Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. The Buzludzha Monument, Bulgaria
Located on Buzludzha peak in Bulgaria, the Buzludzha monument was constructed in 1981 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dimitar Blagoev’s secret gathering to establish the country’s socialist movement in the area. The buildings arena was built for state functions and celebrations. Abandoned since 1989, archival images can be seen here.
2. Shell quarry at Hamelin Pool, Australia
Hamelin pool is not only home to some of the most diverse examples of living stromatolites in the world, but it is equally known for the Hamelin Cockle. The shell species was compacted into a solid mass and cut into blocks, which were used to construct both the old Pearler Restaurant and St. Andrew’s Church. Many thanks to BaldwinP for this suggestion.
3. Castle Ilbarritz, Aquitaine, France
Designed by architect Gustave Huguenin, Castle Ilbarritz was built between 1895 and 1897 for Baron Albert De L’Espée. The castle was conceived to house the largest pipe organ ever built for a private residence, which can now be viewed at Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre. Eventually sold in 1910, the castle went on to serve as a camp for Spanish refugees during the Spanish Civil War, a hospital during WW2 and a hotel. Classified as a historical monument, Castle Ilbarritz has been abandoned since 1986.
4. Buddhist Monuments, Sanchi, India
The Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, India dates back to the second and first centuries BCE. Believed to be the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence, the extraordinarily rich decorative site was rediscovered in 1818 by General Taylor. Abandoned for 600 years, the monuments were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.
5. Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s hut, Antarctica
Located on the north shore of Cape Evans on Ross Island in Antarctica, Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s hut was built in 1911 during the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913. Measuring 50 feet in length and 25 feet wide, the hut could house up to 33 men. While Scott and others never survived the expedition, the base still contains over 8,000 artifacts.
For previous entries, please click here.
