If you believe in ghosts, you might also believe that every place, especially old ones, holds its own secrets. Although these stories or secrets can be fascinating to hear or read about, experiencing them firsthand can be creepy or scary. Are you curious about such places and stories?
While you might already know some places, a few of them will might surprise you with their haunting stories. Here’s a list of the most haunting places in the world, which includes, churches, castles, hotels, homes, parks and more! Take a look.
Raynham Hall, Norfolk, United Kingdom
This magnificent English country home built in 1637 has a dark history because of the ghost the “Brown Lady,” named Lady Dorothy Walpole. It is believed that the lady, who was in an unhappy marriage, found comfort in a British aristocrat. Unfortunately, it is said that either her angry husband, who found this out, or the lover’s jealous wife locked her in her room at Raynham Hall, where she eventually died in 1766. On why she is called the “Brown Lady,” was because she was captured in that color dress when she was captured in a photograph in the December 1936 edition of Country Life.
Visitors are allowed to tour the house during its “Open Days” held throughout the year.
Poveglia, Venice, Italy
The beautiful island of Poveglia, which is a half mile offshore from Lido, was a quarantine zone for bubonic plague victims and was also a storage place for Napoleon’s weapons. In the early 20th century, it was used as a psychiatric hospital, which played host to horrific medical experiments. It is also said that the hospital was closed after a doctor threw himself off the institution’s bell. Although the bell is removed, locals claim that they hear echoing chimes from the island. Also as per paranormal investigators, the ghosts are the former patients, who now haunt the island.
Although the place is officially closed, ferries and charter boats take visitors on approved trips.
The Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The name says it all “Forbidden City.” Once China’s former imperial palace, it is now a museum open for visitors during the day, but closes every evening. Like every place, this place too, has its story and legend! During its 600 years as a palace, many murders took place- from jealous concubines poisoning each other to executions, which were performed on order of the emperor. The palace is open to public in 1940s, and ever since then, there have been reports of strange occurrences. Most common story being a woman dressed in white running away from a soldier. People claim that they hear harsh, metallic clashing sound of swords.
Isla de las Munecas, Mexico
Dolls are cute, but when you see them in strange conditions, it can be scary! This is one such place where you can find dolls hanging on the tree, moving and even talking!
As the name says “Isla de Las Munecas” meaning “Island of the Dolls,” this is one of the spookiest places in the planet. The story of this place starts with its only resident and caretaker Don Julian Santana Barrera, who while walking on the island, found a lifeless young girl, who apparently drowned, and a doll floating in the water. He took the doll and hung it high in a tree, to honor the girl’s spirit. Over the years, he placed more dolls on the tress all around the island, which resulted in the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest collection of haunted dolls. He and some visitors claimed that the dolls are possessed by the spirit of young girls who died too soon. They even claimed that the dolls can move on their own and even speak to people who pass by. It is said that the collector, Don Julian died in 2001, near the spot where the young girl had died years ago. Some even believe that the spirit of the girl was involved.
If you are a daring soul, you can visit the place taking a boat from Xochimilco’s Embarcadero Celada and view the island safely from the water!
La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Recoleta Cemetery, which was built in 1822 and located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is not only the most beautiful cemetery, but also one of the spookiest one in the world. The cemetery features ornate tombs, intricate sculptures and large shady trees with many popular figures from Buenos Aires being buried here, including actress Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina.
The most popular ghost story of this cemetery is that of a 19-year-old girl Rufina Cambaceres, whose burial was delayed due to rain. When the groundskeeper returned, he found her coffin was out of place and what’s more horrifying was that the inside of the coffin had several scratch marks. It is believed that she was buried alive and woke up inside coffin after experiencing ‘catalepsy’. Also, if you hear a jingling sound, then it might be the ghost keys of David Alleno, a gravedigger, who worked there for 30 years. He allegedly took his own life at the cemetery, after his tomb was completed, he was buried on site.
This cemetery is still in use and remains a popular spot for both locals and tourist.
Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
This 17th-century fort in the Alwar district of Rajasthan is now in ruins. Legend has it that a tantric priest fell in love with a beautiful princess Ratnavati who lived at the fort. After she rejected him, he spell his cast that stopped everyone in the fort and nearby village from being reborn. Another story has it that Ratnavati’s grandfather was warned by a holy man and asked to build the fort without casting shadows over the sadhu’s own house. However, Ratnavati’s stepbrother totally ignored it and added a tall structure, which led to the destruction of the entire town.
Although visitors can explore this place, the place is closed to public from sunset to sunrise.
St. George’s Church, Czech Republic
Have you heard of a haunted church? Church is a sacred place where holy spirit or God resides right! How is this even possible?
