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Misty hills. Lonely forest roads. Plenty of vines, moss, and unkempt trees. And the cherry on top—a gorgeous abandoned building that radiates eeriness and grandeur in equal measure. That’s our dream home right there. Especially if the place looks haunted.

The ‘Abandoned World’ Facebook page captures this particular mood very well. The social media project celebrates beautiful abandoned buildings in all their decaying glory, and it shows us just how different everything looks when there’s not a soul (well, all right, not singlehuman being) around. Check out the best pics, remember to upvote your fave ones, and let us know in the comments which of these buildings you’d love to live in the most.

Before we dive deep into all the beautiful photos, let’s get one thing clear, Pandas. Going into abandoned buildings can be illegal. But above everything else: it can be incredibly dangerous. Prioritize your health and safety, always be prepared, never ever go alone, and don’t take any dumb risks. Adventuring is cool; getting stuck under rubble isn’t.

#1

The Beautiful Tree Transforming This Abandoned Place Into A Secret Garden, Ireland

The Beautiful Tree Transforming This Abandoned Place Into A Secret Garden, Ireland

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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Whitefox
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, an ancient yew tree!! This is Muckross Abbey in Killarney. "Take the yew that grows in the cloisters of Muckross Abbey near Killarney. It’s always assumed that the tree was planted by the Franciscans when they built the abbey in 1448, giving it an age of over 550 years. It’s much more likely the abbey was built around a tree that was already mature and well-established, making this tree a lot older. There’s plenty of evidence that in earlier times ecclesiastical sites were chosen on the basis that an old yew tree grew there." https://treeweaver59.home.blog/2020/07/11/the-yew-at-muckross-abbey-killarney/

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#2

Stairway To Heaven, The Ancient Inca Trail That Leads To Machu Picchu In Peru

Stairway To Heaven, The Ancient Inca Trail That Leads To Machu Picchu In Peru

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

#3

Polar Bears At An Abandoned Soviet Weather Station On Kolyuchin Island, Dmitry Kokh

Polar Bears At An Abandoned Soviet Weather Station On Kolyuchin Island, Dmitry Kokh

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Pandamonium
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Surprised the camera man got that close. Brave or foolish, you decide. Edit: I didn't even think about it being photographed from a distance. I'm a bit dense; I apologize.

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The ‘Abandoned World’ project has 336k followers, and it’s clear why they’re so popular: the photos they share are absolutely stunning. Whether or not you’re a huge fan of the whole Dark Academia aesthetic like we are, you can’t deny that the pictures practically ooze a spooky atmosphere.

For a moment, they transport us someplace else. A place where we’re seriously considering whether we could fix the place up and live in our dream home. Are the ghosts included in the price or do we have to pay extra for ‘em?

#4

An Abandoned House In Chicago Was Built In 1888

An Abandoned House In Chicago Was Built In 1888

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#5

Wreck Of The Ten Sails. Shipwreck Event Occurred Off The East End Of Grand Cayman On 8 February 1794

Wreck Of The Ten Sails. Shipwreck Event Occurred Off The East End Of Grand Cayman On 8 February 1794

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

Besides that burning desire to move in right away, we’re also confronted by a huge urge to explore these places. They look fantastic from the outside, but our curiosity wants us to take a step inside and see what secrets we might uncover.

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Playing Dungeons & Dragons satisfies most of our adventuring needs, but there also comes a time when you just really want to explore a castle like a real-life hero. That’s where urban exploration comes into play. Also known as urbex or UE, the name pretty much says it all: you explore abandoned urban places. It can be super illegal (depending on the country and the particular building) and very dangerous, so you’ve got to be aware of a few things.

#7

Framed With Trees, The Door Of This Medieval Sanctuary Looks Like A Portal To A Mythical Realm. St Edward's Church, Stow-On-The-Wold (England)

Framed With Trees, The Door Of This Medieval Sanctuary Looks Like A Portal To A Mythical Realm. St Edward's Church, Stow-On-The-Wold (England)

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#8

Nature Taking Over

Nature Taking Over

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#9

Marton Mogyorosy Lake Iseo, Italy!

Marton Mogyorosy Lake Iseo, Italy!

