50 Stunning Examples Of Nature Reclaiming What Humans Left Behind (New Pics)

We humans like to think of ourselves as masters of the planet, bendingnatureto suit our needs. We build roads, carve out neighborhoods, and raise cities from the ground up. But in reality, our presence is fleeting.

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Building partly covered by lush greenery, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Abandoned house enveloped by vibrant autumn trees, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

People may not last forever, but at least they can capture nature taking over what’s left behind.Bored Pandareached out to urban photographersGreg AbandonedandJeroen Taalto learn what goes into documenting these moments. And apparently, all it takes is a burningcuriosityand the courage to explore.

Banyan tree growing through a chimney, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown spiral staircase amid stone ruins, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

“The aesthetic ofabandoned spaces, the stories they carry, and the eerie beauty of nature reclaiming them—it felt like a child opening a Christmas gift,” he says. “That trip ignited my passion for urban exploration, and ever since, I’ve been on a mission to find more places like it.”

Overgrown castle on a lake, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization with dense greenery amid ruins.

Nature reclaiming civilization: overgrown railway with yellow flowers and a distant building.

Overgrown plants inside a gothic church ruin, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Jeroen has been traveling to abandoned locations and capturing them since 2016. “What drew me to this type of photography is the fascinating interplay between human-made structures and nature’s persistent force to reclaim these spaces,” he says. “There’s something captivating about documenting these forgotten places, where architecture and nature create a unique harmony. Each abandoned location tells its own story of the past while showcasing nature’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive.”

Old stone chimney in the forest, covered by nature, exemplifying nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown plants reclaiming an abandoned greenhouse with stained glass windows and arches.

Nature reclaiming civilization: overgrown plants on an abandoned bridge above water.

During his adventures, Greg has explored the world—from Poland and Norway to Egypt—meticulously researching and finding hidden locations that others haven’t. However, he chooses not to disclose the exact spots where he takes his shots. As he explains, urban photographers invest significant time and effort in discovering these places, and sharing them openly is considered bad etiquette.

Ancient stone structure overtaken by nature in a misty forest, highlighting nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown vegetation inside an abandoned building, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Abandoned villa on a cliff with overgrown plants, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

“The island became gradually depopulated, with no dramatic event causing its decline—just a slow, natural transition,” he goes on. “Eventually, the local fishing industry became commercialized, making it economically unfeasible for the small community to continue. Now, it stands as an eerie yet beautiful testament to time and change, with nature overtaking the structures and the lush greenery slowly enveloping everything.”

Abandoned stone fortress surrounded by sea, with greenery growing as nature reclaims civilization.

is part of the structure of an abandoned 17th century aqueduct system near Sete Cidades on São Miquel Island in the Azores

Moss-covered ancient stone arches with nature reclaiming the structures, surrounded by lush greenery.

Ancient church overgrown with greenery, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Jeroen takes special care in seeking out remnants of stunning architecture during his urban explorations, often going off the beaten path to find them. Tunisia, Scotland, Georgia, and Romania are just a few of the destinations he’s visited in search of forgotten history.He has organized his photographs into dedicated series—like“Broken Roofs”and“Lost Sanctuaries.”My personal favorite is“Relics of Relaxation”—a collection of places that once provided entertainment and leisure. Abandoned theaters, villas-turned-hotels, and once-bustling culture houses now stand quiet and empty.

He has organized his photographs into dedicated series—like“Broken Roofs”and“Lost Sanctuaries.”My personal favorite is“Relics of Relaxation”—a collection of places that once provided entertainment and leisure. Abandoned theaters, villas-turned-hotels, and once-bustling culture houses now stand quiet and empty.

Nature reclaiming civilization: abandoned buildings overgrown with greenery.

Nature reclaiming civilization: Grass-covered piano by a riverbank.

Moss-covered machinery in an abandoned building with nature reclaiming civilization.

But few sights evoke a stronger sense of abandonment than an entire settlement left to decay. That feeling is captured perfectly in thisshotJeroen took in a small village in Italy’s Campania region, near Salerno.

“I discovered this location while researching ghost villages in Southern Italy during my travel planning,” he says. “The timing turned out to be perfect—I arrived at dusk, when the warm light beautifully illuminated the ancient stone buildings against the mountainside. Since the path to the village looked quite challenging and daylight was fading, I used my drone to capture this perspective.”

Nature reclaiming civilization, with vines overgrown on an abandoned car and building.

