Aniva Island and its stately lighthouse were involved in a custody battle between Japan and Russia for around a century. The island flip-flopped many times between Russian ownership, Japanese ownership, and even a shared ownership. The Soviets finally took full … Read More
Europe
Varosha Beach Resort – Famagusta – Cyprus
Once a popular beach destination for stars like Brigitte Bardot, the resort town of Varosha was abandoned during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Inhabitants never returned to the beach-side resort, which stands just two miles away from the … Read More
Nicosia International Airport – Cyprus
Nicosia International Airport was a busy, successful airport from the time it opened in the 1930 until it was abandoned in 1974, due to—you guessed it—the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In the past 40+ years, planes have turned to rust … Read More
Power Plant IM – Charleroi – Belgium
Originally built in 1921, the Power Plant IM used to be one of the largest coal burning power plants in Belgium—its massive cooling tower (pictured) was able to cool down 480,000 gallons of water per minute in its heyday. But … Read More
Haludovo Palace Hotel – Krk – Croatia
Haludovo Palace Hotel is clearly not of our time, but it’s hard to tell exactly when it is from. The design and modular shapes feel futuristic, but the state of decay places it firmly in the past. In reality, the hotel complex … Read More
Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital – Germany
If this old German hospital looks disturbing, well, it is. Just check out its chilling resume: Between 1898 and 1930, the Beelitz-Heilstätten complex served as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It also housed mustard gas and machine gun victims during World War I, including … Read More
Łapalice Castle – Poland
Imposing and ornate, Łapalice Castle resembles many of Eastern Europe’s legendary spooky castles. Only Łapalice Castle was built in 1979—and it’s not even technically a castle. The grand building was originally built as a studio for artist Piotr Kazimierczak, which … Read More
Best Wine Destinations: Eger – Hungary
Eger is the home of Hungary’s most famous wine route, called “The Valley of the Beautiful Lady”. It is quite unknown outside of Hungary, and this definitely gives an extra charm to it. There are about 200 authentic wine cellars in the … Read More
Best Wine Destinations: Champagne – France
The Champagne-Ardenne region is known worldwide for the quality of its vineyards and cellars. They cover more than 30,000 hectares and mobilize the talents of thousands of farmers. The Champagne-Ardenne region also has a cultural heritage waiting to be discovered without moderation. … Read More
Best Wine Destinations: Tuscany – Italy
Tuscany is located in central Italy and stretches from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its landscape, artistic heritage and stand-out cities – first among them Florence – make Tuscany an unquestioned protagonist of international tourism. In this region, nature has many different … Read More