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Abandoned Palaces: Great Houses, Mansions, Estates and Hotels Suspended in Time
From imperial residences and aristocratic estates to hotels and urban mansions, Abandoned Palaces tells the stories behind dilapidated structures all around the world.
Built to impress, built with style and grandeur, built, above all, to last: it’s all the more remarkable when buildings such as these fall into disrepair and become ruins. From ancient Roman villas to the French colonial hill station in Cambodia that was one of the final refuges of the Khmer Rouge, Abandoned Palaces charts the decline of what were once the homes and holiday resorts of the super wealthy. Ranging from crumbling hotels in the Catskills or in Mozambique, to grand mansions in Taiwan, to an unfinished Elizabethan summerhouse, to a modern megalomaniac’s partially completed estate, they were deserted for reasons including politics, bankruptcy, personal tragedies, natural and man-made disasters, and changing tastes and fashions. Filled with stunning, nostalgic images, this volume is a brilliant and moving examination of worlds left behind.
Built to impress, built with style and grandeur, built, above all, to last: it’s all the more remarkable when buildings such as these fall into disrepair and become ruins. From ancient Roman villas to the French colonial hill station in Cambodia that was one of the final refuges of the Khmer Rouge, Abandoned Palaces charts the decline of what were once the homes and holiday resorts of the super wealthy. Ranging from crumbling hotels in the Catskills or in Mozambique, to grand mansions in Taiwan, to an unfinished Elizabethan summerhouse, to a modern megalomaniac’s partially completed estate, they were deserted for reasons including politics, bankruptcy, personal tragedies, natural and man-made disasters, and changing tastes and fashions. Filled with stunning, nostalgic images, this volume is a brilliant and moving examination of worlds left behind.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2019
1 person is currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kerrigan
173 books20 followersMichael Kerrigan is a seasoned freelance writer and editor with over thirty years of experience across a wide spectrum of publishing work, from advertising and catalogue copy to book blurbs and specialist nonfiction. A prolific author, he has written around sixty full-length books on subjects ranging from ancient warfare and Slavic myth to modern architecture and the science of consciousness, all aimed at a general readership. He contributed a weekly Books in Brief column to The Scotsman for two decades and has reviewed extensively for the Times Literary Supplement, The Guardian, and Financial Times.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 16, 2019
I love abandoned places photography! I adore the atmosphere, the haunting quality of the images and imagining the history of the buildings and those who have lived in or visited them.
Most of the collections of abandoned places I’ve seen have focused on the buildings’ interiors. This book includes some interior photos as well as some bird’s-eye view shots that show an interesting blend of interior and exterior. However, a greater proportion show the overall exterior of the building, with sections of facades crumbling on some and nature overrunning others, and I really enjoyed those photos. I particularly liked those that highlight the contrast between neglected architecture and flourishing greenery surrounding it (and oftentimes growing over it).
The descriptions that accompany each image are succinct; you learn enough to provide context but not so much that the information overwhelms the picture. Each section includes a short introduction to the overall location: The Americas and Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific.
Each time I look through this book (three times so far) different photos catch my eye and details I’ve previously missed stand out. I do have a few favourites that I expect will remain, no matter how many times I return. The one that stands out the most and that I most desperately need to visit is Pidhirsti Palace in Lviv, Ukraine.
Although the colour feels off (again, this could be due to my viewing an ARC on an iPad) my favourite photo that showed some interior was of Ladendorf Castle in Mistelbach, Austria.
I was quite disappointed to learn that the photos were all sourced from stock image sites: 123RF, Alamy, Dreamstime, FLPA, Getty Images, Globallookpress.com, iStock and Shutterstock. In the past I’ve enjoyed collections of abandoned places photos by a single artist; I find this provides more of a cohesive feel to the project and gives me a sense of their ‘eye’ by the end of the book. I also enjoy the anecdotes a photographer can provide based on their experiences shooting at specific locations.
These details are missing here; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing but is certainly something I would have liked to have known before I started reading/looking. Also missing are the interior photos that show details of abandoned items that I love to pore over; they provide a small but important connection for me to the history of the buildings and the people who spent time there.
