Burj Al Babas: An Abandoned Town of Disney-Inspired Castles
Burj Al Babas, located near the Black Sea, is a ghost town filled with 587 half-finished, abandoned mini-castles. Initially, it was planned as a luxurious urban development offering the appearance of royalty for those willing to pay from $370,000 to $500,000 for their own palace. The project developer, Sarot Group, envisioned rich foreigners enjoying the Mediterranean climate and hot springs in Gothic-style castles in the Roman spa town of Mudurnu, Turkey.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Photo by depositphotos.com
Photo by depositphotos.com
However, the construction of the Disney-inspired castle village was halted due to bankruptcy, lawsuits against the developers, and the struggling economy in Turkey. Despite confidence from the Sarot Group in 2019 that the $200 million project would resume, it has been left abandoned due to the pandemic. Currently, the town is not livable with only half-finished shells remaining. From a distance, the gray-roofed neighborhood appears enchanting, but closer inspection reveals an eerie postapocalyptic feel. The empty village is a chilling sight, with rows of partially completed castles, patchy landscaping, and no signs of life.
Address:
Burj Al Babas Villa
Büyükcami
Mudurnu, 14800
Turkey
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Burj Al Babas unfinished residential development near Mudurnu, Bolu Province, Türkiye; closed private construction site, not a visitor attraction.
- Access
- No authorized visitor access has been found. Türkiye Today describes the development as officially closed and reports construction debris and exposed wiring; Atlas Obscura warns of active security. The Guardian reported trespassers entering in 2024, which is not lawful visitor access. Do not enter, cross barriers, or approach security. No authorized tour or safe public viewing point is documented.
- Admission
- No public ticket, visitor admission, or authorized booking option was found. Reports describe a closed and secured construction site; do not treat unauthorized entry as a visit option.
- Time needed
- Not applicable as a visitor stop: no authorized public entry or public viewing area is documented.
- Best season
- No visitor season can be recommended while the development is closed to visitors. Weather does not change the access restriction.
- Opening hours
- No public opening hours or tour schedule are published. Available reporting describes a closed development with active security.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
Suggest an edit
No account needed. Your update goes to the editor for review.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
