Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. Russian Village Theme Park, Niigata, Japan
For some reason, Japan in the 1990s attempted to BFF Russia. Built in 1993 to foster good relations between the two countries, the Russian Village Theme Park included a number of theatres, restaurants, a cathedral and hotel. Closed and renovated in 2002, the park was abandoned 6 months later due to poor attendance. Maybe they just didn’t serve enough Vodka?
2. Veterinary School, Brussels, Belgium
Proving yet again that no one actually lives in Belgium (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the Flemish Neo-Renaissance style veterinary school consisted of 19 distinct buildings spread across Anderlecht in Brussels. While most of the 20th century structures have been converted into lofts when the school relocated to Liège in 1991, the few remaining buildings are commonly referred to as “horror labs.” Phemaldehyde jars containing a variety of animal specimens continue to line the shelves.
3. Chand Baori, Rajasthan, India
In the words of Hafiz (you didn’t expect me to reference Led Zeppelin, did you? That’s a tad déclassé): “through the stairway of existence, O, through the stairway of existence, Hafiz, have you now come, have we all now come to the Beloved’s Door.” Located in the state of Rajasthan, Chand Baori was built between 800 and 900 A.D. With 3,500 steps on 13 descending levels, the temple was dedicated to the Goddess of Joy and Happiness, Hashat Marta. The site also served as a well by providing year-round groundwater. Many thanks to Maximo for this suggestion.
For previous entries, please click here.
