Doel – Abandoned Town in Belgium

Doel is a Belgian village in East Flanders that is almost entirely abandoned, though a few residents still remain, resisting the planned death of their community. Indeed, Doel is destined to disappear to make way for the expansion of the Port of Antwerp and the construction of a new dock. The project began over ten years ago, and residents have been expropriated bit by bit, leaving their homes behind; today, fewer than ten homeowners remain. Because the project has taken so long to materialize, the village has been left in a strange state—it has become a quintessential underground destination and a landmark for street art.

We head toward the Port of Antwerp, driving through it for some time until the Doel nuclear power plant appears in the distance; the village is truly remote. Upon arrival, we feel as though we are walking through a miniature Detroit. We encounter no one except for a few residents holed up in their homes. There isn’t a sound, but before us lie works of art—the entire village is filled with stunning graffiti. Most houses are tightly sealed and boarded up; the few that are open are of little interest, as nothing remains inside. As incredible as it may seem, despite its programmed end, the town is still maintained by municipal crews. The streets are clean, and brightly colored flowers fill the planters, only heightening the sense of surreal contrast. It is always sad to see the fate reserved for a past full of memories; there are associations doing their best to save the village, even if there is little chance of success against the government’s determination.