About 125 miles east of Prague is a church located St. George’s Church, which was built in 1325. However, the building was almost destroyed by fires many times over the years, and during a funeral service in 1968, its roof partially collapsed. After this, the congregation believed that the church was haunted and refused to enter. Robbers looted the building. But things changed in 2012, in order to attract visitors, an art student from the University of West Bohemia installed a collection of 30 ghostly sculptures sitting in the pews with their heads bowed.
Visitors flock to this “Ghost Church,” which is open to public every Saturday afternoon to take pictures and even sit among the still figures while praying.
Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan
This hilltop Japanese castle complex of early 17th-century consists of 83 buildings and a maze-like floor plan to confuse enemies. Interestingly, the tiles of the roof had images of Onigawaras, which were meant to keep evil spirits away, but despite this, the castle is haunted. As per local lore, a young servant of the palace named Okiku was falsely accused of losing one of her master’s valuable dishes, which was a part of plan to trick her to become his mistress. As a punishment, she was thrown to death in the castle’s well. It is said that Okiku still haunts the castle at night, counting dishes in a mournful voice. She counts up to nine before screaming and disappearing back into the depts of the well.
Haw Par Villa, Singapore
This is 1930s theme park, just opposite of Disneyland! The colorful entrance with Chinese arches looks attractive and harmless, but once you step inside, you can find over 1,000 statues, each of which are bizarre than the last. If you love spooky things, then you should visit the underworld-themed Ten Courts of Hell, which features scenes that show harsh punishment as a way to teach kids about morality. It is believed that these statues depict condemned souls, which come to life at night! During night, the exhibit is said to be filled with tortured screams.
The White House, Washington DC
The White House, the home and office of the US President, is considered the most famous home in the world. However, did you know that, it is considered the most haunted house in the U.S?
It is said that the ghost of the U.S. president Abraham Lincoln has haunted the place since his assassination in 1865, earning him the nickname, the White House Ghost. The White house has its share of supernatural stories.
Winston Churchill, the PM of the UK, who stayed in the Lincoln bedroom, claimed to have seen Lincoln standing by the fireplace. Post this, he refused to sleep in that room. It is believed that in the Yellow Oval room, Thomas Jefferson plays violin; the Rose Garden is protected by Dolley Madison and William Henry Harrison, who was the first president to die in the office, haunts the attic.
The Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-Under-Edge, United Kingdom
This 12th-century hostelry was apparently built on an ancient pagan burial site and is believed to be haunted by over 20 spirits, including children and a monk. Among the notable spirits is a succubus, a demon often portrayed as seductress.
Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia
Founded by British colonists as a penal colony in 1830, this port was a place where prisoners faced solitary confinement, hard labor, physical and emotional abuse after arriving from the UK. Before the colony closed in 1877, over 1,000 prisoners died here. Visitors claim strange instances like empty rocking chairs moving on their own and ghosts suddenly appearing in windows wearing 19th-century dresses.
Burg Wolfsegg, Wolfsegg, Germany
The castle’s lord, who was often out for military duties, was married to a lady, who fell in love with one of his soldiers. When the castle’s lord found about the same, he killed both of them. Ever since then, her ghost can be seen endlessly climbing Burg Wolfsegg’s stairs and wandering its hallways.
This 800-year-old Bavarian fortress is usually open to visitors on weekends and public holidays from May to early October.
Casa Loma, Toronto, Ontario
The ghost here is believed to be a maid, who passed away from influenza in early 20th century. The place is also haunted by the spirits of the owners- Sir Henry Pellatt and his wife Lady Mary. Both guests and staff claim to have seen the ghosts and heard unusual noises like voices, footsteps and door slamming.
You can explore the garden and the house during the day or even attend the annual Legends of Horror events that happens in October.
Jazirat Al Hamra, United Arab Emirates
This nearly-abandoned town is located between a huge mall and a waterpark. Established in 14th century, this is about 14 miles southwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the northern part of the United Arab Emirates. It was initially a thriving pearl fishing village in the 1830s, which was suddenly abandoned in 1968. The town now has 13 mosques and over 300 houses made of coral and mud, with a few resident spirits. Visitors often report experiencing strange noises and seeing eerie figures- often genies appearing as animals.
The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts
In 1892, businessman Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abigail were murdered in this house, and guess who was accused of the crime- Andrew’s daughter Lizzie! But she was found not guilty. The house is now transformed into a bed-and-breakfast, where guests often report unusual sightings.
If you are brave enough and want to experience the supernatural activity in the house, you can opt for overnight stay or even ghost tours.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
This place has its own spooky past. Some staff members of this hotel claim that they have seen ghosts like the maid from Room 217. It is said that the maid wears the guests’ clothes when they are not looking. The hotel offers rooms and ghost tours for those who are daring enough to explore.
