Europe has many famous cities that attract millions of tourists every year. Places like Paris, London and Madrid are regarded as some of the world’s most beautiful. However, the old continent also happens to be home to what some call the “ugliest” city on Earth.

Charleroi, in Belgium, was once a massive centre of coal mining and steel production. But after decades of decline, it has become known for its abandoned buildings, poverty, and litter-strewn streets. The city, which has a population of more than 200,000, is the largest in Wallonia and the fourth largest in Belgium. Some parts remain attractive, including Saint-Christopher’s Church and the Belfry of Charleroi, but just metres away, “the scene changes drastically,” said YouTuber Tomothy in a recent video titled Abandoned Places of Charleroi: Inside the Ugliest City in the World.

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Tomothy, who travelled to Charleroi to explore whether the city truly deserves its harsh label, documented the visit in an urbex-style film. Since its release, the video has been viewed more than 100,000 times.

He said: “[There are] ugly, empty and burned-down buildings, a gigantic industrial area right next to the centre, and a large number of abandoned places.”

Among the most haunting are the remains of old coal mines, including Charbonnage du Gouffre, which once produced 145,000 tonnes of coal a year before closing in 1969. 

Another site, Charbonnage du Pêchon, saw multiple mining deaths in the 1950s and 70s. 

In the video, Tomothy says that the city is surrounded by slag heaps, known locally as terrils, formed from mining waste.

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Some have been reclaimed by nature and turned into walking trails and lookouts.

There’s also an abandoned metro line, built under a so-called “waffle iron” policy - an old system where regions received the same major infrastructure, regardless of need. 

The near-complete Châtelet line was left to rot after the project was scrapped in the 1980s. Speaking about it, Tomothy said: “This was far too ambitious for a city like Charleroi.” 

There is also the home of serial killer Marc Dutroux, which was left standing for 25 years and was only demolished in 2022. The site is now a memorial for victims of abuse.

Other empty landmarks include a derelict swimming pool, a train maintenance depot, and a velodrome used during Euro 2000.

The city’s former power station, Centrale Monceau, was also shut down after protests and now sits in ruins. 

“This plant was once responsible for 10% of Belgium’s carbon dioxide emissions,” Tomothy explained.

Summing the trip up, the YouTuber added: “While it’s certainly an unattractive city, I doubt it truly deserves the title of the ugliest city in the world.

“Charleroi still has its own unique charm, but it also faces significant struggles and a dark past.

“Maybe one day, it will become a beautiful and prosperous city again or perhaps it will continue to struggle with poverty and decay forever.”