To be taken with a grain of salt as this relates to the ARC : There were some photos that appeared underexposed and others that appeared to have been edited so the colour was unnaturally saturated in places. These may be artistic choices by the individual photographers or the book’s editor or could be due to the fact that I viewed an advanced copy on an iPad. These comments may be entirely irrelevant once this book has been published.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for the opportunity to view this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Most of the collections of abandoned places I’ve seen have focused on the buildings’ interiors. This book includes some interior photos as well as some bird’s-eye view shots that show an interesting blend of interior and exterior. However, a greater proportion show the overall exterior of the building, with sections of facades crumbling on some and nature overrunning others, and I really enjoyed those photos. I particularly liked those that highlight the contrast between neglected architecture and flourishing greenery surrounding it (and oftentimes growing over it).
The descriptions that accompany each image are succinct; you learn enough to provide context but not so much that the information overwhelms the picture. Each section includes a short introduction to the overall location: The Americas and Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific.
Each time I look through this book (three times so far) different photos catch my eye and details I’ve previously missed stand out. I do have a few favourites that I expect will remain, no matter how many times I return. The one that stands out the most and that I most desperately need to visit is Pidhirsti Palace in Lviv, Ukraine.
The original photo by LALS STOCK can be found on Shutterstock here. Editing of the image in this book (or it may be because I’m reading an ARC) has given it a creepier feel than the original, but that has added to my love for this particular photo.
Although the colour feels off (again, this could be due to my viewing an ARC on an iPad) my favourite photo that showed some interior was of Ladendorf Castle in Mistelbach, Austria.
I loved that this open door felt like an invitation and, although it’s actually a courtyard you’re getting a glimpse of, I immediately imagined that a path out of view behind this building would lead intrepid explorers to another world. (That is one of the reasons why I love photography so much; it awakens my imagination.) This photo of Ladendorf Castle is by Viennaslide and can be found on Alamy here.
I was quite disappointed to learn that the photos were all sourced from stock image sites: 123RF, Alamy, Dreamstime, FLPA, Getty Images, Globallookpress.com, iStock and Shutterstock. In the past I’ve enjoyed collections of abandoned places photos by a single artist; I find this provides more of a cohesive feel to the project and gives me a sense of their ‘eye’ by the end of the book. I also enjoy the anecdotes a photographer can provide based on their experiences shooting at specific locations.
These details are missing here; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing but is certainly something I would have liked to have known before I started reading/looking. Also missing are the interior photos that show details of abandoned items that I love to pore over; they provide a small but important connection for me to the history of the buildings and the people who spent time there.
To be taken with a grain of salt as this relates to the ARC : There were some photos that appeared underexposed and others that appeared to have been edited so the colour was unnaturally saturated in places. These may be artistic choices by the individual photographers or the book’s editor or could be due to the fact that I viewed an advanced copy on an iPad. These comments may be entirely irrelevant once this book has been published.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for the opportunity to view this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
August 30, 2022
Mostly drone footage cause - seriously - many of these abandoned buildings do not appear 'safe' to explore although there are people who are willing to take up the challenge. Drone cameras give the photographer an opportunity to display some of the originally exquisite details up-close without dragging ladders and possibly scaffolding along for the trip. And then there is the chance to see the estate in it's original setting with grounds either under a caretaker's management or nature taking over.
Kerrigan divides the world in sections: Americas and Caribbean; Western Europe; eastern Europe; Africa and the Middle East and ending with Asia and the Pacific.
Of course, he includes blurbs of information about the name of the estate/building if it is known, the location and a description behind it being built and whatever life it has had since then. A couple are noted as being undergoing renovations but with the high costs of rehabilitation while keeping the essence of the original building, it's been equally time-consuming.
Kerrigan does note the renovated and tourist attraction of Boldt Castle on an island in the St. Lawrence and as expected, the photography is grand.
2022-191
Kerrigan divides the world in sections: Americas and Caribbean; Western Europe; eastern Europe; Africa and the Middle East and ending with Asia and the Pacific.
