Philadelphia, rich in history as the birthplace of American independence, also has its share of abandoned places that reveal a different side of the city. From decaying factories to forgotten hospitals and grand theaters, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into the past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Philadelphia for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary
Built in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was once one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world, known for its revolutionary radial design. Abandoned in 1971, the prison’s crumbling cell blocks, rusting bars, and decaying interiors make it one of the most iconic abandoned places in Philadelphia. Today, it is partially preserved as a museum, but many sections remain in eerie decay, offering guided tours and ghost hunts.
2. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
Once a bustling hub of naval activity, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was decommissioned in the 1990s. While part of the site has been redeveloped, large sections of the shipyard remain abandoned, with decaying ship hulls, rusting cranes, and empty warehouses standing as monuments to its maritime past. Urban explorers are drawn to the shipyard's haunting atmosphere and historical significance.
3. Divine Lorraine Hotel
The Divine Lorraine Hotel, a grand 19th-century building, was one of the first racially integrated hotels in Philadelphia. Abandoned in the late 1990s, the building sat vacant for years, with crumbling walls, graffiti-covered hallways, and broken windows. Although recent efforts have been made to restore and redevelop it, parts of the hotel still evoke the haunting grandeur of its abandoned state.
4. Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House
Built in 1908, the Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House was once a grand venue for opera and live performances. After years of neglect and multiple uses, the building was abandoned and left to decay. Crumbling balconies, peeling walls, and dusty seats create a haunting atmosphere that attracts urban explorers. The opera house has recently been restored for modern performances, but it retains much of its historical charm.
5. Byberry Mental Hospital
Also known as the Philadelphia State Hospital, Byberry Mental Hospital opened in 1907 and was notorious for overcrowding and mistreatment of patients. It was abandoned in 1990, leaving behind decaying patient rooms, empty hallways, and a dark history of unethical psychiatric practices. The hospital became a hotspot for urban explorers and ghost hunters before it was largely demolished in 2006. However, stories of its eerie past remain part of local legend.
6. Holmesburg Prison
Holmesburg Prison, built in 1896, was used for over a century before it was closed in 1995. Known for housing some of the city’s most dangerous criminals and its controversial medical experiments, the abandoned prison has gained a dark reputation. The decaying cell blocks, rusting bars, and overgrown grounds create a chilling atmosphere, and the prison has been featured in various films and TV shows.
7. Glenwood Power Station
The Glenwood Power Station was built in the 1920s to provide electricity for the growing city. After being decommissioned in the 1960s, the building was left to decay, with rusting turbines, broken windows, and graffiti-covered walls. The massive industrial complex, with its decaying infrastructure and towering brick walls, is a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers interested in industrial history.
8. Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Once a grand resting place for thousands, Mt. Moriah Cemetery has been largely abandoned for decades. Overgrown with weeds and trees, the cemetery’s crumbling mausoleums, broken tombstones, and forgotten graves make it one of Philadelphia’s most haunting locations. Efforts to restore parts of the cemetery have begun, but much of it remains in a state of beautiful decay.
9. Trestle Inn
The Trestle Inn, located under a viaduct in the Callowhill neighborhood, was once a popular dive bar but was abandoned for years after falling into disrepair. The building’s graffiti-covered exterior and crumbling interior made it a prime destination for urban explorers until it was recently reopened as a retro nightclub. The juxtaposition of its abandonment and revival makes it a unique spot in Philadelphia’s history.
10. Saint Bonaventure Church
Built in 1906, Saint Bonaventure Church was once a grand religious institution in North Philadelphia but was abandoned in the late 20th century. The church’s beautiful Gothic architecture, with its stained-glass windows, towering steeple, and intricate stonework, now lies in ruins. Inside, crumbling pews, a decaying altar, and overgrown grounds create an eerie yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. Though much of the church has collapsed, it remains a haunting reminder of the area’s changing demographics.
Conclusion
Philadelphia’s abandoned places provide a fascinating look into the city’s industrial, cultural, and architectural history. From prisons and hospitals to grand hotels and power stations, these sites offer a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Philadelphia’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable journey into its hidden history.
