Bamboo Palace, Gbadolite, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
This palace was once a paradise on Earth for the former President of Congo. Credit: Independent UK

10. Bamboo Palace, Gbadolite, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

One of the most opulent abandoned mansions in the world is located in the Congo. President Mobutu Seso Seko of Zaire was the country's leader in the 1970s. He spent his riches building a $100 million palace in the center of Gbadolite, a little isolated community. The mansion included an incredible pool set within a private courtyard, chandeliers in every room, and rare artwork by European artists. He even had a nightclub that could accommodate up to 2,000 people. This home was around 1,000 kilometers from Kinshasa. During his stay at the house, President Mobutu flew to a nearby private airfield to go quickly. International flights might be able to land at the airport as well.

Mobutu was deposed from his position of power in 1997. After a rebel force attacked his opulent property, Zaire became the Democratic Republic of Congo. Raiders robbed the palace of its wealth once they removed it from power. By going to Morocco, the President got it out alive. Even though he died only a few months later. Just the stone facade of what once was remains. Because no one in the neighborhood was wealthy enough to utilize it, the airport was also abandoned. When BBC reporters went to the mansion, they had to drive for two days into a secluded area to discover it.

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