35 Stunning Abandoned Places Around the World You Can Still Visit

5. Oradour-sur-Glane, France: The Martyr Village

Oradour-sur-Glane stands as a poignant memorial to the horrors of World War II. In 1944, the village was the site of a massacre by Nazi troops, leaving nearly 650 residents dead. After the war, French President Charles de Gaulle ordered that the village remain untouched as a memorial and reminder of the atrocities committed. Today, visitors can walk through the ruins, where bullet-riddled buildings and rusting cars remain as silent witnesses to the tragedy. The preserved village serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering history to prevent future atrocities. Oradour-sur-Glane invites reflection on the impact of war and the enduring quest for peace and reconciliation.