St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine, Florida
Since 1874, this red, white and black lighthouse has directed sailors through St. Augustine Inlet. Staff members claimed they heard strange noises like a clanging bucket and windows opening to the Shadow Figure, whom visitors say that they have seen looking down from the railings. Another spirit, a former keeper, makes his presence felt with the smell of burning cherry tobacco, despite this place having no smoking rule!
Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta
A woman, who is now known as the Ghost Bride, is said to have died during her wedding at this hotel. People claim they have seen her in a white dress, dancing alone in the Cascade Ballroom. Another ghost of this hotel is Sam, the bellman, an old porter who vowed to haunt the hotel after his death. Many guests shared their encounters with a silent bellhop, who picked their bags to their room, only to vanish without a trace.
The Tower of London, UK
This tower is a burial site for many important historical figures. It has also been a place of imprisonment and executions for over 900 years. In 1536, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was beheaded on Tower Green and her ghost is said to be still haunting the place. In 1615, Lady Arbella Stuart, who was imprisoned for following her heart rather than the rules, starved to death inside the Queen’s House. Many visitors claim that they have seen her ghost there.
Aradale Lunatic Asylum, Australia
Built in 1876, this asylum had been a place of immense suffering, with more than 13,000 patients believed to have tragically died there. Like any other asylum, this too used some of brutal methods like electroshock therapy and lobotomies, which often resulted in deaths. Vistors often reported hearing chilling cries for help from empty cells to seeing frightening apparitions of former patients. Several visitors were forced to leave the place because of intense feelings of sadness and severe nausea.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
From a drummer boy without a head, and French and American prisoners of wars to even ghostly dogs roaming the pet cemetery, this castle has reported had hundreds of ghost sightings over years. In 2001, a team of scientists spent 10 days here and reported paranormal activities like sudden temperature drop.
Hoia-Baciu Forest, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
This is also called “Bermuda Triangle” of Romania, because visitors have mysteriously vanished here. While walking through this creepy forest, people report to experience unexplained headaches, scratches, rashes and even feeling of being watched. Some of them even claim to have seen ghosts of soliders, who apparently died there. What’s spookiest is that, this forest is also known for UFO sightings. In 1960s, images of disc-shaped objects floating above trees were photographed by a couple of photographers.
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
You must be wondering, it’s called Castle of Good Hope and yet it is most haunted place, how?
Built in the 17th century, this castle used to be a refreshment base for Dutch East India Trading Company ships. Later, it served as a fortress and a prison. Now, this South Africa’s oldest colonial building is a history museum.
It is said that several ghosts have been reported around the castle. Some of the ghosts are- solider jumping from the walls, a woman dressed in gray roaming in the castle’s corridor and even a ghost dog seen on the grounds. Reportedly, a bell rings on its own when no one is there.
Paris Catacombs, Paris, France
This is a place that contains the remains of around 6 million Parisians, whose bones were relocated from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century. Walking through the narrow tunnels lined with skulls can give visitors unsettling feeling. There are also stories of visitors getting lost, seeing ghosts and the sense of surrounded by the dead.
Old Parliament House, Canberra, Australia
Security guards here experienced strange experiences like doors opening by itself, hearing woman’s scream and a certain area that smelled like cigar smoke. Some guards were so terrified after seeing a ghost that they left their posts.
Teatro Tapia, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Teatro Tapia, which is open since 1832, is mostly known for ghost stories. Audiences have reported hearing strange voices and footsteps from empty room. The theatre is said to have two ghosts- one is a woman in red, who still shows up near box 105 and another one is an actress, who tragically died during a show, she too appears onstage before vanishing into thin air.
Lawang Sewu, Semarang, Indonesia
This is a former railway headquarters and World War II-era prison. People have reportedly seen several ghosts from a Dutch woman and headless spirit to a kuntilanak, who is a female vampire ghost from Malaysian and Indonesian mythology.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Launched by Cunard White Star in 1936, this stunning ocean liner served for over 30 years before permanently docked in Long Beach and becoming a hotel as well as a tourist spot. It is said that since then, visitors spotted ghosts on the ship. One of the ghosts is an officer William Eric Stark, who died due to accidental poisoning and is seen wandering the promenade deck. Another ghost is a lady in white, who is seen in a pale evening gown dancing alone in the lobby bar, and the third ghost usually spotted by visitors is the cook Leonard Horsborough, who is seen haunting the hotel’s kitchen. Apparently, he died during the Queen Mary’s last voyage.
Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Although this park looks beautiful and relaxing during the day, it is quite the opposite during night! A young man was reportedly killed in an attack, and it is believed that his spirit still wanders the park, searching for his lost love.
