49 Abandoned Landmarks That Are More Beautiful Than Ever

24. Rum Orphanage (Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage) – Büyükada, Turkey

Perched atop a hill on Büyükada, one of Istanbul's Princes' Islands, sits the Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage, believed to be one of the largest wooden buildings in Europe. Constructed in the late 19th century, initially as a luxury hotel casino before becoming an orphanage, it housed thousands of children until its closure in the 1960s. Decades of neglect have left the intricate woodwork decaying and the vast structure vulnerable to the elements. Its sheer scale and faded grandeur, combined with its poignant history and serene island setting, make it a deeply atmospheric and visually arresting landmark.