Soviet Relics: My 28 Photos Of Abandoned Buildings In Former Soviet Republics

The art of photography has the power to capture the essence of time, freezing moments, and places for eternity. In my latest photography series, I embarked on an unforgettable journey through former FSU countries to document abandoned Soviet architecture. This adventure allowed me to discover forgotten treasures that tell a fascinating story, both political and artistic.

Each building I have photographed tells a unique story. Brutalist-style monuments, dilapidated palaces, and clean-lined administrative buildings stand as silent witnesses to the past. The faded colors and crumbling structures create an almost surreal atmosphere, where time seems to stand still.

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Cinema, Georgia

The photographs in this series not only reflect the melancholy beauty of these sites, but they also capture the essence of the passage of time. Nature began to reclaim these buildings, giving rise to a strange harmony between nature and architecture. Vegetation grows through the cracks, trees pierce the roofs, and the sunlight creates shadows that highlight the tumultuous history of these places.

Abandoned Soviet architecture is a subject that touches on history, politics, and art. The photographs in this series seek to capture the soul of these buildings and recall their historical importance. They invite the viewer to reflect on the past, present, and future of these places while celebrating their beauty in decay.

House Of Culture, Georgia

Since I was little, I have always been passionate about the conquest of space. My first trip took me on the trail of the headquarters of the Communist Party of Bulgaria, which resembles a ship thanks to its extraordinary architecture. I then decided to go to Kazakhstan, to Baikanur, to capture the sleeping shuttles. This remains my fondest memory of exploration. After this trip, everything accelerated: I traveled to Georgia to find the lost statue of Stalin, which was unbolted and then hidden. I continued my travels, to Bulgaria, Romania then again to Georgia and Armenia with the sole aim of capturing the heritage of the former Soviet Union, before it disappeared.

Sanatorium, Georgia

Old Iron Fountain, Armenia

Every country has a different style of architecture, it even varies depending on the region. I had the chance to see some magnificent cultural houses in Georgia. But most of the time, I don’t really know what I’m going to find when I open those doors. Sometimes a disappointment, but often nice surprises! I obviously prefer places where humans have not left traces and which are not vandalized, places where nature has reclaimed its rights!

House Of Culture, Georgia

Dispensary, Armenia

Many people to whom I showed these photos in Europe feel sadness at the “waste” of such beautiful monuments, with all the same a fascination with nature which takes over the work of the Man. On the other hand, in the countries visited, the locals really like to see the photos we take and feel nostalgic. Some locals even shared memories and vintage photos with us!Everything is possible, you have to want it and preserve it! I hung out with the locals, drank gallons of coffee with them, and chatted with everyone I could! Without their trust, many places are inaccessible or impossible to find!

Everything is possible, you have to want it and preserve it! I hung out with the locals, drank gallons of coffee with them, and chatted with everyone I could! Without their trust, many places are inaccessible or impossible to find!

School, Georgia