Some places around the world can really spook those who visit, thanks to their eerie legends, mysterious phenomena, and haunting architecture. Oddly enough, this makes them even more appealing to thrill-seekers. Here are some of the most chilling spots:
1. Madrid, Spain: Ghosts seem to pop up all over the Spanish capital. You might see them in places like the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which used to be a hospital, or the Palace of Linares, which has a scandalous family history. Why not join one of Madrid’s many ghost tours and check out these paranormal hotspots? Just make sure you can handle it!
2. Glasgow, Scotland: Glasgow’s Southern Necropolis is the final resting place for about 250,000 people—and possibly a vampire with iron teeth that supposedly preys on children.
3. Baguio, Philippines: The abandoned Diplomat Hotel in Baguio is said to be haunted by the noisy spirits of nuns and priests who were beheaded during World War II. This eerie location is a magnet for ghost hunters and paranormal experts.
4. Drammen, Norway: Local folklore speaks of Nokken, a shapeshifting creature that lures victims to a watery grave with beautiful music. A tribute to Nokken stands near Drammen’s Ypsilon bridge—two round sculptures that seem to beckon you towards the water.
5. Bahla, Oman: This desert oasis is believed to be home to ‘djinns’ or spirits that inhabit palm groves and abandoned stone houses. According to legend, one of these spirits built a city wall overnight. Locals warn visitors to tread carefully to avoid bad luck.
6. Town of Zanzibar, Tanzania: Popobawa, a one-eyed bat-like creature, is said to haunt this East African island city. While some believe it causes harmless mischief, others report more sinister attacks on families.
7. Canberra, Australia: In Canberra, you might encounter the ghost of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley at the Kurrajong Hotel. He died of a heart attack in room 214 in 1951 and is also said to appear at the Old Parliament House.
8. San Antonio, Texas: The Alamo is unforgettable, partly because of the hundreds who died in the 1836 battle for Texas independence. Gardeners and visitors claim they’ve encountered the spirits of soldiers led by Jim Bowie and William Travis, still lingering at the old hacienda.
9. Salem, Massachusetts: In 1692, hysteria over witches gripped Salem. The town now embraces its haunted past, perhaps due to a curse by Giles Corey, a victim of the witch trials. Corey, who was buried in the Old Burying Point Cemetery, supposedly cursed the town with his dying breath. Over 20 people were executed for witchcraft during that tragic year.
10. Sighisoara, Romania: Known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, this medieval city hosts a museum of torture filled with gruesome tools. Only the bravest dare to climb the Holy Trinity Church’s long staircase at night.