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Toni Epple
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Isola di Loreto in Lake Iseo, it's beautiful, but not abandoned. https://www.visitmonteisola.it/en/cosa-fare-lago-iseo-monte-isola/islet-of-loreto/

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Look, the fact of the matter is that you have to respect the law. You might be trespassing on someone else’s property, even if that property might be overgrown, crumbling, and nobody’s taken care of it for decades and decades. Be aware that you might have to deal with law enforcement. Stay polite. Be respectful. Apologize. Understand that they’re worried about your safety as well.

#10

The Bridge To Roslin Castle. Midlothian, Scotland

The Bridge To Roslin Castle. Midlothian, Scotland

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Pandamonium
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely breathtaking. Love the soft sunlight shining through.

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#11

An 800-Year-Old Church In Borgund, Norway, Made Entirely From Wood Without A Single Nail

An 800-Year-Old Church In Borgund, Norway, Made Entirely From Wood Without A Single Nail

Borgund Stave Church was built sometime between 1180 and 1250 AD with later additions and restorations. Its walls are formed by vertical wooden boards, or staves, hence the name "stave church"
The church is part of the Borgund parish in the Indre Sogn deanery in the Diocese of Bjørgvin. No longer regularly used for church functions, it is now a museum run by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments

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#12

The Entrance Gate To An Abandoned Mansion In Poland

The Entrance Gate To An Abandoned Mansion In Poland

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‘Jetset Times’ suggests getting the right gear. Start off by getting some proper footwear. You’ll encounter a lot of dirty, filthy, mucky places, so get yourself some sturdy, waterproof shoes. Abandoned places are, obviously, abandoned, so you’ll need light as well. Bring a spare flashlight and some extra batteries just in case.

#13

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Located On The East Coast Of Caithness, Scotland

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Located On The East Coast Of Caithness, Scotland

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Rachknits
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to drive passed this on my way to work every day. So beautiful, especially during sunrise

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#14

A 14th Century Abandoned Castle In Scotland

A 14th Century Abandoned Castle In Scotland

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Pandamonium
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can just imagine the silence here; nothing but the sound of the water. Must be amazing.

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#15

The Incline, Manitou Springs, Colorado!

The Incline, Manitou Springs, Colorado!

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Penny Hernandez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rocky should have run up these stairs. Now THAT would have been impressive.

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Smalltoid
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would have been seriously impressive. I'm a seasoned distance runner, and I got about 1/4 of the way up before I started walking. After about half way, some parts are so steep that you are practically climbing with your hands. https://photos.app.goo.gl/UkffbzLf8wSn5pcB6

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Smalltoid
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same. Hiked this a few months back. It's actually very popular and requires you to schedule the climb ahead of time so that the steps don't get too crowded.

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Peeka_Mimi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Howdy Neighbor! I'm in North Aurora near Anschutz, Children's, and the VA.

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v
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How the hell did this make it onto someone's abandoned list? The cog railway is no longer there but it's still in use as a hiking trail.

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CelticElff
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS IS NOT ABANDONED!! People hike the Incline daily. Very popular to do around sunrise, too. We live here.

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Beth Price-Almeida
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd never walk again! Probably fall back down them (assuming I made it up!)

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Tom Christman
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I rode the cable car (one going up as the other went down). On the day I rode is, the electricity was out and the standby Detroit Diesel 6-110 engine powering the hydraulic pump was running the cable. It was a bit jerky starting, but went straight up. It was rather harrowing considering there was one cable on the sled that sat about 20 people. It's no wonder it isn't in use anymore.

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nancy miller
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember when this was a cog train ride up the mountain. Beautiful scenery. What a shame they turned it into a walking trail.

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Tommy Hagey
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the air force Academy boys and girls do this sometimes running. But it's not abandon so not sure why it's on a post of abandoned places

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April Pickett
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd picture the other way, from the bottom up to the top. There's no way I could take this photograph.

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Lakota Hanson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have walked that trail a few times and yes it gets very steep, but beautiful

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Smarty Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a desire to conquer this if my disability ever goes away 😍

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CalmAndCollected
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not abandoned at all... It is a super popular hiking trail now that was redone in the last few years

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Meanwhile, be sure that you’re never exploring these spots alone. Have at least one person go on the adventure with you. That way, you can help each other or call for help if one of you gets injured. What’s more, when you’ve got someone else besides you, they can help you avoid any potentially risky areas. Two sets of eyes really are better than just one.

