Buzz
The Ghost City – a dystopian muse for filmmakers and writers alike, captivating audiences for decades. Few experiences are as striking as exploring a forsaken urban landscape, a theme embraced by creators across various mediums. From the 1948 western 'Yellow Sky' featuring Gregory Peck to the desolate streets of London in Danny Boyle’s '28 Days Later,' the allure of abandonment is undeniable. The eerie atmosphere of the 90’s video game 'Silent Hill' and the bleak, post-apocalyptic world of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'The Road' further highlight this fascination. Abandonment serves as a powerful setting, enriching stories in film, literature, and beyond.
This fascination is rooted in reality. Ghost towns are prevalent across the Americas, particularly in the Central and Southern regions. Studies indicate that Kansas alone is home to approximately 6,000 deserted settlements. What drives such widespread abandonment? Key factors include dwindling natural resources and the rerouting of transportation networks like roads and railways. Disasters, both natural and man-made, also play a significant role. Pattonsburg, Missouri, exemplifies this. After enduring over 30 floods since its establishment in 1845, residents abandoned the town following two devastating floods in 1993. With government assistance, the community relocated three miles away, creating New Pattonsburg and leaving the original town to become a ghost town.
This subject captivates me deeply. Below, I present my top ten most intriguing abandoned places worldwide, complete with vivid descriptions and images. My goal is to bridge the gap between reality and the often fictionalized portrayal of abandonment, transforming real-life locations into cinematic backdrops. Dive in and enjoy the journey!
10. Bodie, California
Established in 1876, Bodie stands as a genuine American ghost town. Initially a modest mining community, its fortunes soared with the discovery of nearby mines, drawing thousands of prospectors. By 1880, Bodie's population had swelled to nearly 10,000, reflecting its rapid growth. At its zenith, the town's main street featured 65 saloons, and a thriving Chinatown housed hundreds of Chinese residents.
However, the depletion of resources led to its decline. Despite a significant reduction in prominence, Bodie maintained a small population for much of the 20th century, even after a devastating fire in 1932 destroyed much of its downtown area. Today, Bodie is uninhabited. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and became Bodie State Historic Park in 1962 as the last residents departed.
Presently, Bodie is maintained in a state of arrested decay, with only a portion of the town still standing. Visitors can explore its empty streets and buildings, where interiors remain untouched, filled with original goods. While Bodie is accessible year-round, the road leading to it is often closed in winter due to heavy snow, making summer the ideal time for a visit.
9. San Zhi, Taiwan
This entry takes a more contemporary turn. Located in northern Taiwan, the abandoned pod village in San Zhi was originally designed as an upscale vacation destination for the wealthy. However, a series of fatal accidents during construction led to the project's suspension. Financial constraints and waning interest resulted in its permanent abandonment, leaving behind futuristic, alien-like structures that now stand as eerie memorials to the lives lost. Local legends even claim the site is haunted by the spirits of those who perished.
Following these events, the project was shrouded in secrecy. The government, which had commissioned the development, sought to distance itself from the strange occurrences. As a result, no architects were officially credited. The growing myths surrounding the site make it unlikely that construction will ever resume, and redeveloping the area for other purposes holds little appeal. Some believe it’s best to leave the homes of restless spirits undisturbed. For an aerial perspective of San Zhi, you can view it here.
8. Varosha, Cyprus
Varosha, located in the Turkish-occupied city of Famagusta, Cyprus, was once a thriving tourist hub and a symbol of luxury. However, in 1974, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus led to its abrupt abandonment. Residents fled, anticipating a quick return, but the area was sealed off by the Turkish military with barbed wire. To this day, access is restricted to only Turkish forces and UN officials. The once-vibrant buildings now crumble with time. On a brighter note, the deserted beaches have become a nesting ground for rare sea turtles.
The Annan Plan proposed returning Varosha to Greek Cypriot control, but after Greek Cypriot voters rejected the proposal, this transfer never occurred. However, efforts are ongoing, with both governments collaborating to restore Varosha to its former glory. Laxia Inc. has already designed three conceptual hotel complexes, and by 2010, the de facto 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' plans to reopen Varosha to tourists, reviving its once-thriving appeal.
7. Gunkanjima, Japan
Hashima Island (??; meaning Border Island) is one of 505 uninhabited islands in Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture, located about 15 kilometers from Nagasaki. Commonly referred to as 'Gunkan-jima' or Battleship Island due to its imposing sea walls, the island gained prominence in 1890 when Mitsubishi purchased it to extract coal from beneath the ocean. This venture drew significant attention, leading to the construction of Japan's first large concrete building in 1916—a residential block designed to house workers and shield them from hurricanes.
By 1959, the island's population had surged, reaching a density of 835 people per hectare overall (1,391 per hectare in the residential area)—one of the highest population densities ever recorded globally. However, as Japan shifted from coal to petroleum in the 1960s, coal mines nationwide began closing, including those on Hashima. Mitsubishi officially shut down the mine in 1974, leaving the island deserted and off-limits to visitors. Hashima served as a filming location for the 2003 movie 'Battle Royale II' and inspired the final level of the popular video game 'Killer7'.