Of course, he includes blurbs of information about the name of the estate/building if it is known, the location and a description behind it being built and whatever life it has had since then. A couple are noted as being undergoing renovations but with the high costs of rehabilitation while keeping the essence of the original building, it's been equally time-consuming.
Kerrigan does note the renovated and tourist attraction of Boldt Castle on an island in the St. Lawrence and as expected, the photography is grand.
2022-191
September 12, 2019
This book is exactly what it says on the tin. Between these covers are a series of beautiful photos of abandoned palaces, mansions, and hotels - the great houses of both the distant past and the far more recent. It's a difficult book to resist, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much information was contained within it. Rather than focusing upon the predictable, the book takes us to such unexpected places as Haiti prior to the earthquake, Turkey, Lisbon, and Tibet.
The book presents its subject matter in a respectful way with a view towards history. A brief paragraph explains how the place came to be, as well as how it was abandoned. Often there are thoughtful asides and meditations on the state of things. A Cathedral crumbles in Britain - does it cause us to think of the growing secularism of the country? A mansion decays in Jamaica - it is reclaimed by the very land it sought to control.
This is a beautiful collection of photography that anyone can enjoy. I am sure it would be greater appreciated by someone more familiar with photography and urban exploration than myself, but I still did greatly enjoy it. I'd be curious to see other collections like this over time.
The book presents its subject matter in a respectful way with a view towards history. A brief paragraph explains how the place came to be, as well as how it was abandoned. Often there are thoughtful asides and meditations on the state of things. A Cathedral crumbles in Britain - does it cause us to think of the growing secularism of the country? A mansion decays in Jamaica - it is reclaimed by the very land it sought to control.
This is a beautiful collection of photography that anyone can enjoy. I am sure it would be greater appreciated by someone more familiar with photography and urban exploration than myself, but I still did greatly enjoy it. I'd be curious to see other collections like this over time.
February 11, 2020
This is one of my favorite coffee table books I’ve ever read! I loved this so much. The pictures were so clear and crisp, and the small informative texts were just detailed enough and not preachy. This was just such a great book and I can’t praise it enough. It very well conveyed the haunted feeling of abandoned structures that I was hoping for when I bought it. On page 212/213 for instance, the photograph shows a “Derelict Hotel” in Japan. Apparently it’s been abandoned since the 1990s, and it just blows my mind that this seemingly still structurally sound building with multiple living quarters isn’t being used for anything. Even overgrown, the grounds are beautiful and well laid out. In this particular photo, there’s a truck pulled into a parking spot and it’s crazy to think that there was a day when someone just started the truck like normal, parked it, and then never started it again. It’s just been parked for the last twenty or thirty years.
So many of these structures were also abandoned before they were finished, and it made me wonder about the people who had all of that money- enough money to just start a grand palace and then decide for whatever reason that it wasn’t worth even selling for parts. They just left it, a pile of expensive ideas.
This was just such a great book. I loved it so much.
So many of these structures were also abandoned before they were finished, and it made me wonder about the people who had all of that money- enough money to just start a grand palace and then decide for whatever reason that it wasn’t worth even selling for parts. They just left it, a pile of expensive ideas.
This was just such a great book. I loved it so much.
December 30, 2025
I bought the book in hopes it would have great photos but ended up totally disappointed. I have to say, this review comes from a person who studied photography and a photographer critic.
There are a few good photos in the book but they're outshined by the bad ones. There's no consistent line in the photos and in their editing. Most photos do not respect the architectural structure of the building, and in random pages there are fisheye photos destroying the set and the book. Although the layout is mostly good there are some weird photo and text placements.
Atrocities are: page 15, the building is not curved; page 87, the building was photographed in the shadow and is cropped; page 95, the photo is shaky or badly printed; and pages 128 and 129, terrible fisheye photos that you cannot even understand the buildings structure.
