Antwerp, famous for its port and historical heritage, also hides abandoned urban sites that attract urban exploration enthusiasts (urbex). These often derelict places offer a glimpse into the city's industrial and architectural history. Here are five must-see urbex sites in Antwerp.
1: The Ghost Village of Doel
Located on the outskirts of Antwerp, the Ghost Village of Doel is an iconic site for urban explorers. This village, threatened with demolition for the port's expansion, is now almost completely abandoned. The deserted houses, empty shops, and silent streets offer a unique setting for exploration.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Abandoned houses, school, church, and shops.
- State of disrepair: Variable, some houses are still in good condition while others are falling into ruin.
- Access: Easy, but some areas are monitored and prohibited.
2: The Abandoned Power Plant
The former Antwerp Power Station is a monument to the city's industrial history. This power station, which supplied electricity to a large part of the region for decades, is now an abandoned site, with its rusting machinery and vast industrial spaces.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Turbines, vast halls, and imposing chimneys.
- State of disrepair: Advanced, with some parts dangerous due to collapsed structures.
- Access: Difficult, as the site is fenced and monitored.
3: The Warehouses of the Port of Antwerp
The port of Antwerp, one of the largest in Europe, is home to numerous abandoned warehouses. These buildings, which once served as storage facilities for goods, are now derelict, offering a fascinating playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Vast warehouses, docks, and former offices.
- State of disrepair: Variable, with some areas still relatively intact and others in ruins.
- Access: Moderate, as some parts of the port are still in operation.
4: The Abandoned Military Hospital
The Antwerp Military Hospital , once an important healthcare center, is now abandoned. This historically significant site offers an impressive setting for exploration, with its long corridors, disused operating rooms, and forgotten medical equipment.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, operating rooms, and medical equipment.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, but with heavily degraded areas.
- Access: Difficult, with risks related to the safety of the structures.
5: The Abandoned Theatre of Borgerhout
The Borgerhout Theatre , once a vibrant cultural center, now lies abandoned. This theatre, with its large stage and dusty seats, offers a unique atmosphere for urban exploration enthusiasts.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Large stage, dressing rooms, and performance hall.
- State of disrepair: Moderate, with some parts still well preserved.
- Access: Moderate, with some areas being secured.
Conclusion
Antwerp offers a diverse range of urban exploration sites that reflect the city's industrial and cultural history. From ghost towns to abandoned theaters, each location tells a unique story, making urban exploration in Antwerp an unforgettable experience for adventure and discovery enthusiasts.
