Urban exploration, or urbex , is a fascinating activity that involves discovering abandoned places, often steeped in history. Belgium, with its many derelict industrial and architectural buildings, is a prime destination for urbex enthusiasts. Here are five must-see 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 Station is one of the most famous urban exploration sites in Belgium. Closed in 2007, this coal-fired power station offers an impressive spectacle with its gigantic turbines and massive installations, now frozen in time.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Turbines, boilers, control rooms.
- State of disrepair: Well preserved, but the wear and tear of time is visible.
- Access: Moderately difficult, some areas are secured or dangerous.
2: Château Miranda (Château de Noisy)
Miranda Castle , also known as Noisy Castle, located in Celles, is another must-see destination for urban explorers in Belgium. Built in 1866, this Gothic castle was abandoned in the 1990s and demolished in 2017, but its ruins remain a place of pilgrimage for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Gothic towers, vast halls, majestic staircases.
- State of disrepair: In ruins, with parts still standing.
- Access: Relatively accessible, although some areas are dangerous.
3: The Châtelet Swimming Pool
In Châtelet, not far from Charleroi, lies 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
- Facilities: Swimming pools, changing rooms, balconies.
- State of disrepair: Decomposing, but some decorative elements remain intact.
- Access: Relatively easy, but the structures are fragile.
4: The Hospital of Chance
The Hôpital du Hasard , located in the Liège region, is a former sanatorium and abandoned hospital. This site offers an atmosphere that is both sinister and fascinating, with its dilapidated operating rooms and dark corridors.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, patient rooms, operating theaters.
- State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, with medical equipment still present.
- Access: Difficult, some parts are unstable.
5: The Fort of the Chartreuse
Located in Liège, the Fort de la Chartreuse is a former abandoned military stronghold, used by various armies over the centuries. This site, surrounded by vegetation, is a veritable labyrinth of corridors and bunkers that tells the story of Belgium's military history.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Barracks, bunkers, watchtowers.
- State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively easy, but some areas are dangerous.
Conclusion
Belgium is a true playground for urban explorers, offering a variety of sites ranging from ancient 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!
