Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. Carabanchel Prison, Spain
Built by political prisoners after the Spanish Civil War, the Carabanchel Prison’s structure was based on Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon (i.e. the design structure ensured that none of the prisoners, who were housed in cells lining the outer wall, could see the guards who were centrally located within the radial configuration). Closed in 1998, the prison housed a large number of political prisoners during Franco’s regime.
2. Bodie, California
With the last resident leaving over 50 years ago, Bodie, California has since been preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” Once a gold-mining town with a population of nearly 10,000, Bodie was designated a National Historic Site and a State Historic Park in 1962.
3. Château Noisy, Belgium
The Noisy Castle (also known as the Miranda Castle) is a 19th century castle built in 1866 by the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. Once used as their summer residence, the castle was taken over by the Nazis during World War II and was later converted into a home for children. Empty since 1991, the castle has fallen into disarray and additional images can be seen here.
4. Hashima Island, Japan
Once populated as a coal mining facility from 1887 to 1974, Japan’s Hashima Island (aka Gunkanjima or Gunkanshima) was closed in 1974. A small portion of the island was opened for tourists on April 22, 2009.
5. Kolmanskop, Namibia
In 1908, the town of Kolmanskop in southern Namibia had become a profitable location for diamond miners. Beginning with the drop in diamond sales after World War I, the town was eventually abandoned by 1954. Since then, the buildings of Kolmanskop have been reclaimed by the sand dunes of the Namib desert.
For previous entries, please click here.
