There’s something about old, abandoned places that can make them seem eerie and beautiful at the same time. As the world advances, seemingly at the speed of light through ever-evolving technology, infrastructure and agriculture, it’s hard to imagine that there are towns where time has stood still.
Here are five ghost towns across the world where you can step into a bygone era:
Hashima Island, Japan
This abandoned mining facility, also known as Gunkanjima or Battleship Island, comprises only six hectares, but formed part of the set for the James Bond film, Skyfall. Visitors can take a tour to its overgrown industrial sites, concrete workers’ quarters, and a Shinto (ancient Japanese religion) shrine that faces the East China Sea.
Al Madam, United Arab Emirates
Close to Dubai, this little village is half buried under sand in the desert. While it’s uncertain why the inhabitants of Al Madam left, legend has it that ‘djinn’ – evil supernatural beings – chased the residents away and won’t allow anyone to settle there. There are only two rows of houses and a mosque.
Bodie, United States
This Californian ghost town has a typical haunting atmosphere. Booming during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, it’s now a California Historic Landmark.
Kolmanskop, Namibia
Diamonds were discovered in this area in the early 1900s and attracted German miners. However, once the rush subsided, the town was abandoned around 1956 and has remained untouched ever since. The De Beers mining corporation currently runs the town as a tourist attraction.
Wittenoom, Australia
Wittenoom in the Australian outback was a hub for mining asbestos in the 1950s. It was still inhabited until recently, and only officially closed down in 2013 when Wittenoom’s population was down to its last three residents.
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Featured image: Unsplash
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