Alongside the Pittsburgh landscape of modern and historic buildings sit abandoned spots - a former elementary school, a once popular church, and an allegedly haunted tunnel. These abandoned places in Pittsburgh, although neglected and decaying, give a glimpse into their once-vibrant pasts. Each is worth a visit (at least we think so), although you might have to marvel at their haunting beauty from afar.

1. St. Peter and Paul Church

A winding staircase leads to the top of the abandoned St. Peter and Paul Church in East Liberty. Built in 1891, the historic church closed its doors for the final time in 1997. Today, the church still sits abandoned, sought out by photographers and adventure seekers. It's one of the most beautiful abandoned places in Pittsburgh.

Take a look at this video by @themodernfrontiersmen:

2. Larimer School

A part of the Pittsburgh landscape since 1896, the abandoned Larimer Elementary School may not remain abandoned for much longer. After permanently closing in 1986 due to a declining student population, the former elementary school sat abandoned. Its newest owners, however, plan to transform the abandoned building into affordable apartments. Take a peek behind the walls of this abandoned school in Pittsburgh.

3. Seldom Seen Greenway

If you're searching for "abandoned places near me," take a stroll along leaf-covered train tracks in what used to be Seldom Seen Village in the Beechwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Long abandoned, visitors can still see the remnants of the abandoned village when walking along the railroad tracks and into the woods.

Take a look at this video by @SharonsCupofTea:

4. Brownsville General Hospital

Outside of Pittsburgh in Brownsville once sat a decaying former hospital with a long and disturbing history. (It's since been demolished.) Originally Brownsville General Hospital, the facility eventually morphed into the Brownsville Golden Age Nursing Home, designed to be a safe haven for the elderly. Unfortunately, stories of serious problems plagued the nursing home, resulting in its permanent closure in 1985. View hauntingly beautiful photos of this now-demolished abandoned Pittsburgh hospital.

5. Piney Fork Railroad Tunnel

The Piney Fork Tunnel in South Park Township, said to be haunted by the "Green Man," first opened in 1924 and served as a passageway for the B&O Railroad to transport coal. While the tunnel closed in the mid-1960s, some seek it out to see if they can catch a glimpse of the spirit of the Green Man, who was horribly disfigured in an accident years before and is said to roam the tunnel at night. Read the story of this haunted tunnel, one of the most abandoned places near Pittsburgh.

6. Carrie Furnaces

The only non-working blast furnaces in the city, Carrie Furnaces were abandoned for years. However, furnaces six and seven have since been renovated, transforming into a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can join a guided tour of the furnaces on the Industrial Tour or the Arts & Grounds Tour. Carrie Furnaces also hosts workshops and other events throughout the year. Visit the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark website to learn more.

7. The Neill Log House

Dating back to 1795, the Neill Log House in Schenley Park, earns recognition as the "oldest domestic log dwelling" in Pittsburgh. Today, the historic home sits abandoned. However, there are efforts underway to restore the historic house, so it can serve as a way to educate visitors about its rich history. Learn more about the restoration efforts on the Squirrel Hill Historical Society website.

8. Dixmont State Hospital

The former Dixmont State Hospital, which stood abandoned for years, has been demolished. Although now a memory, the Dixmont State Hospital was once one of the most recognized abandoned places in Pittsburgh. Built in 1862, the former psychiatric hospital sprawled across 400 acres and was a state-of-the-art facility for its time. It permanently closed in 1984 and sat abandoned until it was demolished in 2006.

9. Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike

Few people realize that, just outside of Breezewood, part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike - 13 miles, to be exact - was abandoned more than 50 years ago, giving way to a more modernized version of the highway. Today, the abandoned stretch of highway, which includes three tunnels, beckons adventurers, bikers, hikers, and photographers. Read more about how you can explore this abandoned road near Pittsburgh.

Take a look at this video by @ITSHISTORY:

These are among the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in Pittsburgh that give visitors a peek into now-forgotten pieces of history. Have you been to any of them? Share your experience in the comments!

Want to see some of the remaining abandoned places near Pittsburgh? Take a road trip but check out our road trip essentials packing list before you go.