The Old Vicarage, Borgvattnet, Sweden
This used to be a home for Lutheran vicars. However, people who visited or lived here, over the years, reported unusual happenings like rocking chair that move on its own, music and a ghostly woman in grey.
Now, this place is a cafe and inn. People who want to experience paranormal can stop by for food or even spend the night.
The Driskill, Austin, Texas
This popular downtown Austin hotel opened in 1886, had several popular celebrities as guests. It is said that two women, who were both left at altar, took their own lives in room 525. Guests claim to spot the ghost of the hotel’s founder Jesse Driskill’s wandering around smoking a cigar. Also, some guests even reported seeing the ghost of president Lyndon B. Johnson, who had his first date with his future wife in 1934 and was a frequent visitor of the hotel during his life.
Akershus Fortress, Oslo, Norway
Once a defensive fortress of the city, is now a most haunted place in Norway. The ghosts of this medieval castle are a demon dog that Guard the gates and a spirit of a faceless woman.
The Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California
In 1881, William Wirt Winchester, the rifle maker, passed away, and three years after his death, his widow Sarah shifted to a small, eight-room farmhouse on the outskirts of San Jose. For the next 36 years, she turned this small farmhouse to confusing 160-room mansion with 10,000 windows, 13 bathrooms, six kitchens, and 47 stairways, some of which led nowhere. While some believed that she built in such a way to avoid angry spirits of people, who were killed by her husband’s gun, a few say that the ghost guided her seances she held.
Kehoe House in Savannah, Georgia
In 1892, William and Anne Kehoe along with their 10 children lived in this house. However, in 1930, the Renaissance revival mansion became a funeral parlor. The house, which was turned into bed-and-breakfast became haunting for the guests as they could hear mysterious sounds like kids playing and other creepy incidents.
Corvin Castle, Hunedoara, Romania
A ruthless ruler was imprisoned in this castle, which was also called Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle. Also, the spirits of a monk and three prisoners are believed to haunt the place. According to legend, the monk was imprisoned for spying and he was sealed inside a wall, while the three prisoners, who were promised freedom if they dug a well and found water, were never released despite finding the water.
Valley of the Kings, Egypt
The famous archaeological site in the world, which is located along the Nile River near Luxor, was once a burial ground for Egyptian pharaohs. An English nobleman, Lord Carnarvon funded the excavation of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, post which he died of an infection, sparking beliefs in a “pharaoh’s curse.” Some visitors even claimed that they saw ghost of an Egyptian pharaoh in a chariot pulled by black horses.
Chuuk Lagoon or Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
This place was a stronghold for the Japanese Navy during World War II. In 1944, American forces executed a three-day airstrike that resulted in sinking of several tanks, warships, planes and railroad cars, giving rise to what is now known as the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon. Divers who explored the wreaks claim feeling eerie sensations or encountering ghosts.
Leap Castle, Ireland
Built between 13th and 15th century, this Irish castle has witnessed some horrific deaths. It is said that a member of the O’Carroll clan stabbed his brother, a priest, while he was holding mass in the castle’s chapel. The Bloody Chapel is the room name and it is said that the priest’s ghost haunts the church at night.
Xunantunich, Belize
An earthquake collapsed the civilization in Xunantunich. However, in the 1890s, explorers rediscovered the site. Apart from being an archaeological location attracting visitors, this place is known for ghost sightings. This place is haunted by the ghost of a woman with black and red hair and glowing eyes. Apparently, the research team spotted her in 1893. She was also seen multiple times near the tallest building in the area, called El Castillo. While it is not known who the Stone Lady is, people believe that she might have been a human sacrifice who died during a ritual on top of the El Castillo pyramid.
Forsyth Park, Savannah
The whole city of Savannah feels like a big ghost story because of the mysterious tunnels that run beneath the streets. The underground tunnels are believed to connect to different parts of the city and contributes to its eerie reputation. Visitors claim to hear strange noises and have even seen ghost near the fountain.
Dock Street Theatre, Charleston
Did you know that this street theatre, which was once a beautiful downtown venue and hosted plays and concerts throughout the year, had a troubled history. In 1740, the original theater was destroyed by fire. In 1886, an earthquake damaged it, leading to its abandonment in early 1900s. Some spooky stories are also associated with the theatre. It is said that in mid-1800s, a woman named Nettie Dickerson, who was standing on the balcony, was struck by lightning, and people believe that her ghost wanders the second floor of the theatre.
Burg Eltz, Germany
Built in 1157, this castle has many stories and legends connected to it. One such story is about a young countress Agnes, who called off her engagement to a nobleman as she didn’t like him. Angered by this, the rejected nobleman attacked the castle. Unfortunately, while trying to save the castle, Agnes died, and it is believed that her sorrowful spirit still lingers in the castle, especially her bedroom, where her armor and axe are displayed.
