Thirty abandoned churches from around the world

Independent of any religious creed, chances are most people have toured through a church or two in their travels. Many cities are designed around a central place of worship, while the buildings themselves often have historical significance (not to mention some of the most amazing architecture out there).

But what happens when people pack up and leave a town or a congregation grows and must move on to bigger and better things? This gallery of abandoned churches showcases churches that no longer serve their intended purpose. Most are of church exteriors, while others shows the state of things inside. The buildings are of various sizes, styles, denominations, and states of decay. Some are hollow shells of their former selves, while others have backdrops so miraculous its no wonder people worshiped there. They may be abandoned, but even as they crumble they are still awe-inspiring.

[Photo by Rick Harris, Flickr ]