Unbelievably Pricey Abandoned Structures

6. Bamboo Residence

Where: Congo
Time period: 1970s
Price: $100 million The former ruler of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko, commissioned an extravagant palace complex that comprises three residences, one of which is the renowned Bamboo Palace. This lavish estate was designed to reflect Mobutu's appreciation for the arts, featuring an impressive collection of paintings by celebrated artists, including Claude Monet. To cater to the needs of the president and his wife, the palace employed nearly 700 staff members, ensuring that every requirement was met with utmost attention. This immense workforce not only maintained the opulence of the estate but also provided a level of service befitting the extravagant lifestyle of the ruler.

According to The Times (UK), in 1997, Mobutu Sese Seko fled to Morocco, where he spent his final days. Following his departure, nature gradually reclaimed the Bamboo Palace, transforming it into a haunting reminder of the opulence that once defined the estate. As his family left the property, it fell victim to looters, who stripped it of its valuable jewels and treasures. Today, the palace stands in ruins, a stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyle it once represented. The remnants of the estate serve as a poignant symbol of the excesses of power and the fleeting nature of wealth.