The phenomenon of abandoned villages being transformed into tourist destinations
represents a fascinating intersection of preservation and reinvention. These once-forgotten places have been given a second chance at life, drawing visitors worldwide to experience their unique histories and atmospheric charm.
Craco, Italy
The medieval village of Craco clings dramatically to the cliffs of southern Italy’s
Basilicata region. In 1963, an earthquake and landslides forced residents to abandon
this 8th-century settlement, leaving behind a haunting collection of centuries-old
buildings.
Today, the ghost town welcomes thousands of visitors annually who explore its partially restored structures and learn about its rich history through guided tours.
Houtouwan, China
This former fishing village on Shengshan Island has been reclaimed by nature in the
most stunning way imaginable. After residents left in the 1990s due to limited access
to education and food, lush vegetation gradually consumed the buildings.
Now, photographers and tourists flock to witness the ethereal sight of ivy-covered houses that seem to merge with the surrounding landscape.
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Kolmanskop, Namibia
Once a prosperous diamond mining town in the Namib Desert, Kolmanskop was
abandoned in the 1950s when the precious stones ran out. The desert has slowly
begun to reclaim the German colonial-style buildings, creating surreal scenes of
sand-filled rooms and half-buried structures.
Guided tours now allow visitors to explore this eerily beautiful testament to the temporary nature of mining boom towns.
Oradour-sur-Glane, France
This village stands as a powerful memorial to the tragic events of World War II that
occurred in 1944. French president Charles de Gaulle ordered the ruins to be
preserved exactly as they were left after the devastating massacre of its inhabitants.
Today, visitors walk through the silent streets in remembrance, viewing the burnt-out
cars, abandoned homes, and other artifacts frozen in time.
Real de Catorce, Mexico
This former silver mining town in the Sierra Madre Mountains experienced a
remarkable transformation after its mines closed. The historic buildings and
cobblestone streets have been carefully preserved, while new life has been breathed
into the community.
Modern travelers come to experience its spiritual atmosphere, explore the old mining tunnels, and participate in indigenous Huichol ceremonies.
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Kayakoy, Turkey
The ghost village of Kayakoy features hundreds of abandoned Greek-style houses
and churches dating back to the 18th century. This historic settlement was deserted
during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923.
The atmospheric ruins now serve as an open-air museum and a powerful symbol of past Greek-Turkish relations.
Tyneham, England
This Dorset village was evacuated in 1943 during World War II to serve as a military
training ground. The residents never returned, but their former homes and the village
school have been preserved as a time capsule of 1940s rural English life.
Visitors can now explore the restored schoolhouse and church while learning about the
community’s sacrifice for the war effort.
Pyramiden, Norway
This abandoned Soviet coal mining settlement in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard
is a perfectly preserved example of a Soviet-era company town. The world’s
northernmost Lenin statue still watches over streets lined with typical Soviet
architecture.
Guided tours now take visitors through the cultural center, sports complex, and other buildings that showcase life in this remote polar community.
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Bodie, California
This iconic Wild West ghost town has been under ‘arrested decay’ since its gold
mining heyday ended. The interiors of many buildings remain exactly as they were
left, with tables still set and store shelves still stocked.
Park rangers now guide visitors through this authentic 19th-century American frontier life slice.
Hashima Island, Japan
This former coal mining island, also known as Battleship Island, was once the most
densely populated place on Earth. When the coal ran out in 1974, the concrete
apartment blocks and industrial facilities were abandoned. Carefully managed tours
allow visitors to explore this stark industrial heritage site and learn about Japan’s
rapid industrialization.
Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
This ancient Etruscan settlement sits atop a plateau of volcanic rock accessible only
by footbridge. Natural erosion forced most residents to leave, but determined efforts
have transformed it into a living museum.
Visitors now cross the bridge to explore its medieval architecture and experience life in a town suspended between earth and sky.
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Pripyat, Ukraine
The city nearest to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant stands as a sobering
reminder of the 1986 disaster. The abandoned apartments, schools, and amusement
parks create an eerie time capsule of Soviet life.
Strictly controlled tours now allow visitors to safely explore this powerful monument to nuclear safety while learning about both the disaster and its aftermath.
Grytviken, South Georgia
This former whaling station in the Southern Ocean has been transformed into a
unique heritage site. The rusting industrial equipment and abandoned buildings tell
the story of the whaling industry’s rise and fall.
Modern visitors, arriving mainly by cruise ship, can explore the site while learning about its industrial past and its current focus on wildlife conservation.
Gornja Lastva, Montenegro
This historic village in the hills above Tivat dates back to the 14th century and was
gradually abandoned as residents moved to coastal areas. The stone houses and
ancient olive mills showcase traditional Montenegrin architecture and agricultural
heritage, while the restored Church of St.
Mary serves as a cultural centerpiece. Today, this carefully preserved settlement hosts cultural events and offers visitors insight into traditional mountain life through its heritage museum and restored buildings.
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Doel, Belgium
This 700-year-old village near Antwerp’s expanding port has been gradually
abandoned due to industrial development. Street artists have transformed many
buildings into stunning canvas spaces while preserving their historic character.
The contrast between ancient architecture and modern art draws photographers and
urban explorers worldwide.
Palia Perithia, Greece
This medieval village on Corfu’s highest mountain was once abandoned as residents
moved to coastal areas. The traditional stone houses and Byzantine churches have
been carefully preserved and partially restored.
Today, several tavernas and guesthouses allow visitors to experience authentic Greek mountain village life while exploring the historic architecture.
Vilarinho da Furna, Portugal
This ancient community was submerged by a hydroelectric dam in 1972 but
reemerged during dry periods. The well-preserved stone buildings become visible as
water levels drop, creating a fascinating archaeological site.
Visitors can learn about the village’s unique history through a museum and, during low water periods, guided tours of the exposed ruins.
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Heritage Preservation Creates New Tourist Destinations
The transformation of these abandoned villages into tourist attractions demonstrates
the enduring appeal of historical preservation and cultural heritage. Their revival
helps maintain important historical sites and provides economic opportunities for
surrounding regions while offering visitors unique insights into different periods and
ways of life.
These places are powerful reminders of how communities can reinvent themselves while honoring their past.
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