Abandoned Places Around the World

It often happens at times that something built for a specific purpose fails to live up to its expectations and is left abandoned. Throughout its lifetime, the structure would have seen several shocking crimes ranging from inhuman torment to unnatural deaths. Call it supernatural, paranormal, unearthly, spiritualistic or demonic entities with a grave intent; the rationality for these unexplained phenomena are unknown. With only adventurers heading into these places, locals too, refrain from entering these. It is of paramount importance to exercise caution while even passing through their vicinity and at best keep away from them. Along with these are also a couple of abandoned structures which may not be considered as a centre for the paranormal but are just as spooky as the former. 

1. Tower of London, Great Britain

Hell bent on having their way with the kingdom, Richard (the third) along with his successors committed various barbaric acts of monstrosity and dreadful violence which one couldn’t even seem to fathom. Public executions and various acts of torture were enjoyed by these monarchs and even carried out in public as a form of ‘recreation’. Said to be haunted to a much greater extent than any other haunted place, this tower has witnessed abhorrent crimes such as tying one’s limbs to a contraption and stretching them until their joints popped or were ripped off from their torso.

Witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a man cradling his severed head under his arm and roaming the corridors whereas others claim to have seen ghosts of children playing about cheerfully in a soundless environment. Open to tourists, the least of things felt here is an icy breath down one’s neck.

2. Bhangarh fort, India

Touted as the most haunted place in India, this fort was built in the 17th century by the ruler Bhagwant Das, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. As circumstances would have it, his daughter rejected a local sorcerer who approached her bearing the intention of enchanting her with a potion. In a bizarre turn of events, anguished over his loss, he failed to notice a boulder rolling down his way and was crushed to his death. Moments before dying, he cursed the entire kingdom of Bhangarh for perishing and dying agonising deaths.

Fast forward four centuries. With sightings of paranormal activity and tales of visitors meeting terrible ends, there is definite proof that this is THE most haunted place in the country.

The current state of the fort is in ruins with the government has put up several signs in its vicinity cautioning visitors to return back by evening.

3. Hoia Forest, Romania

Nicknamed the ‘Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania’, this forest is said to be a portal to another dimension. With several people disappearing over the years, it has become a no-entry zone for the general population. However, accounts of people who manage to pass through unharmed have reported bizarre sensations along with strange rashes which persist for a long time. Multiple UFOs have also been sighted over the forest. 

Several inexplicable events have happened; one of which is a girl disappearing, not being seen for a single day after that and reappearing after five years, wearing the same clothes and not having aged a single day. The local vegetation is quite bizarre, with tree trunks depicting one’s facial features and growing in an unearthly manner. 

The source of numerous mythical legends, witchcraft is also said to be practised here. Finding burnt animal skins, rotten corpses snapped bones, burnt-out fires along with strange demonic symbols is not uncommon.

4. Lawang Sewu, Indonesia

Originally constructed as a railway headquarters by the Dutch; this colonial-era structure ranks among the top few haunted structures around the world. Taken over by the Japanese army during World War 2, several barbaric acts of violence and torture were carried out. Handed over to the Indonesian government after the war, various accounts of headless ghouls and a pale-skinned woman wearing a blood-soaked white dress, lurking around the premises were reported. Despite several efforts by the government to rebrand the building's image, it is still considered as a hub for the supernatural.

5. Eastern State Penitentiary, USA

Beyond the majestic castle like walls of this penitentiary, a history of blood curdling screams, madness, torture and disease is held in these corridors. Built as the world’s first penitentiary in the early 19th century, this prison stuck to the concept of solitary confinement going to the extent where it drove inmates insane. Held in pitch dark, match box like cells, with no contact whatsoever; the prisoners were prevented from even taking a glimpse of the outside world by making them wear suffocating hoods while exiting their cells. With no adequate provisions to relieve one’s self, they had to live in their own faecal matter. However, this was only the beginning. The actual punishments handed out included a chair with straps so tight, that the recipients often required amputation. This along with freezing water baths, and a gag device with a collar inserted in the mouth and the inmate’s hand tied behind the neck were the sentences carried out on the mere whim of officers. Known for housing Al Capone, this penitentiary was decommissioned in the early 20th century and was revamped to make a museum out of it.

6. Diplomat hotel, Philippines

Misled by the name, many people are led to believe that diplomats of several nations have either passed away or been murdered within its premises. Originally built by Dominican friars, it was occupied by the Japanese army during World War 2 where atrocious acts of murder, torture and rape were committed against prisoners and refugees. Towards the end of the war, a part of it was bombed by the US. Subsequently, a chain of luxury hotels purchased the war torn structure from the government and refurbished it. A few years later, when the owner expired the hotel’s operations ceased. Believed to be haunted by the victims of those deplorable crimes perpetrated by the Japanese army, this hotel has become a hotspot for movie shoots and professional photography.

