16 abandoned places around the world that have become must-see tourist attractions

Abandoned places can be creepy, but fascinating. These spaces, whether an old high school, a rundown house, or a shipwreck, can deliver a thrill, but also a peek into the past. And there are some unique sites around the world that give visitors an unforgettable experience.

From Italy to Australia to Curaçao, some of the destinations on this list sat empty for decades— even centuries — before becoming popular tourist attractions.

The Sydney Morning Herald. The ship was left floating in the bay, then it partially sank and started to rest. Eventually, mangroves began growing out of the middle of it, and now it serves as a tourist attraction and is accessible via private boats.

the BBC.

National Geographic.

National Geographic. The sand dunes eventually took over and now fill the houses where people once lived. In 2002, a local private company was granted access to Kolmanskop as a tourist destination. It now welcomes as many as 35,000 tourist visits a year.

U.S. News and World Report.

Smithsonian magazine.

Architectural Digest.

The New York Times. In the early 1990s, the Bannerman Castle Trust helped restore the structure and island for public visits. It has been open for tours since 2020.

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