#17

The Most Isolated Lighthouse In The World, Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse, Perched Atop A Rock Pillar In The Westman Islands, Off The Coast Of Iceland

The Most Isolated Lighthouse In The World, Þrídrangaviti Lighthouse, Perched Atop A Rock Pillar In The Westman Islands, Off The Coast Of Iceland

Sits about forty meters above the raging Atlantic Ocean, was built in 1939

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#18

Drain Pipe In The Castle Of Pierrefonds In France

Drain Pipe In The Castle Of Pierrefonds In France

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

You can expect a lot of creaky, rotten floors, as well as unstable walls, and broken windows inside, as you’re walking, crawling, and squeezing through tight fits during your exploration. It’s worth repeating: your safety is paramount. Don’t take silly risks when don’t need to. Look for alternative paths. When in doubt, take the safest route. You’re one bad step away from turning your urban adventure into an urban nightmare, so stay focused.

#19

Found In India, 5000 Years Old, Made From A Single Rock

Found In India, 5000 Years Old, Made From A Single Rock

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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Bb8
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not 5000 years old. It's from 8th century so 1270 years old (approx) it's a temple https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vettuvan_Koil

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#20

Palmenti Of Pietragalla, Small Caves In Italy Which Were Used For Processing And Fermentation Of Grapes

Palmenti Of Pietragalla, Small Caves In Italy Which Were Used For Processing And Fermentation Of Grapes

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Pandamonium
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you imagine living here and having someone mow the grass above your house? The noise! 😣 Edit: Formerly used for fermenting grapes, got it. I really need to read the caption before commenting sometimes lmao.

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#21

Castello Di Sammezzano, Italy

Castello Di Sammezzano, Italy

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Barong
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's Sammezzano Castle, Located in Tuscany Italy. It's had an interesting history and is even more beautiful inside. https://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/sammezzano-castle/

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Meanwhile, the ‘Killer Urbex’ site urges new explorers to start off by doing their research about the building. Find out when it was abandoned, what the general layout and state of the place is like. The better prepared you are in advance, the more dangers you can avoid. Part of your research will undoubtedly be to take a good long read through your local area’s trespassing laws.

#22

A Roman Mosaic Floor Has Been Discovered Under A Vineyard In Northern Italy After Decades Of Searching

A Roman Mosaic Floor Has Been Discovered Under A Vineyard In Northern Italy After Decades Of Searching

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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Karen Grace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how big of an area it covers. Looks like being buried like that has helped preserve it. It's beautiful.

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Though many of us might be raring to run off and explore pretty much every forlorn and God-forsaken place we can get our gloved hands on (remember to pack a pair of really thick gloves, Pandas), beginners really ought to take it slow and steady.

#25

The Real Dracula's Castle Abandoned, Romania Photo Taken In 1920s

The Real Dracula's Castle Abandoned, Romania Photo Taken In 1920s

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#26

A Forgotten Masterpiece In An Abandoned Mansion

A Forgotten Masterpiece In An Abandoned Mansion

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#27

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

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Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This photo doesn’t do it justice, I’ve painted this for art class and it’s lovely.

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Start your urbex journey by going to some (perhaps haunted) residences or warehouses, instead of (most definitely haunted) mines and sewers. Build up your experience bit by bit. Don’t try to run before you can even crawl. And even then—safety first!

Aside from your gloves, boots, flashlights, and batteries, you should also bring some water, a first-aid kit, a fully-charged cellphone, as well as a respirator (to keep the asbestos, mold, and dust out of your lungs).

#29

Ballymarkahan Castle In County Clare, Ireland

Ballymarkahan Castle In County Clare, Ireland

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Cuppa tea?
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ireland is dotted with abandoned castles and church ruins. There is one almost every 20 minutes of drive away from previous.

