23 Places Where Nature Has Reclaimed Abandoned Cities

4. Ani, Turkey: The City of 1,001 Churches Slowly Fading Into the Wild

Once a flourishing medieval capital of the Armenian Kingdom, Ani was known as the "City of 1,001 Churches" and rivaled the greatest cities of its time. At its peak in the 10th and 11th centuries, it was home to over 100,000 people, adorned with grand palaces, bustling markets, and breathtaking cathedrals. However, after centuries of invasions, earthquakes, and shifting trade routes, Ani was abandoned and left to the elements. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a haunting ghost town, where ancient stone churches and crumbling city walls stand like forgotten sentinels. Over time, grasses and wildflowers have reclaimed the once-thriving metropolis, softening the edges of its ruins with a veil of green. Birds nest in the towering remains of centuries-old churches, and the harsh Anatolian wind whistles through abandoned archways, giving Ani an eerie yet majestic presence.