Forgotten Worlds: The Haunting Beauty of Abandoned Towns Across the Globe

Ghost towns, the silent echoes of once-thriving communities, tell stories of human ambition, natural calamities, and historical upheavals.

 Each abandoned place carries a unique tale, frozen in time, offering a poignant reminder of the impermanence of human endeavours. Here are eight ghost towns from around the world that fascinate with their eerie silence and historical significance.

Bokor Hill Station, Cambodia

Bokor Hill Station, nestled in the Cambodian highlands, was once a luxurious retreat built by French colonists in 1921. Designed as an escape from the heat of Phnom Penh, it boasted a hotel, casino, church, and royal residences. Today, it stands as an atmospheric ruin, shrouded in mist, its grand structures crumbling and overtaken by nature. The haunting ambiance of Bokor Hill Station provides a stark contrast to its glamorous past, making it a popular spot for intrepid tourists and history enthusiasts.

Armazi, Georgia

Armazi, the ancient capital of Georgia, holds a storied past dating back to the 3rd century BC. This once-thriving city was a vital cultural and political centre until it met its tragic end in AD 736, destroyed by the Arab invader Marwan ibn Muhammad. Despite its destruction and subsequent abandonment, Armazi’s ruins remain a testament to its historical significance, drawing archaeologists and visitors intrigued by Georgia’s rich heritage.

Berastepu, Indonesia

The village of Berastepu in Indonesia’s North Sumatra was abruptly deserted in 2013 following the devastating eruptions of Mount Sinabung. The volcanic activity rendered the area uninhabitable, forcing residents to flee and leave behind their homes and livelihoods. Today, Berastepu stands as a sombre reminder of nature’s unpredictable power, with ash-covered buildings and deserted streets offering a glimpse into the lives abruptly interrupted.

Petobo, Indonesia

In 2018, the village of Petobo in Palu, Indonesia, was obliterated by the catastrophic liquefaction following the Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. The ground turned to liquid, swallowing buildings and roads, and leaving a barren landscape in its wake. The destruction was so complete that the village was never rebuilt, turning Petobo into a ghost town marked by tragedy and the relentless force of natural disasters.

Soltaniyeh, Iran

Soltaniyeh, once the grand capital of the Mongol Ilkhanid rulers in the 14th century, now lies in ruins in Iran. This deserted city was known for its architectural marvels, including the magnificent Soltaniyeh Dome, which still stands as one of the finest examples of Persian architecture. The crumbling remains of Soltaniyeh offer a glimpse into its glorious past, attracting historians and tourists fascinated by its storied history.

Okuma, Japan

Okuma in Japan was completely evacuated following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Once a bustling town, it now lies abandoned, a silent witness to one of the most severe nuclear accidents in history. The empty streets and decaying buildings of Okuma serve as a chilling reminder of the disaster’s long-lasting impact and the resilience required to recover from such events.

Bukit Kutu, Malaysia

Bukit Kutu, a former hill station in Malaysia, was abandoned after being bombed by the Japanese army during World War II. Originally developed as a retreat during British colonial rule, Bukit Kutu now lies in ruins, reclaimed by the jungle. The remnants of its past, including a crumbling chimney and overgrown pathways, provide a hauntingly beautiful landscape for hikers and history buffs.

Neftegorsk, Russia

Neftegorsk, a town in Russia’s Sakhalin Oblast, was almost destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1995. The disaster claimed thousands of lives and left the town in ruins. Due to the extent of the destruction, Neftegorsk was never rebuilt, transforming it into a ghost town. The haunting remnants of Neftegorsk stand as a stark reminder of the earthquake’s devastating impact and the town’s tragic fate.