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#30

Beautiful Abandoned Miners' Cottages In A Disused Slate Quarry In Snowdonia, North Wales

Beautiful Abandoned Miners' Cottages In A Disused Slate Quarry In Snowdonia, North Wales

The quarry closed in 1969 due to industry decline and because 170-years of working the site resulted in waste tips sliding into the main pit workings

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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Deborah Harris
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Note that not one roof has slate on it, no doubt stripped by the locals and sold on x

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Let someone you trust know where you (and your friend!) will be going… and learn to trust your gut. If you feel like something’s way too risky or doesn’t look right, take a step back, regroup, and consider cutting the outing short. Heck, even if you don’t go inside, you can snap some truly gorgeous photos of the exterior. Photos definitely worth sharing!

#31

This Is What 2022 Is Starting To Look Like

This Is What 2022 Is Starting To Look Like

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#32

Abandoned Castle In Belgium!

Abandoned Castle In Belgium!

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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Darren Fusellier
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Abandoned!!! If that's the case, I'll take it, that place is epic, I want a castle dammit

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#34

Carleton Island Villa Is An Abandoned Mansion Located On Carleton Island, In Upstate New York

Carleton Island Villa Is An Abandoned Mansion Located On Carleton Island, In Upstate New York

It was built by architect William Miller in 1894 for William O. Wyckoff, who made his fortune helping the Remington Arms Company develop a typewriter

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

#35

The Medieval Eltz Castle Located In Wierschem, Germany, Has Been Owned And Occupied By The Same Family For Over 850 Years

The Medieval Eltz Castle Located In Wierschem, Germany, Has Been Owned And Occupied By The Same Family For Over 850 Years

33 generations to be exact

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

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#39

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

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Amanda Rose
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

World Discoverer - A cruise ship that struck a underwater object and then was intentionally sunk in 2000 due to the extensive damage.

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#41

Abandoned Chateau

Abandoned Chateau

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Pandamonium
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you imagine the view of this at night with the fog rolling behind it? Spooky! 😱

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#42

Rocca Calascio, L'aquila, Italy

Rocca Calascio, L'aquila, Italy

Rocca Calascio is one of the most beautiful fortresses in the world according to the prestigious international magazine National Geographic.

The fortress of Rocca Calascio, located at 1460 meters above sea level, is among the highest fortifications in Italy and dominates the Tirino valley and the Navelli plain from this height. Its system was exclusively for military use and is characterized by the ability with which it manages to merge with the impervious surrounding area, from which it is not conditioned at all; it is evident that his is an absolutely favorable position from a defensive point of view. The structure, in very white stone, has a square plan: at the corners it has four cylindrical towers considerably sloping and a square keep in the center, which constitutes the innermost military defense body of the castle.

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

#43

Abandoned Hashima Island, Japan

Abandoned Hashima Island, Japan

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Amanda Rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Forced labor island (coal mining, if I remember correctly). Used heavily during WWII.

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#44

Volkswagen Graveyard

Volkswagen Graveyard

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PickleRick
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a shame. I hope someone plucked a few of these for restorations.

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#45

A Throne Carved Into A Tree Trunk In Kendal, England

A Throne Carved Into A Tree Trunk In Kendal, England

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Robert T
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The carvings supposedly relate to the Parr family (Catherine Parr, one of Henry VIII's wives, lived in Kendal). The sculpture is in a park just below the castle, at the top of the appropriately named Parr Street. Ironically the castle is an abandoned ruin that should feature in this list. The sculture looks like it was done around 2012. Here is the article from the local paper: https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/9565017.andy-is-king-of-the-wood-carvers-sculpting-his-talent-at-kendals-fletcher-park/

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#46

Abandoned Beach House In North Carolina

Abandoned Beach House In North Carolina

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#47

Sintra

Sintra

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#48

Estonia, Former Rummu Prison

Estonia, Former Rummu Prison

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#49

Abandoned Castle

Abandoned Castle

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Mattie Robert
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is in France, near Bordeaux. It's been nicknamed Château Bidet for the number of bathroom appliances found inside

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#50

The Airlie Monument Stands 65 Feet Tall On Tulloch Hill In Angus, Scotland

The Airlie Monument Stands 65 Feet Tall On Tulloch Hill In Angus, Scotland

AbandoneedWorld.UK Report

Note: this post originally had 102 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.