Old ship overtaken by trees and plants, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming an abandoned ship with trees growing through its structure in a lush, green landscape.

When Jeroen comes across abandoned spots, he feels more amazed than saddened or haunted. “It’s exciting to witness how nature gracefully embraces old architecture—it’s like watching a slow but beautiful transformation,” he says.“In this particular village, seeing how vegetation has woven itself around the ancient stone buildings, while the structures still stand proudly against the mountain backdrop, creates a sense of wonder,” he continues. “These places don’t feel abandoned in the traditional sense; they’ve simply transitioned into a different kind of life. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty and how even when humans leave, these places find a new purpose as they blend with their surroundings.”

“In this particular village, seeing how vegetation has woven itself around the ancient stone buildings, while the structures still stand proudly against the mountain backdrop, creates a sense of wonder,” he continues. “These places don’t feel abandoned in the traditional sense; they’ve simply transitioned into a different kind of life. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty and how even when humans leave, these places find a new purpose as they blend with their surroundings.”

Tree growing through a basketball hoop symbolizes nature reclaiming civilization in a suburban neighborhood.

Nature reclaiming an abandoned building with lush greenery overtaking stone arches and walls.

Overgrown roller coaster with lush greenery, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Greg shares the same sentiment. To him, forgotten places are the most fascinating. “Those that are truly left behind, with nature creeping in and making them its own,” he says. “Exploring these spaces feels like a ticket to a secret, hidden world, like having an abandoned playground to yourself. There’s something uniquely beautiful about seeing how the world reverts to its natural state.”

Abandoned building overgrown with trees and plants, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming buildings, overgrown with greenery, illustrating civilization’s decline amid lush landscapes.

Nature reclaiming civilization: trees and greenery overtaking a decaying stone structure.

Of course, urban explorers face plenty of challenges along the way. But if anything, those obstacles lead to unexpected stories—some beautiful, others risky.“Because of this, I created the Greg AbandonedUrbex Podcast, where I interview explorers from all over the world who share the stories behind the photos and places you see here,” he shares. “I invite everyone to tune in and listen to those experiences. It’s where you can hear firsthand accounts of the challenges, wonders, and mysteries of urban exploration.”

Of course, urban explorers face plenty of challenges along the way. But if anything, those obstacles lead to unexpected stories—some beautiful, others risky.

“Because of this, I created the Greg AbandonedUrbex Podcast, where I interview explorers from all over the world who share the stories behind the photos and places you see here,” he shares. “I invite everyone to tune in and listen to those experiences. It’s where you can hear firsthand accounts of the challenges, wonders, and mysteries of urban exploration.”

Overgrown greenery envelops an abandoned cathedral, showing nature reclaiming civilization.

Abandoned mansion overgrown with ivy in a lush green field, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming civilization with overgrown ruins on a lush hillside.

Perhaps the biggest mystery of all is what will happen to these abandoned places in the future. Will they collapse entirely, swallowed and dragged back into the earth? Or will they remain as they are, frozen in time?

Around 350 people live in the newer section of San Severino di Centola, about a 15-minute walk from the abandoned area. So far, restoration efforts have focused on the castle, the path leading to it, and the small piazza, which now hosts painting exhibitions, poetry workshops, concerts, and real-life nativity scenes at Christmas. But more work lies ahead.

And we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Ruins of a church being overtaken by lush greenery, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Old building covered in lush greenery, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization in a rural field setting.

Abandoned industrial building with nature reclaiming civilization, as greenery covers the floor and graffiti decorates the walls.

Moss-covered abandoned car in a forest, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Abandoned train station with plants growing on the floor, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown vines envelop an abandoned building, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown plants envelop an abandoned bridge, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Old glasshouse covered with greenery, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming civilization as ivy covers an old house entrance.

Overgrown vegetation envelops crumbling buildings, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Abandoned industrial hall with plants growing inside, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown plants reclaiming urban railway, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization amidst city buildings.

Overgrown ivy enveloping an abandoned tower, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown shipwreck in clear waters, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Overgrown ruins with dense greenery, illustrating nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming a sunken ship with trees growing on it in teal waters.

Abandoned building overtaken by nature, with vines creeping through a collapsed ceiling.

Overgrown abandoned pool in a greenhouse, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.

Nature reclaiming an abandoned indoor pool, with plants growing on the empty floor.

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Historic villa with overgrown plants, showcasing nature reclaiming civilization.