10 Most Fascinating Ghost Towns From The past

Whatever their history, ghost towns are a real treasure trove for the photographers. Their desolate scenery sometimes gives us the impression of the calm after the storm. The slightly shabby feel of the Apocalypse gives way to fascination…

1. Bodie (USA, California)

Probably the most famous ghost town (it even has its facebook page). Built during the time of the gold rush, the city reached a population of 10 000 inhabitants in 1880 and was abandoned after several fires.

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Credits Photo (creative commons): Wolfgang Staudt

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Credits Photo (creative commons): Wolfgang Staudt

2. Hashima (Japan)
Purchased by Mitsubishi in 1890 because of its large coal deposits, the mining island of 5,300 inhabitants was abandoned in 1974. It was off limits until 2009 but can be visited today.

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Credits Photo (creative commons): NELC

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Credits Photo (creative commons): kentamabuchi

3. Pripyat (Ukraine)
Built in the 1970s to house employees of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, this town of 50,000 inhabitants was abandoned after the disaster just 3 kilometers away.

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Credits Photo (creative commons): Andrzej Karo

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Credits Photo (creative commons): Justin Stahlman

4. Sanzhi Pod City (Taiwan)
A futuristic holiday center project, quickly abandoned due to lack of funding and accidents during construction.

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Credits Photo (creative commons): vicjuan

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Credits Photo (creative commons): vicjuan

5. Kolmanskop (Namibia)
Built in 1908 by German settlers interested in diamond mining, this desert city is now a tourist attraction … and the focus of the most talented photographers.