The best pages, that are actually good, are 62 and 63, with great composition and layout
There are a few good photos in the book but they're outshined by the bad ones. There's no consistent line in the photos and in their editing. Most photos do not respect the architectural structure of the building, and in random pages there are fisheye photos destroying the set and the book. Although the layout is mostly good there are some weird photo and text placements.
Atrocities are: page 15, the building is not curved; page 87, the building was photographed in the shadow and is cropped; page 95, the photo is shaky or badly printed; and pages 128 and 129, terrible fisheye photos that you cannot even understand the buildings structure.
The best pages, that are actually good, are 62 and 63, with great composition and layout
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
I requested this book just to see if Portugal appeared. It does.
Despite being titled "Abandoned Palaces", this book has picture os any building that was supposed to look grandiose at the time of its construction.
One of the things that I liked the most is that this book has pictures of all around the world, not just of Europe.
This is not the easiest book to read digitally because the ADE freezes whenever the file has images so you need to zoom in to be able to read the description and then zoom out to be able to appreciate the photograph.
The pictures themselves did not impress me as I thought they would, instead of eerie, most just seemed dirty and old but I did learn about several interesting buildings
Despite being titled "Abandoned Palaces", this book has picture os any building that was supposed to look grandiose at the time of its construction.
One of the things that I liked the most is that this book has pictures of all around the world, not just of Europe.
This is not the easiest book to read digitally because the ADE freezes whenever the file has images so you need to zoom in to be able to read the description and then zoom out to be able to appreciate the photograph.
The pictures themselves did not impress me as I thought they would, instead of eerie, most just seemed dirty and old but I did learn about several interesting buildings
November 19, 2020
I love books about abandoned places and buildings. I have already read several. This one focuses on abandoned palaces, in particular large houses, mansions, estates and hotels. What is not included is ancient ruins of civilisations, which are their own separate category beyond the remit of this book.
The book is divided into regions, featuring the America, Europe, Africa, Asia, The Middle East and the Pacific. Each image of a building is accompanied by a blurb from author Kerrigan, which usually gives some of the building's history and a poetical description of its fate. I would have liked to have seen more of the Pacific though, as I am sure there must be some impressive ruins in Australia and New Zealand too.
Many of the buildings featured were built in the 19th century as a demonstration of the genteelness of new money. Others were begun, but never finished because of death, or the ending of the love affair that they were in honouring. Most still stand, and some may even be restored or repurposed. Sadly, one of my favourites, the Chateau Miranda in Belgium, has since been demolished.
A lovely pictorial book that comments on the passage of time.
The book is divided into regions, featuring the America, Europe, Africa, Asia, The Middle East and the Pacific. Each image of a building is accompanied by a blurb from author Kerrigan, which usually gives some of the building's history and a poetical description of its fate. I would have liked to have seen more of the Pacific though, as I am sure there must be some impressive ruins in Australia and New Zealand too.
Many of the buildings featured were built in the 19th century as a demonstration of the genteelness of new money. Others were begun, but never finished because of death, or the ending of the love affair that they were in honouring. Most still stand, and some may even be restored or repurposed. Sadly, one of my favourites, the Chateau Miranda in Belgium, has since been demolished.
A lovely pictorial book that comments on the passage of time.
August 5, 2019
Speaking as someone who does a bit of Urbex, I love anything to do with empty/abandoned buildings. I find the whole subject fascinating. From the very first idea of a place, to it’s concept, it’s unique design, it’s actual purpose whilst it was in use, the social history aspect of it and it’s eventual decline.
This book provides some of the most stunning and engrossing pictures I’ve ever seen of abandoned buildings. I really enjoyed the little pieces of information that went with them. It helped to bring the whole thing to life in my head.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my arc. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This book provides some of the most stunning and engrossing pictures I’ve ever seen of abandoned buildings. I really enjoyed the little pieces of information that went with them. It helped to bring the whole thing to life in my head.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for my arc. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
June 21, 2019
An interesting look at abandoned palaces (as well as other buildings such as grand houses or hotels) all over the world. I liked how the book was divided into different parts of the world and appreciated the information which went along with each photograph giving a history of the building. Unfortunately, the advanced PDF copy did not do the photographs justice and I look forward to seeing the book to gain a further appreciation of these magnificent buildings.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2019
Abandoned Palaces by Michael Kerrigan is a gorgeous collection of photos from around the world, featuring abandoned palaces, mansions, and similar structures. Some of the most interesting for me were the abandoned hotels, as well as the buildings from Asia. Each photo is accompanied by a tidbit of information about the building in question. Many of the eerie pictures within prompted the beginning of poems for me. This would make a great coffee table book!
