February 2010
Monthly ArchivesIn Pictures: Vulcan XH558 – Last of a Legend
This mighty delta forms the unmistakable outline of the iconic Vulcan bomber, Britain’s Cold War nuclear deterrent. The Vulcan in the picture, XH558, is the last flying example of the type, kept alive by a dedicated team of enthusiasts and the unconditional support of her fans. But not all Vulcans have been so lucky…
Is there Beauty in Urban Decay?
The answer is highly subjective, but many urban explorers and those fascinated by hidden history would say “yes”. Smashing Magazine explores the subject of urban decay in a fantastic must-see photo essay, while this collection of 42 stunning images should help you decide. Please let us know what you think!
Abandoned Town of Centralia, Pennsylvania
In the small town of Ashland, Pennsylvania, Route 61 takes an unexplained detour, while a sign saying “Keep Out” straddles the original highway. Anyone who ignores the warning will arrive in the abandoned town of Centralia, where an underground mine fire has been burning since 1962.
The Pinnacles, Western Australia
The spellbinding Pinnacles in the eponymous Pinnacles Desert are among Australia’s most impressive limestone rock formations. Created from the seashells of an ancient ocean rich in marine life, the shells were broken down into lime rich sand blown inland to form high dunes. From these dunes, the formation of the Pinnacles emerged.
Belgium: Urban and Industrial Decay in the Capital of Europe
Belgium is a beautiful country full of picturesque little villages and quaint medieval towns. It is also home to the European Union. But there is an underbelly of urban decay that eludes the cultural fanfare and escapes a mention in the Lonely Planet. This article explores some of Belgium’s urban and industrial abandonments.
The Semi Submerged Church at Curon Venosta
Some time ago Weburbanist did a fantastic article entitled 7 Submerged Wonders of the World, highlighting an astounding selection of underwater cities, monuments and statues. Here’s one with a twist! This semi-submerged bell tower is all that can be seen of the church at Curon Venosta, a small Northern Italian town flooded to make way for an artificial lake.
6 Overgrown Cemeteries, Tombs and Catacombs
We’ve all experienced those cliched opening scenes of horror films where the wind whistles through the trees of an overgrown cemetery. But some cemeteries are so eerie that it’s hard not to be taken in by the tangled grave stones fit for any Hammer Horror production and catacombs worthy of Indiana Jones.
The Enigmatic Nasca Lines
The mysterious Nasca Lines etched into the desert of Peru are among the world’s most puzzling ancient geoglyphs. Photographer Christian Haugen has captured one of the many carvings fantastically, which also include stylised hummingbirds, monkeys, sharks, lizards and so on.
Abandoned Cincinnati Subway
Abandoned tunnels are enough to spur the imagination of most urban explorers. The subterranean world beneath some city streets is a labyrinth of deserted subways and abandoned stations. Cincinnati not only hides America’s largest abandoned subway, but one that was also doomed before the completion of the project could ever be realised.
Manchester’s Spectacular(ly Deserted) Victoria Baths
City bosses are often quick to bulldoze deserted buildings that stand on prime locations. But thankfully that isn’t the case with Manchester’s spectacular Victoria Baths. Closed since 1993, the incredibly intact interior and Edwardian-era styling make the baths a photographer’s dream.