Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. Ta Prohm, Angkor, Cambodia
Ta Prohm (originally called Rajavihare) was constructed in the 12th century as a Buddhist Mahayana monastery and university by Khmer King Jayavarman VII. The temple was eventually abandoned after the fall of the Khmer empire in the 17th century and lay hidden in the East Baray jungle. Added to Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1992, Ta Prohm serves as a popular tourist destination.
2. Jackling House (Steve Jobs’ Mansion), Woodside, California, United States
When not threatening rival CEOs with patent lawsuits, the late Steve Jobs bought a perfectly sound, albeit dated 17,000 square-foot mansion, and let it fall into a dilapidated ruin. Built in a Spanish Colonial Revival style by architect George Washington Smith for copper mining magnate Daniel C. Jackling, the Jackling House was purchased by Jobs in 1984. Prior to moving to Palo Alto, Jobs had applied for a permit to tear down the building in order to build a smaller home on the six-acre property. Local preservationists, citing historical significance, formed a group called “Uphold Our Heritage” and sued both Jobs and the city. But like all things dealing with gazillionaires, the preservationists lost and the house was demolished in 2011.
(All Jackling images c/o Jonathan Haeber via www.terrastories.com/bearings)
3. Forte da Graça, Elvas, Portugal
Recently added to the World Heritage List in 2012 as part of the Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications, construction began on the Forte da Graça in 1763 by José I de Portugal. Taking over 30 years to build, the fortress was part of a reorganizational plan for the Portuguese army and later served as a political prison from 1894 to 1974. The abandoned fort is now under the jurisprudence of the Municipality of Elvas for restoration.
For previous entries, please click here.