These illuminating images show the crumbling remains of some of the worlds places of worship. (Matthias Haker/Caters News)

While many visit abandoned places for the spook factor, 31-year-old photographer Matthias Haker scouts these places to capture their beauty in photos.

The German photographer travels around the globe photographing abandoned religious places. He told Caters that he never discloses the locations he visits in order to “protect them.”

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Abandoned places often exude an eerie atmosphere. They’ve been left alone for years, some completely overrun by nature. “Even though I can understand the sadness that overcomes some people when seeing those buildings in the desolate state they are in, I usually do not try to express sadness, creepiness or anything like that in my work,” he said. “In general, I’d say my work is all about beauty.”

“The process of ageing and dereliction is just fascinating and absolutely beautiful to me,” Haker said. “The structures that come to life through the ageing or even death of a building—the reconquering of Mother Nature are just plain beautiful I think."