6. Balestrino, Italy
Balestrino presents a unique mystery, as finding reliable information about its abandonment has proven challenging. The town's origins are unclear, though records trace its existence back to before the 11th century when it was owned by the Benedictine abbey of San Pietro dei Monti. The upper section features a castle (belonging to the Marquis), while the lower area is home to a parish church (Sant’Andrea). Population records from around 1860 indicate approximately 800-850 residents, primarily farmers who cultivated olive trees on the fertile landscape.
In the late 19th century, a series of earthquakes struck Italy's North-West coast. A significant quake in 1887 (magnitude 6.7) devastated parts of Savona, and while no official records confirm damage to Balestrino, the timing aligns with extensive repairs and a population decline. By 1953, the town was abandoned due to 'geological instability,' with the remaining 400 residents relocated to safer areas west of the original site. The abandoned section of Balestrino, untouched for over 50 years, is now being considered for redevelopment. Meanwhile, around 500 people reside in the newer part of the town, located about a kilometer away.
5. Katoli World, Taiwan
Stepping away from abandoned residential sites, let’s explore something reminiscent of Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning film 'Spirited Away.' Fans will recall the family discovering an old, deserted theme park early in the movie—a park built in the 1980s that fell into obscurity. This scenario is surprisingly common in Asia, where numerous amusement parks have been left to decay. Here’s one such example, though its closure was prompted by reasons beyond financial failure.
Katoli World, located in the Dakeng Scenic area near Taichung, Taiwan, opened in the mid-1980s and gained modest popularity as one of the few theme parks on the island featuring rollercoasters (two, to be exact). However, a devastating earthquake on September 21, 1999, forced its closure. While thousands lost their lives in the disaster, no one was harmed in the park as it struck after operating hours. Extensive damage rendered the park inoperable, and what was once a hub of joy and laughter now slowly succumbs to rust and decay.
4. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia’s history began in 1841 when Johnathan Faust established Bull’s Head Tavern, and the town was officially incorporated in 1866. For over a century, the anthracite coal industry thrived as the primary source of employment. However, by the 1960s, most coal companies had shut down. Tragedy struck in 1962 when a routine garbage burn ignited an exposed coal vein, sparking an underground fire that still burns today. Efforts to extinguish the flames failed, and the fire persisted through the 1960s and 1970s, causing health issues for residents due to carbon monoxide emissions.
The severity of the situation became evident in 1979 when a gas station recorded fuel temperatures of 172°F (77.8°C). The crisis gained national attention in 1981 after a 12-year-old narrowly escaped death when a 150-foot-deep sinkhole opened beneath him. In 1984, $42 million was allocated for relocating residents, with most moving to nearby towns like Mount Carmel and Ashland. By 1992, Pennsylvania condemned all homes in Centralia, reducing the population from over 1,000 in 1981 to just a few remaining residents, primarily clergy. The fire continues to burn and is expected to last another 250 years.
3. Craco, Italy
Nestled in the Basilicata Region within the Province of Matera, Craco lies approximately 25 miles from the Gulf of Taranto, situated at the arch of Italy's iconic 'boot.' This ancient medieval town, surrounded by rolling hills, is characteristic of the region, offering fertile grounds for cultivating wheat and various other crops. Its history traces back to 1060, when Archbishop Arnaldo, Bishop of Tricarico, held the land. Over centuries, the town's deep ties with the Church significantly shaped the lives and culture of its residents.
By 1891, Craco was home to more than 2,000 residents. However, harsh agricultural conditions led to significant hardships. From 1892 to 1922, over 1,300 individuals left the town for North America. The challenges of farming were compounded by natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides, as well as the impact of war, all of which fueled this large-scale exodus. Between 1959 and 1972, the town faced recurring landslides and seismic activity. In 1963, the last 1,800 residents were relocated to Craco Peschiera, a nearby valley, leaving the original Craco in a state of abandonment and gradual ruin.
Contributor: JediMoonShyne
2. Pripyat, Ukraine
Pripyat, a deserted city in Ukraine's Kiev Oblast, lies within the Zone of Alienation near the Belarus border. Once housing approximately 50,000 residents, primarily workers from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the city was evacuated following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster due to radiation risks. For years, Pripyat stood as a time capsule of Soviet life, but by the early 21st century, it was extensively looted, with even the smallest items like toilet seats taken.
The city remains uninhabitable for the foreseeable future, and it will take decades before it is deemed safe for redevelopment. Initially, concerns were raised about the power plant's proximity to Kiev, with plans to build it just 25 km away, posing potential risks to the capital. After extensive discussions, the decision was made to construct Chernobyl and Pripyat 100 km from Kiev, a choice that ultimately proved prudent.
1. Yashima, Japan
Yashima, a striking plateau northeast of Takamatsu, Shikoku's second-largest city, extends into the sea and is visible in the fifth photo below. It is historically significant as the site of a pivotal battle on March 22, 1185, during the Genpei War. The plateau's summit is home to Yashima Temple, a key destination for Shikoku pilgrims. While this temple attracts visitors, the plateau itself remains an underappreciated natural wonder, despite its rich history.
During Japan's economic boom in the mid-1980s, Takamatsu residents saw Yashima as a prime location for tourism development. Significant investments were made, resulting in the construction of six hotels, parks, trails, and even an aquarium. However, enthusiasm waned as the nearby rock quarry diminished the area's appeal. Visitor numbers plummeted, leading to financial losses and the closure of hotels, shops, and the cable car that once transported tourists to the plateau's summit.
