A collapsed and flooded complex of mining galleries stretches between 600 and 800 metres below the cyclocross World Cup 2025 course in the northern French town of Liévin. 

In the early nineteenth century, the industrial revolution swept across continental Europe and one steelworks after another rose from the ground. Europe had hundreds of blast furnaces, but since the mid-twentieth century, Europe's steel industry has been slowly going downhill.

Bilbao is known for its vibrant mix of modern art, rich Basque culture, and scenic landscapes. Yet, nestled among the city’s attractions are remnants of its industrial past—sites that tell the story of Bilbao’s rise as a powerhouse in iron, shipbuilding, and trade. For travellers who want to step off the beaten path, here are five hidden industrial gems worth exploring.

Do these monuments ring a bell with you? You might recognise the locations of films and series such as Doctor Who, Babylon Berlin, and Dark.

Ghost towns offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, each a haunting reminder of lives once lived and worlds long forgotten. Some were abandoned due to disasters, others due to changing economies or political decisions.

While infrastructure is crucial for any country's smooth functioning, Belgium boasts some examples of construction that leave locals and tourists scratching their heads, like useless tunnels, bridges, and dead-end roads.

Despite its small size, Belgium has been a prominent host of World Exhibitions, leaving a significant cultural and architectural legacy. These exhibitions, held in cities like Ghent, Charleroi, Liège, Antwerp and Brussels, showcased the nation's industrial prowess and cultural richness, cementing Belgium’s place on the global stage.

Bruges, often dubbed the "Venice of the North," is world-renowned for its medieval architecture, winding canals, and romantic ambience. But beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lies a wealth of hidden gems that offer a deeper, more nuanced look into the city's rich history and culture. Here are a few lesser-known treasures worth seeking on your next visit.

Ghent's historic city centre attracts tourists with its Castle of the Counts, the Belfry, the Graslei and Korenlei. But within walking distance of the centre, you will find several hidden gems from the city's industrial past.

Early on Tuesday, June 6, 1944, thousands of landing craft moored on the beaches of Normandy for 'Operation Overlord'.