Inside abandoned 1920s time-warp village built for hit Hollywood movie

An abandoned time-warp village once built for a hit Hollywood movie now lays in ruins and its left to rot.

An abandoned time-warp village once built for a hit Hollywood movie starring Robin Williams has become a mecca for urban explorers.

The quaint seaside township called “Popeye’s village” now lays in ruins on the northern tip of Malta but was once a hub of activity.

Its eclectic architecture of slanted sea huts and brightly coloured wooden buildings are a throwback to the 1920’s set of the film Popeye, The Sun reports.

Sunset at the 1920’s themed Popeye Village in Malta. Picture: istock

The seaside town was built for the hit film Popeye, which featured late Robin Williams. Picture: Alamy

It was purpose-built for the Walt Disney live-action musical, which featured late Robin and American belle Shelley Duvall.

The adaptation hit the screens in 1981 and grossed more than $A91 million at the box office.

However, with the glory days over — droves of adventures now visit the abandoned village seeking nostalgia.

The abandoned town still has the same buildings from the movie set. Picture: istock

A TikToker by the handle ‘cristiandiacinto’ visited the village just a few months ago to show fans what remained.

As he stood on a cliff at Anchor Bay he gave a panoramic view of the eccentric town surrounded by turquoise blue water.

Relics from the film have been left behind for tourists to enjoy. Picture: istock

Footage then showed everyday life of the town with a few inhabited storefronts and museums that cater to film buffs.

The town was also littered with relics from the film such as Popeye’s boat and its rickety jetty.

Popeye grossed more than £47 million at box office when it was released in 1981. Picture: istock

The village is located on the northern tip of Malta at Anchor Bay. Picture: istock

Social media users were awe-inspired by his discovery.

“I’ve been there before - it is amazing,” a TikTok user said.

“Wow, that was one of my favourite movies when I was a kid,” one added.

“Looks great, I’d love to take my family there,” a second remarked.

“Robin was the best, RIP,” another said.

Built in 1979, Popeye’s village has also played host to many other Hollywood sets including Gladiator 2.

It’s located just a few kilometres away from the village of Mellieha, which takes about an hour to reach by car from the capital, Valletta.

According to Passporter, in the summer months a theme park in the area runs in full swing with different rides, workshops and activities.

Between June to October, the village also puts on shows for families with tickets costing roughly $A25 a pop.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission