Urban exploration, or urbex, is an exciting activity that involves discovering abandoned places, often rich in history. Belgium, with its many abandoned industrial and architectural buildings, is a prime destination for urbex enthusiasts. Here are the five must-visit urbex sites in Belgium, each offering a unique experience for explorers eager for mystery and history.
1: The IM Power Plant
Located in Charleroi, the IM Power Plant is one of Belgium’s most famous urbex sites. Closed in 2007, this coal power plant offers an impressive spectacle with its gigantic turbines and massive installations, now frozen in time.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Turbines, boilers, control rooms.
- State of Decay: Well preserved, but signs of wear are visible.
- Access: Moderately difficult; some areas are secured or dangerous.
2: Château Miranda (Noisy Castle)
Château Miranda, also known as Noisy Castle, located in Celles, is another must-see destination for urbex lovers in Belgium. Built in 1866, this Gothic castle was abandoned in the 1990s and demolished in 2017, but its ruins remain a pilgrimage site for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Gothic towers, large halls, majestic staircases.
- State of Decay: In ruins, with some parts still standing.
- Access: Relatively accessible, though some areas are dangerous.
3: The Châtelet Swimming Pool
In Châtelet, near Charleroi, there is an abandoned public swimming pool, a rare example of Art Deco architecture. Closed since the 1980s, this pool offers a unique setting for urban exploration with its mosaics and distinctive architecture.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Swimming pools, changing rooms, balconies.
- State of Decay: Deteriorating, but some decorative elements remain intact.
- Access: Relatively easy, but the structures are fragile.
4: The Hasard Hospital
The Hasard Hospital, located in the Liège region, is a former sanatorium and abandoned hospital. This site offers an atmosphere that is both eerie and fascinating, with its dilapidated operating rooms and dark corridors.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, patient rooms, operating theaters.
- State of Decay: Partially in ruins, with medical equipment still present.
- Access: Difficult; some parts are unstable.
5: The Chartreuse Fort
Located in Liège, the Chartreuse Fort is an abandoned military bastion used by various armies over the centuries. Surrounded by vegetation, this site is a true labyrinth of corridors and bunkers that tells the military history of Belgium.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Barracks, bunkers, watchtowers.
- State of Decay: Partially in ruins, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but some areas are dangerous.
Conclusion
Belgium is a true playground for urbex enthusiasts, offering a variety of sites ranging from old castles to monumental industrial structures. Each site tells a unique story, frozen in time, waiting to be rediscovered by urban explorers. However, it is essential to respect local laws and always prioritize safety during these explorations. Happy exploring!