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Amber Books Ltd for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***Many thanks to Netgalley and Amber Books Ltd for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 19, 2019
Visual book of abandoned palaces with a tons of good quality pictures. Maybe not a lot of stunning one, but a strong overall with some descriptions of what we saw. It's crazy too see what can't happen to building when human just left there to be. You can't expect much more from a visual book, so good job!!
July 10, 2019
This book is heaven for me. I watch videos of abandoned buildings on YouTube, and one of my favourite tv programmes is Abandoned Engineering. I know. Complete abandoned buildings geekery. A beautiful book, both the photography and the little snippets of information that come with each picture. Fascinating history.
June 20, 2019
A stunning visual collection of abandoned buildings around the world. It's accompanied by basic information about each place. This is recommended for people who have a fascination with abandoned places, architecture, or photography. Overall an interesting read.
June 29, 2019
A fascinating books, the pictures are amazing and it's great travelling to new places.
I'd like to see the paper book because it must be wonderful.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I'd like to see the paper book because it must be wonderful.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this look at grand abandoned structures from all over the world. It would be so amazing to explore these places in person! The photographs are gorgeous and I like that it gives a bit of background information for each structure.
July 23, 2019
Astonishingly pretty and intensely well-researched. A cracking read and lovely coffee table book.
March 26, 2020
Great photos! Mostly good captions.
September 28, 2020
Not as compelling as other "ruined spaces" books. Try elsewhere.
October 29, 2020
Covers an amazing variety worldwide.
June 21, 2019
This was an interesting coffee table style book. The photographs were generally beautiful and the captions were well written and added some much-needed context. This is a great gift for all those who are interested in urban exploring.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2021
Abandoned Palaces tells the stories behind dilapidated structures from all around the world. From ancient Roman villas to the French colonial hill station in Cambodia that was one of the final refuges of the Khmer Rouge.
Captivated incredibly through these many photos, it’s hard to believe some of these were left to rack and ruin over hundreds of years. From the incredible tilework of Sammezzano Castle to the incredible beauty of Castle Saunderson, this book captures incredible buildings that have been left to the elements - haunting and brilliant at the same time.
Throughout the book we are given brief insights into these buildings and their history, giving you space to wonder and research these buildings - I certainly have and it makes me want to go and rescue as many as possible, it makes me glad in some ways we have The National Trust that ensures that stately homes in the UK are rescued and preserved.
From the stunning Bozkow Palace to the Presidential Palace in Gbadolite, CAR, this book covers every corner of the world and it’s spots of wonder that are left to the wilds, and it makes for a interesting and thought provoking read from beginning to end. (My only wish is there was a page of further reading!).

(I received an ARC from Betgalley for honest review).
Captivated incredibly through these many photos, it’s hard to believe some of these were left to rack and ruin over hundreds of years. From the incredible tilework of Sammezzano Castle to the incredible beauty of Castle Saunderson, this book captures incredible buildings that have been left to the elements - haunting and brilliant at the same time.
Throughout the book we are given brief insights into these buildings and their history, giving you space to wonder and research these buildings - I certainly have and it makes me want to go and rescue as many as possible, it makes me glad in some ways we have The National Trust that ensures that stately homes in the UK are rescued and preserved.
From the stunning Bozkow Palace to the Presidential Palace in Gbadolite, CAR, this book covers every corner of the world and it’s spots of wonder that are left to the wilds, and it makes for a interesting and thought provoking read from beginning to end. (My only wish is there was a page of further reading!).

(I received an ARC from Betgalley for honest review).
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews