Wasteland industries and abandoned places in CHARLEROI : the most beautiful sites
Urbex and derelict tourism
Retrospective of a glorious past
Charleroi is a Belgian city that is full of fascinating abandoned sites to explore for urban exploration enthusiasts. Here is a list of some of the most notable sites:
Monceau Power Station: This abandoned power station is an iconic site in Charleroi. The red brick buildings have become a popular backdrop for photo shoots and film shoots.
The Charbonnage n°10 du Gouffre: This coal mining site, which had been abandoned for 50 years, had two shafts that were concreted when the activities ended. The interior of the site is completely empty but the architecture of the building still tells the stories of the past.
The Metallurgical Factory, la Cokerie Marchienne: This factory has been abandoned since the 1980s and is now overgrown with vegetation. The ruins offer stunning views of the city of Charleroi.
The Varia cinema and theater: The Varia cinema and theater, built between 1910 and 1913, is a grand building showcasing eclectic architectural style with Art Nouveau elements. It is located in Jumet, a district of the city of Charleroi.
The Surface metro line: This Surface metro line has been abandoned for many years and the buildings are now in ruins. The once bustling travelers have been replaced with graffiti and vegetation.
The Solvay Pool: This abandoned swimming pool has been left empty since the 1990s. The empty pools and rusty diving boards have a sad air but also a certain enchanting charm.
The velodrome: The Charleroi velodrome, unique in Wallonia, after briefly shining with a few cycling races, is now left to its own devices, becoming a true sanctuary for weeds and an amusement park for ruffians.
Gralex Quarry: Gralex Quarry, located in Mont-sur-Marchienne near Charleroi, was once a limestone quarry primarily operated by the company Sagrex. The industrial activities ceased in the 1990s, with the final closure occurring in 1998. After the cessation of operations, the quarry was abandoned, allowing nature to begin recolonizing the site.
Of course, it is important to note that exploring abandoned sites can be dangerous and illegal in some cases. It is therefore important to take all necessary precautions and to respect safety rules when visiting these sites.