8 of the Most Beautiful Abandoned Places in the World

2) Hirsau Abbey, Germany

Located in the Black Forest, this brick abbey has fantastic towers, arches, gates, and chapels of beautiful design at this former Benedictine stronghold. Built in the 11th century, this site has not been used for its original purpose since 1692, when French troops set fire to the buildings during the Nine Years’ War. Today visitors are welcome to walk around the abbey and revel in the remains of a once-great monastery or to visit the chapel (which is still in use).

1) Temple of Santiago, Mexico

This colonial era church in Chiapas has long gone unnoticed because until recently it was submerged in water. Since the completion of the Malpaso Dam in 1966, the historic church has been remained underwater for the most part, coming out only in times of drought. The castle-like church was built in the mid-1500sbut was abandoned after plagues hit the area in the 1700s.