Abandoned cities are a fascinating subject, as they offer a glimpse into the past and a reminder of how civilizations can rise and fall. From ancient ruins to modern ghost towns, these 15 largest abandoned cities in the world offer a glimpse into history and a haunting beauty all their own.
Pripyat, Ukraine
Pripyat was a city of nearly 50,000 people, built to house the workers of the nearby Chernobyl nuclear power plant. On April 26, 1986, the plant suffered a catastrophic accident, and the residents of Pripyat were evacuated and never allowed to return. Today, the city remains abandoned and is a popular destination for “dark tourism.”