7. Agrasen ki Baoli, India

With various movies having been filmed here, the general notion of this place being infested by spirits has gradually faded away. Located in the union territory of Delhi, this place has no historical records whatsoever proving its age or claim of ownership. Experts claim that it was built as a step temple to honour the gods and a part of it also served as a well. The well has currently dried up. The unique architecture serves as ice for one’s sore eyes and captivates one with its enthralling beauty.

Witnesses say that strange, gut-wrenching sounds can be heard along with haunting apparitions of a young woman clad in a red saree, with a partially burnt face. 

8. Trivale forest, Romania

Said to house a wealthy man and his daughter, this forest situated in the heart of Romania has a brutal and horrendous story associated with it. When the former fixed her marriage with another elderly man in a bid to multiply his wealth, she ran away with the servant she was in love with. In a fit of rage, he butchered the servant in front of his own daughter, post which he proceeded to decapitate her. 

Accounts of a headless ghost been sighted have been reported with witnesses fleeing the forest to be encountered by it once again. Several appalling artifacts have also been found which confirm people’s doubts that this forest has also become the hub of satanic rituals. 

9. Council house of Enfield, England

A haunted place unmatched in terms of its paranormal activity, it is also said to have inspired the Conjuring movie franchise. A rental house occupied by two sisters who were the subjects of a malevolent event by a poltergeist. Initially, chairs being flung about and beds being thrown out of place had become a concern for them. Subsequently, an apparition yelling in a demonic voice hurling items at them, tossing them out of bed became frequent. One of the most widely covered incidents in the United Kingdom, the sisters escaped this wretched event full of trauma.

10. Hovrinskaya Hospital, Russia

Built in the shape of a biohazard symbol, this hospital tops the list of urban legends. With rumours adrift that the lack of funding had stalled the construction, others beg to differ by saying that the extermination of a satanic cult by the local police led to an unnatural occupant taking over the place. The entire structure can be found in shambles, with graffiti on its outside walls. A hub for satanists, it is said to harbour paranormal activity on a scale never witnessed before.

11. Kuldhara, India

Located close to the Indo-Pak border, this uninhabited village lies in ruins with strong evidence suggesting that this village is haunted. According to local folklore, the inhabitants had abandoned the village overnight and cursed the land to ward off any new occupants. While it has been ascertained that these events transpired in the late 19th century, locals refuse to believe it but propagate it to boost tourism in the area.

Reports of mild paranormal activity have been documented. Whether one’s mind is playing tricks on them or not, this remains among one of the most haunted places in India.

12. Fort Drum, Philippines

Fortified into an impregnable fort with unbreachable defenses, this rocky outcrop was a force to be reckoned with. Fitted with anti-aircraft missiles and gun turrets, it had state of the art weaponry capable of disintegrating a foe with insurmountable force. However, ingenious war tactics used led to the fort being taken over by the Japanese, which was subsequently retaken by setting the entire fort on fire. Said to be infested with the spirit of the Japanese soldiers who were reduced to ashes, it has become a beacon for ghost hunters seeking to find a kick somewhere apart from the mainland.

13. Erdstall tunnels, Found across Europe

Stretching across a sizable chunk of Europe, these tunnels are believed to date back to the Middle ages. With no records hinting at their use or reason of existence, it is widely speculated that this interconnected network of tunnels acted as a prison for demonic entities, and held a significant place amongst religious and spiritual connections. Others believe that they served as hideouts for robbers and convicts. The tunnels are very narrow and barely tall to walk through. A majority of the labyrinth being shrouded in darkness, only a part of it has been explored. Only these parts are open to the public on grounds of tourism.

14. Morgan house, India

Greeted by a vast mansion overlooking a garden, this colonial era house gives you vibes which will leave you trembling with fear. Visited by various dignitaries over the years, accounts of paranormal activity can be found here in abundance. High pitched screams, shadowy figures popping up and mirror reflections staring back are amongst some of the few doings of the supernatural. Built by Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, the house is said to be haunted by the spirit of the latter. Passing away at a very young age, with no heir to inherit the property, it was handed over to the government.

Post-independence, the property was handed over to the tourism ministry which maintains and regulates the entry of visitors to date. The rooms here are available for rent with caretakers who work round the clock. 

15. Cinema at the end of the world/Head in the stars, Egypt

Sitting alone in the middle of a vast desert, this cinema was fated to never screen a single movie in its entire life. Built by a French businessman who had a penchant for eccentric movies being screened in the most unusual of places, this cinema had over 150 seats and a huge screen. Unfortunately, on the very first day of screening, the generator failed with the entire event being called off. It was alleged that the generator was sabotaged with, to deny people a reason for venturing out into the desert. Crumbling even after a decade and being put to no good use, this remarkable place was demolished in late 2014.

