7 Abandoned Castles, Chateaux & Mansions Worth A Visit (PHOTOS)

by AOL Travel Staff Subscribe to AOL Travel Staff's posts Posted Apr 15th 2011 08:00 AM

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Castles, chateaux, and mansions - these are displays of wealth and power usually reserved for kings and countesses, or at least old-timey movie stars. It's hard to imagine these incredible, opulent buildings would ever be abandoned and left to rot. But hey, crazier things have happened.

Royal riches may drain more quickly than thought possible; families might die out without leaving an heir; or gigantic estates may just become too overwhelming to maintain. However it happens, luxurious residences, once the height of glamor and wealth, sometimes become abandoned and left to the mercy of the elements.

Lucky for urban explorers and adventurous photographers, they're still pretty incredible to see, no matter the state of disrepair.

But be warned: just because they're falling apart doesn't mean they are public property. If you chose to trespass, do so with extreme caution.--Rachel Greenberg

Text and photos courtesy of Nile Guide.

Valan666/Flickr

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Castle of Mesen -- Lede, Belgium

This castle is quite the chameleon. Not only did it go from stunning architectural gem to modern ruin, but it's filled just about every role in between. Originally constructed in the beginning of the 17th century for a royal family, after two hundred years of additions and renovations it was sold and used as a factory in the 19th century. It has been home to an alcohol distillery, a sugar refinery, and a tobacco factory.

Text and photos courtesy of NileGuide.

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April 16 2011 at 11:20 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

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April 16 2011 at 12:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Michael Norman Landi

Another suggestion: San Miguel de los Banos, about two hours east of Habana, in Matanzas Province, Cuba. These ruins are of an old grand hotel, modeled on the one in Monaco. It used to be a health spa around the turn of the 19th/20th Centuries. It reminds me of the setting of "Last Year at Marienbad!" The only "guests" now is the very large colony of wasps handing from one corner of the now roofless lobby. The building and grounds are truly haunting.

April 15 2011 at 2:59 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply