I often find the most haunting locations when I explore strange, deserted areas. A sample of some of the creepiest things I’ve encountered on my travels.
My name is Justyna, and I’m a Prague, Czech Republic-based explorer of strange and deserted locations. I devote time to studying maps, doing extensive web research, and carefully tip-saving at interesting websites. I choose a place from my map, hop on the train, and go to capture it. I have visited hundreds of these locations around Europe to far. The genuineness of uncommon locations—which are typically made by locals and exist for non-commercial purposes—is what I like most about them.
In addition, I like abandoned locations to be visually appealing because of how beautifully they are transformed by deterioration into stunning landscapes.
The Sculpture Of Demon In A Decaying Mausoleum In Poland
The spookiest experience I’ve ever had was with a haunted home outside of a little German town. I wasn’t expecting much from the location. It seems doubtful that its state would get better in the future, and I had heard that it had lost some of its previous majesty. I made the quick decision to go see what was left of this modest house’s once-quintessential facade. I was surprised to find that what I experienced there was considerably more than I had anticipated.
When I arrived, the owner let me into the yard, which turned out to be even more interesting than the front of the home facing the street. I started taking pictures of the amazing surroundings since I thought this would be the best part of the day. I had no idea what was in store for me. I wasn’t sure if I should walk inside or flee when the owner opened the doors and invited me in. My breath actually dropped when I saw what I saw there.
The Church Of Ghosts In Luková, Czech Republic
Explore the Czech Republic’s northwest Bohemia area, and don’t miss the abandoned Saint George’s church in the little community of Luková. Originally constructed in the sixteenth century, the building fell into ruin in 1968 when the roof gave way during a funeral, giving rise to the residents’ belief that it was cursed. Instead of attending church, they chose to hold masses and discourses outside. Thankfully, a solution surfaced: local artist Jakub Hadrava assembled a spooky assortment of “ghosts” that now fill the aisles and rows, bringing hordes of tourists from all over the globe. Contributions made voluntarily are helping to restore this once-beautiful historic church.
A Creepy Art Installation In Königsmühle, Czech Republic
Skeletons, eerie dolls, and a ton of other items were within. At last, I went inside and took a few pictures. I was sorry to take so few pictures, but even though I enjoy strange people and outsiders, I would have rather to leave the home right away since for a split second I believed that every skeleton inside may be a photographer from a previous visit. I will always remember this location since it is so genuine. There are skeletons living with an elderly man in a haunted house, not a museum charging an admission charge.
The Hill Of Crosses In Lithuania
Although it’s a pilgrimage destination, there’s something unsettling about seeing hundreds of crosses in one place.
Creepy Sculptures In An Abandoned House In Italy
The most popular moniker for this location is La Casa delle Favole, which translates to “the house of the insane.” Alice and Nelly were two slightly mad siblings who lived apart from other residents and dedicated their lives to art at the location. While it’s unknown what happened to Nelly following the murder of his sister, Alice passed away in 2007. In any event, the siblings’ strange lifestyle has left the house empty and filled with eerie, deteriorating artwork today.
I grew up with a strong affinity with horror films and everything eerie. It was this interest that pulled me to the mysterious atmosphere of abandoned locations. I started my tour by going to Chernobyl, and then I traveled around Europe looking for less typical abandoned locations. I discovered the beauty of crumbling interiors the further I traveled. But eventually, their charm wore off, and returning to locations I had seen numerous times in other people’s photos didn’t feel quite as exciting. I started looking for uncommon locations in addition to abandoned properties because I was drawn to authenticity and distinctiveness.
A Flooded Cemetery In The Abandoned Village Geamăna In Romania
A Coffin On The Wall Seen Somewhere In The Czech Republic
I use all of my senses to carefully investigate abandoned locations because they are frequently in poor shape. Before I take any further steps, I check to make sure the floor is stable and that the gorgeously decayed ceiling won’t fall apart when I try to take a picture. The most dangerous element is climbing; although I haven’t fallen or been hurt, there have been a few spots where extra caution is needed.
An Eerie Corridor In An Abandoned Hospital In Poland
The House Of Hanging Dolls In Rváčov, Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, Rváčov is known for its unsettling sight at the end of the village. You are drawn in by a gigantic tree covered in hundreds of dolls, and then you see a home surrounded by hundreds of old, dusty toys. This eerie image sticks in your mind, making you wonder who would choose such an odd assortment. The brains behind this creepy country are led by Lubomír Votava, a former right-wing politician’s adviser and bodyguard from the Czech Republic. He keeps this creepy location in order to conserve abandoned dolls and highlight their uncanny appeal rather than to frighten bystanders. Some people find this home of dolls fascinating, while others think it’s ridiculous.
A Bleeding Sculpture Seen In An Abandoned Church In Italy
A Scary Mannequin Seen In An Abandoned Villa In Italy
Urban tales thrive in abandoned sites because of their innate atmosphere of mystery. I went to a dilapidated palace in Poland a few years ago that was renowned for its magnificent front gate. Its crumbling state earned it the nickname “The Suicide Palace” from certain photographers, who offered visitors plenty of opportunities to end their lives. It’s interesting that I subsequently came into a story that said it was constructed on the site of a former suicide graveyard. Although I’m still not convinced about this legend’s authenticity, one thing is for sure: abandoned locations provide for an ideal setting for the emergence of urban myths.