Exploring Forgotten Movie Sets: A Unique Twist on Urban Exploration
As the world continues to progress and evolve, it is easy to forget about the past. However, there are still relics of times gone by that can be found in forgotten movie sets. These sets have been left behind and abandoned but continue to hold a unique charm and beauty that is worth exploring.
One such set is located in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. The Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou has been used as a filming location for numerous Hollywood films including “Gladiator” and “The Mummy.” This beautiful set was constructed out of mud bricks over 300 years ago by local tribespeople, and its historic value has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Despite being featured in several blockbuster movies, it remains largely unknown to tourists who flock to Marrakech just two hours away.
Another forgotten movie set can be found on the island of Malta where Game of Thrones fans will recognize the Azure Window rock formation as the backdrop for Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding in season one. Unfortunately, this stunning natural landmark was destroyed during a storm in 2017 leaving only memories behind.
Yet another iconic filming location that has since been abandoned is the Hotel del Salto in Colombia featured prominently in Netflix’s Narcos series. The hotel was built near Tequendama Falls outside Bogota back in 1924 with an incredible view overlooking the waterfalls below but eventually fell into disrepair after closing its doors due to pollution from nearby industry.
These are just three examples of hundreds if not thousands of forgotten movie sets dotted around the world waiting for urban explorers willing to step off-the-beaten-path and experience something truly unique.
Urban exploration (also known as Urbex) has gained popularity recently thanks to social media platforms like Instagram which allow people from all over the world share their adventures photographically with others online. As its name suggests, Urban Exploration involves exploring abandoned buildings or other man-made structures like factories, hospitals, and theme parks that have been left behind.
These forgotten movie sets offer a unique twist on the traditional Urbex experience. Instead of exploring dilapidated buildings, you are transported into another world where you can imagine walking in the footsteps of your favorite actors or experiencing the same scenes they brought to life on the silver screen.
Some may argue that these sets are just props and not “real” places worth exploring, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The detail put into creating these worlds is often astounding with entire villages constructed from scratch in some cases. These sets also give us insight into different cultures and ways of life as we get to explore locations that were chosen for their authenticity rather than being created in a studio backlot.
One such example is Hengdian World Studios located in China which boasts 13 massive soundstages across 1,666 acres making it one of the largest film studios in the world. It has been used as a filming location for numerous Chinese films including “Hero” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” The studio has recreated everything from ancient palaces to modern cities allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully into whichever era they choose to explore.
Another forgotten movie set is located near Austin, Texas where fans of Wes Anderson’s quirky style will recognize The Bishop’s House from his hit film “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” This stunning pink building was actually constructed specifically for the film but its beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who pass by it on Highway 71 today.
In addition to offering a unique glimpse into different cultures and ways of life through its intricate details, these forgotten movie sets also hold sentimental value for many people who grew up watching their favorite movies come alive before their eyes. They represent an escape from reality even if only temporarily while providing opportunities for reflection about how far we’ve come since then both technologically and socially.
Exploring abandoned buildings may not be for everyone, but these forgotten movie sets offer a unique way to experience something truly special. Whether you’re a fan of cinema or just looking for an adventure off-the-beaten-path, there’s no denying the allure of exploring worlds that have been created and left behind for us to discover.