A few kilometers from Antwerp, Doel is a village that time has all but erased. Between the rumbling nuclear power plant and graffiti-covered facades, this hamlet on the banks of the Scheldt now attracts the curious, artists and lovers of unusual stories. Once full of life, Doel has gone through abandonment, resistance and, now, a timid renaissance.
A ghost village in Belgium
Located just a few kilometers from Antwerp, Doel was once home to over 1,300 inhabitants, but today only counts around 20. Wedged between the nuclear power plant and the port facilities, this village on the banks of the Scheldt has become a unique sight in Belgium. Its deserted streets, walled houses and monumental frescoes give it the air of a film set – between melancholy and mystery. Once destined to disappear, Doel now attracts the curious, photographers and urbex enthusiasts.
A history of resistance
In the 1990s, Doel was sacrificed to the expansion of the port of Antwerp: expropriations, businesses closed, buildings emptied. But a handful of residents stood firm, waging legal battles that lasted over twenty years and won. Today, the village remains alive thanks to this handful of residents, who preserve its alleys and houses, bearing witness to a history of perseverance and attachment to their territory.
Street art and events
And then the empty buildings were taken over by artists like ROA, Resto and Ives, who created monumental frescoes and installations on the façades. Every year, the Doel Festival also transforms the village with concerts and street art exhibitions, attracting visitors and photographers alike. With its deserted alleyways and artistic creations, Doel is the perfect spooky setting for Halloween…
But would you dare to visit it alone in the evening?