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.Located in the Thames Estuary, these metal towers were installed in 1942 to help protect London from sea raids and air raids during World War II. They were decommissioned in the 1950s and were used as radio operators for years. Initially, the forts consisted of seven towers connected by steel walkways; now there are fewer of them, and the walkways are no longer safe. The only way to visit the forts, although you can’t go inside, is via a boat ride off the coast of the UK.
SS Ayrfield Shipwreck, Australia
The SS Ayrfield shipwreck is one of several vessels that sit in Sydney Harbour. The ship was originally in service for 60 years before it was used to transport supplies to U.S. troops in the Pacific during World War II. After it was retired, it was used to move coal in Australia. In 1972, the SS Ayrfield was decommissioned and sent to the wrecking yard, which shortly after went out of business, according to 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.
