Antwerp, famous for its port and historical heritage, also hides abandoned urban sites that attract urban exploration (urbex) enthusiasts. These places, often left abandoned, offer a dive into the industrial and architectural history of the city. 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 urbex enthusiasts. This village, threatened with demolition for the expansion of the port, 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 businesses.
- State of Disrepair: Variable, some houses are still in good condition while others are falling into disrepair.
- 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. The power station, which supplied electricity to a large part of the region for decades, is now a derelict site with rusting machinery and vast industrial spaces.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Turbines, vast halls, and imposing chimneys.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with some areas dangerous due to structural collapse.
- Access: Difficult, the site being fenced and monitored.
3: The Warehouses of the Port of Antwerp
The port of Antwerp, one of the largest in Europe, is home to many abandoned warehouses. These buildings, which once served as storage areas for goods, are now abandoned, offering a fascinating playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Large warehouses, docks, and old offices.
- State of Disrepair: Variable, with some areas still relatively intact and others in ruins.
- Access: Moderate, some parts of the port still in operation.
4: The Abandoned Military Hospital
The Antwerp Military Hospital , once an important healthcare centre, is now abandoned. This site, steeped in history, offers an impressive setting for exploration, with its long corridors, disused operating theatres and forgotten medical equipment.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, operating rooms, and medical equipment.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, but with areas of severe disrepair.
- Access: Difficult, with risks related to the safety of the structures.
5: The Abandoned Theatre of Borgerhout
The Borgerhout Theater , once a vibrant cultural center, is now abandoned. This theater, with its large stage and dusty seats, offers a unique atmosphere for urbex enthusiasts.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Large stage, dressing rooms, and performance hall.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with some parts still well preserved.
- Access: Moderate, some areas are secure.
Conclusion
Antwerp offers a variety of urbex sites that reflect the city's industrial and cultural history. Whether it's a ghost town or an abandoned theatre, each location tells a unique story, making urban exploration in Antwerp an unforgettable experience for adventure and discovery lovers.