16. Sanzhi UFO houses, Taiwan

Intended to be a bunch of vacation resorts, these houses were built off the coast of Taiwan. Dubbed as ‘Ruins of the future’, these houses had garnered appreciation for their offbeat structure and wacky design. Construction had kicked off and was in full swing, when mass suicides started happening and workers were killed in mind boggling accidents. People have attributed this to the demolition of a Chinese dragon sculpture on site in order to make way for their equipment. Other sources say that prior to independence, the site served as a burial ground for martyred Dutch soldiers. Now demolished, the Taiwanese government has taken up new projects revamp the area’s image and transform it into something better.

17. Bir Tawil, Between Egypt and Sudan

With both Egypt and Sudan locked in a tussle over claiming a much more valuable piece of land, neither of it wants to assert its control over Bir Tawil. Created by discrepancies from colonial-era maps, this piece of land lies between the two countries. Holding a record of the only unclaimed inhabitable place on Earth, several individuals have tried to gain control over this and establish a new micronation. After several such attempts, the passage to this place was cordoned off with individuals from either side being denied entry.

18. Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria

Built atop a hill in Bulgaria by the Communist party, this saucer-shaped monument lies derelict. With nearly 6,000 workers including sculptors, artisans and designers coming together, this memorial was built to honour the Communist regime and stand as a symbol of pride for the outside world. With the fall of the Soviet Union, Bulgaria was formed and subsequently gained control of this. As time passed by, the structure fell out of use with the government facing a lack of funds to repair it. It is often used as a spot for movie shooting, exhibitions, photoshoots, etc. 

19. Maunsell naval forts, the United Kingdom/Sealand

Positioned miles away from land, these sea forts were constructed during World War 2 to warn the Britishers and also act as their first line of defence. Equipped with radar and anti-aircraft guns, these were ideal for intercepting incoming aircrafts and missiles. Isolated from their fellow men in arms, it's said that soldiers suffered from bouts of madness and severe depression, thereby requiring psychiatric treatment with the forts being subsequently decommissioned. Abandoned now, multiple claims by several individuals have been made at gaining control and establishing micronations. Although most of them have been unsuccessful, one attempt has had a favourable result with the individuals establishing the micronation of Sealand.

20. Molodyozhnaya, Antarctica

An old Soviet research station on the shore of Antarctica, its primary aim was to serve as a launchpad for rockets. With over a thousand rockets being launched, all seemed good until a couple of flights inbound crashed into the base. Leading to more than half the station in ruins, measures had to be taken. This coupled along with the fall of the Soviet Union, fueled its closure. As of today, only a handful of people are permitted to use this base.

21. Holy land amusement park, USA

One of the creepiest sites in the world, this never fails to garner attention. Built by a wealthy businessman with inspiration taken from the Bible, this amusement park was pieced together using construction waste. Post the owner’s death in 1983; the park was handed over to the government, which in turn handed it over to a catholic church. Defunct, the park became a victim of vandals and petty crimes, and slowly crumbled down. All of this culminated in the murder of a girl, post which parts of it were demolished. As of now, more than half the park is lost to wilderness.  

22. Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic

Estimated to contain the bones of 40,000 to 70,000 people, the Sedlec Ossuary was a chapel built atop a cemetery in the early 15th century. Upon encountering the skeletal remains, the builders collected mounds of them and stored them in the chapel. As time passed by, these bones were used to decorate the chapel by crafting a chandelier made from at least one bone of the human body. Open to the public; several films have been shot here.

23. Shicheng, China

Submerged under 131 feet of water, this underwater city is also hailed as China’s Atlantis. Built somewhere in 200 AD, this city was discovered in the recent past. Various artifacts and structures have been discovered which have stood the test of time and been immaculately preserved. Said to be in its prime during its time, little is known about this submerged city. Open to the public; it offers a unique underwater experience desired by many.  

24. Varosha, Turkey

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus had several repercussions including citizens fleeing from the city, as armies took to the roads to combat. Abandoned overnight, Turkey seized control over the city and extended its border, up to it. Fences were erected around the zone barring any human inhabitation, transforming this bustling and thriving tourist destination into a ghost town.

25. Spreepark, Germany

Opened to the public in 1969, this Berlin-based theme park faced severe backlash following the management’s attempts at westernising it. This lead to the demise of the park, and on the brink of bankruptcy, the owner resorted to smuggling drugs. He got arrested, and the park’s management fell through, post which it became a site for vandals and drug addicts. The place has now become a base for criminals. A couple of murders were also committed. No one ventures here now.


Words like malevolent and sinister come nowhere close to expressing the horrors which these places contain. With such unearthly entities lurking around the corner, it is best to keep away from these places. Sufficient reasons are provided by the respective governments to keep these places off limits and prevent people from coming to any harm.