Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world. Please note, the series has been permanently moved to Mondays.
1. Théâtre des Reines, France
An architectural gem that is apparently hidden in plain sight, le Théâtre des Reines was formally a 17th century Jesuit college and chapel. Following WW1 where the building had sustained structural damage, the site was renovated into an Art Deco theatre and ballroom by the local municipality. The theatre was closed in 1967.
2. Abandoned Mansion, Talisay City, Philippines
Commonly referred to as “The Ruins,” the mansion was once home to 19th century sugar baron Don Mariano Ladesma Lacson. Apparently set ablaze during WW2 to prevent Japanese forces from occupying the building, it now serves as a popular tourist attraction.
3 . Nova Cidade de Kilamba, Angola
Located some 30km outside of Angola’s capital city of Luanda, Nova Cidade de Kilamba is a housing development built over the last several years by the China International Trust and Investment Corporation. With 750 eight-storey apartment blocks, a dozen schools and over 100 retail stores, the city was designed to house upwards of 500,000 people. Yet with apartments priced at £75,000, many of the city’s residents cannot afford to move in and the site has remained virtually empty since July 2012.
4. Queen Mary Hospital, Hamner Springs, New Zealand
Built in a twin-octagonal design by the Department of Defence for the treatment of shell shocked soldiers in 1916, Queen Mary Hospital is located on a 15-hectare site. Converted into a drug rehabilitation centre, the hospital is now under the ownership of the Department of Conservation. The hospital has remained empty since 2008.
5. Suakin Island Ruins, Sudan
Declared an endangered site by the World Monument Fund in 2006, Suakin Island is a 3,000 year old port located on the Red Sea. Believed to have been the Roman port of Evangelon Portus, the island eventually became a key mercantile centre for the Ottoman empire. Suakin Island was abandoned in 1922 with the opening of Port Sudan.
For previous entries, please click here.
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