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While deserted regions may seem bleak and lifeless, they often hold unexpected beauty. As humans depart, nature reclaims these spaces, turning shipwrecks into submerged forests and transforming old Italian flour mills into thriving green sanctuaries.
Nature’s touch often enhances the allure of decaying relics, making them more fascinating than ever. Empty structures are gradually consumed by vegetation and, in some instances, the earth itself, leaving behind only subtle hints of human existence. We’ve uncovered ten such abandoned sites where nature has taken over, offering a rare look into a world untouched by humanity.
10. Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The Ta Prohm temple stands as one of the most renowned and expansive structures unearthed at Angkor Wat. Its crumbling walls are now embraced by sprawling tree roots. Built in the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this Buddhist temple is now largely inaccessible due to the massive banyan tree roots that have woven through its walls and the uneven terrain.
Ta Prohm remains accessible to visitors, who can explore its courtyards. Certain areas, like the iconic Crocodile Tree (featured in Tomb Raider), have been cordoned off for preservation. The temple showcases the incredible architectural prowess of the Ancient Khmer empire. Today, the jungle has nearly consumed the structure, with roots and vegetation intertwining with its ancient walls.
9. The Town of San Juan Parangaricutiro, Mexico
The ruins of a church mark the location where San Juan Parangaricutiro once flourished before being buried by lava and ash from the Paricutin Volcano, one of the world’s youngest volcanoes, in Michoacan, Mexico. Similar to the destruction of Herculaneum and Pompeii by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the 1943 eruption of Paricutin wiped out the town it was named after, along with San Juan Parangaricutiro.
Unlike the deadly eruption of Vesuvius, the Paricutin eruption caused no fatalities. Residents evacuated safely before the lava engulfed the village days later. Today, the site is a tourist destination, with the church’s bell tower, facade, and altar standing amidst a lava-covered landscape. Locals still visit to light candles and pray at these surviving remnants.
8. New World Shopping Mall, Bangkok, Thailand
The crumbling and abandoned New World Mall, located in Bangkok’s Bang Lam Phu district, was constructed in the early 1980s. However, it operated for only 15 years before shutting down permanently. Its downfall was attributed to a series of misfortunes, including fires, structural collapses, and the unauthorized construction of additional floors. The mall’s height, which exceeded that of the nearby Grand Palace, sparked outrage among locals, as it violated the cultural taboo of building structures taller than this revered historical site.
Following the partial demolition of its upper levels, which left the building roofless, the ground floor became a flooded area spanning nearly 465 square meters (5,000 square feet). This stagnant water led to a severe mosquito infestation, posing a significant health risk to the community. To address the issue, vendors and residents introduced fish into the water to control the mosquito population. Over time, the fish thrived, creating an unusual ecosystem that included around 3,000 koi, striped catfish, mango fish, and other species.
The tale of the “abandoned fish mall” gained global attention around 2015, attracting widespread interest. However, due to safety concerns, the fish were eventually removed using nets, and plans were made to drain the flooded area.
7. Ross Island Penal Colony, India
The Nicobar and Andaman Islands consist of more than 500 small islands, one of which is Ross Island. In the 1850s, British authorities in India transformed the island into a penal colony, primarily to incarcerate prisoners from the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Alongside establishing the prison, the British designated Ross Island as the administrative hub for the island group, constructing various facilities and residences to support this role.
A massive earthquake struck the region in 1941, claiming the lives of thousands of residents. During World War II, the Japanese seized control of the island, leveraging its strategic location as a military stronghold. They constructed bunkers for defense, but after the war, the island was returned to India. Today, Ross Island is under the jurisdiction of the Indian Navy. Once bustling with activity, it now stands abandoned, engulfed by dense jungle vegetation.
6. The Town of Kolmanskop, Namibia
In the early 1900s, German mining companies arrived in a remote part of the Kalahari Desert, near a small railway station just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Namibia’s coast. The settlement of Kolmanskop emerged from the sands and, by 1912, was producing 12% of the world’s diamonds, during Namibia’s period of German colonization. The modest mining town transformed into a showcase of European architecture, complete with a music hall and an elegant pub.
