tskaltubo now lies silently amidst Georgia’s verdant landscapes. This town once attracted visitors seeking both health and indulgence, its opulent halls a testament to the town’s status as a premier health resort destination. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s brought an abrupt end to Tskaltubo’s golden age. With economic upheaval came neglect, and the once-glamorous sanatoriums and baths fell into disrepair. Today, Tskaltubo’s grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty.
Al-Madam, Sharjah, UAE
Al-Madam was rendered economically isolated due to the construction of modern highways. Photo: Getty Images
In Sharjah’s desert landscape lies Al-Madam, a haunting reminder of a once-thriving desert community. Established in the 1970s, Al-Madam was conceived as a governmental modernization effort aimed at reshaping the landscape during the unification of the seven emirates. Featuring 12 modest homes and a mosque at its core, the village was once a hub of Bedouin life and commerce. It was eventually swallowed by sand after being abandoned in the 1990s, leaving behind a collection of half-buried homes, shops, and mosques, crafted from mud and bricks—a testament to traditional Emirati architecture.
Tianducheng, Shanghai, China
Tianducheng might mimic Paris, but its ghostly streets tell a different story. Built in the early 2000s with ambitious plans to replicate the French city’s elegance and charm, this replica city now stands frozen in time and empty. Its wide boulevards and pastel-coloured buildings were seemingly abandoned as attention and resources were diverted away from Tianducheng. What was intended to be a bustling hub of residential and commercial life has now been gently reclaimed by nature, including its scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Kennecott, Alaska, US
With rusted machinery and derelict buildings, the quiet silhouette of Kennecott’s faded crimson facades are all that remains of this town weathered by harsh Alaskan winters. Kennecott was once a thriving mining town that buzzed with activity in the early 20th century, providing comfort and community to hundreds of residents. Its rich copper mines drew people from far and wide, fueling dreams of prosperity. However, as the mines depleted and resources shifted, the town was gradually abandoned, leaving behind an eerie stillness. Today, abandoned and reclaimed by nature, it is preserved as a ghost town that once helped electrify the US.
Crystal Palace Subway, London
Hidden beneath the streets of London, the Crystal Palace Subway is a Victorian foot tunnel and a relic of a bygone era. Opened in 1865 alongside the ‘High Level’ railway station, the subterranean maze features include ornate design elements, including a grand Italianate facade. This was meant to reflect the grandeur of the Crystal Palace, an iron-and-glass structure in Hyde Park, London, built to house the 1851 Great Exhibition. Therefore, it was intended to impress visitors, though its importance waned after the Crystal Palace burned down in 1936—which lead to the station’s closure in 1954. Restoration work is now underway, led by conservation architect Thomas Ford & Partners, aiming to revive this hidden gem.
Craco, Matera, Italy
With architecture defined by its distinctive shapes and sturdy materials, Craco’s roots reflect a blend of medieval Italian style and Norman influences. From its fortified walls to the intricately carved details on doorways and windows, the town’s architectural legacy tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship and, ultimately, abandonment. Like many abandoned hubs, Craco faced its demise due to a series of natural disasters—including landslides in 1963, a flood in 1972, and an earthquake in 1980—which made the area unsafe for inhabitants, leading to the complete evacuation of the town.
Mandu, Madhya Pradesh, India
Jahaz Mahal in Mandu looks like something out of an explorer movie set. Photo: Universal Images Group / Getty Images
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, Mandu is a treasure trove of cultural richness and architectural splendor. This ancient city traces its roots back centuries as a formidable fortress retreat. Once a thriving centre of Afghan architecture and royal grandeur, Mandu’s palaces and mosques now stand frozen in time, their intricate designs and artistic embellishments weathered by centuries of abandonment. The overgrown gardens and crumbling facades set the stage for a history of shifting powers and political upheaval that led to Mandu’s eventual decline.
Credit: Architectural Digest