When richer diamond deposits were discovered further south, the prospectors abandoned the town, and the desert sands began to reclaim it. The arid, windy climate of the Namibian desert caused the sand to shift constantly. Between 1955 and the 1960s, the last residents departed, leaving the charming town to be swallowed by sandstorms. Over time, the intricately designed buildings filled with sand, leaving behind only remnants of a once-thriving era, now buried beneath the dunes.
5. The Valley of Mills, Sorrento, Italy
Italy is often celebrated for its breathtaking architecture, exquisite wines, remarkable art, and picturesque coastal towns. While Vernazza, Sperlonga, and Scilla are well-known, Sorrento remains a hidden gem for many. Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is also famous as the origin of the delightful liqueur, Limoncello. Beyond its popular attractions, the town boasts lesser-known treasures that are equally captivating.
Just a short walk from Sorrento’s main square lies a historic abandoned flour and sawmill. The stone structures of Il Vallone dei Mulini, or the Valley of Mills, once the center of the region’s pasta production, are now engulfed by dense vegetation. The mill’s enchanting charm is undeniable, with plants overtaking its staircases, pathways, and the mill itself. The wild vines and ferns create a fairy-tale-like ambiance, evoking a sense of mystery and forgotten tales.
4. The Fishing Village of Houtouwan, China
The fishing village of Houtouwan is situated on an island in the Shengsi archipelago, less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Shanghai. In the 1990s, residents began to leave, and within 30 years, the village was completely reclaimed by nature. Surprisingly, it was once home to 3,000 people, but as seafood resources dwindled, fishermen relocated their families to the mainland. Some later returned to guide tourists through the abandoned village.
Today, only intrepid travelers visit the island. They explore the crumbling houses, which often feel like museums, filled with remnants of the past such as furniture and household items. However, locals have posted warning signs as some structures are unsafe to enter, with vegetation accelerating their decay.
3. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
In April 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) released a radioactive cloud that spread across Europe. This event remains the worst nuclear disaster in history. Nearly 350,000 people were hastily evacuated from the exclusion zone surrounding the plant, leaving homes, workplaces, and classrooms frozen in time.
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has gained significant attention, especially after HBO’s gripping portrayal of the disaster and its aftermath. Among the world’s abandoned places, the deserted town of Pripyat stands out. Opened to the public in April 2019, the exclusion zone is now a unique destination. Despite its tragic history, the area teems with wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes, wolves, and over 200 bird species. Plants and vegetation have reclaimed the streets and buildings, proving nature’s resilience.
2. The Ghost Village of Kayakoy, Turkey
Kayakoy, a small village near the resorts of Olu Deniz and Fethiye, now lies in ruins, its streets empty and houses crumbling. However, in the early 19th century, it was a thriving community with schools, churches, shops, and businesses. What makes Kayakoy’s history unique is the peaceful coexistence of Turks and Greeks within the village. Despite differences in beliefs and education, the two groups lived harmoniously, focused on building a prosperous life together.
Kayakoy’s decline was shaped by a series of historical events, including the aftermath of World War I, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and Greece’s attempt to annex Anatolia. The decisive blow came with the signing of the Turkish-Greek Population Exchange Treaty, which mandated the deportation of Greek Christians from Turkey and Muslim Turks from Greece. After an earthquake struck, the last remaining residents abandoned the village. Kayakoy’s inhabitants became casualties of political maneuvering by powerful forces, a tragic pattern still seen in many parts of the world today.
1. Carbide Willson Ruins, Quebec, Canada
While many visitors to Gatineau Park recognize the Carbide Willson ruins, few know the story of their creator. Thomas Leopold “Carbide” Willson, born in 1860 in Woodstock, Ontario, was a pioneer in the electrochemical industry, holding more than 70 patents. He earned his nickname “Carbide” after discovering a method for producing calcium carbide in the United States in 1892. This breakthrough was the result of a fortunate series of events.
Although Carbide acquired land in the early 1900s, his construction project was left unfinished due to his untimely death. Today, only the skeletal remains of the structure stand, offering a glimpse of what might have been. The empty window frames are now entwined with the park’s lush vegetation, and a nearby waterfall adds to the sense of nature reclaiming the site.
