THE TOP 10 HAUNTED SITES AROUND THE WORLD
By Neil Kook
Halloween may be over for most, but travellers need not give up the ghost. From presidential palaces in Colombia to film centers in the Philippines, the most normal places are not always as they seem.In honor of Halloween here are the top ten as selected by global real estate marketplace, Lamudi.
Lawang Sewu, Indonesia
A landmark of Semarang, Central Java, Lawang Sewu (which translates as “Thousand Doors”) is a former Dutch colonial era building, rumored to be haunted by headless ghosts. This large, deserted structure is open to the public 24 hours a day, so if you’re looking for a scare this Halloween, why not take a midnight visit?
Manila Film Center, the Philippines
A national building in Pasay City, Manila, the Manila Film Center was built in 1981. During construction, on November 17th 1981, the construction collapsed, burying over 150 workers in quick-drying cement. It was believed that some of these workers were entombed alive in the concrete, however records show that all bodies were retrieved from the site. Ghostlore says that those who died roam the film center to this day, making mysterious sounds. This is all rather tragic.
Mohatta Palace, Pakistan
Located in Karachi, the Mohatta Palace is an elaborate, pink and yellow stone building, consisting of 18,500 square yards. Legend has it that there is a superhuman presence at the palace, with guides believing the building is haunted. Whilst on guard, workers are rumoured to have felt the presence of spirits, and experienced objects moving without human touch. Many avoid the area.
The Tower of London, United Kingdom
The former prison of some of England’s most renowned historical figures, the Tower of London is one of the most haunted places in the UK and this selection hardly comes as a surprise. Reportedly, the headless ghost of Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of King Henry VIII, still resides within the tower, following her execution in 1536. The oldest part of the building, the White Tower, is also home to the White Lady, who is said to have been seen standing at the window, waving to children in the opposite building.
Bhangarh Fort, India
Legend has it that a dark magic wizard named Singhiya, in love with the Princess of Bhangarh, cursed the fort with the death of all who lived there, following the Princess’s rejection of his love. The year following the curse both war and famine broke out, leading to the death of the Princess. Tourists are unable to enter the building after sunset and before sunrise, so not to disturb the ghosts of Singhiya and other locals who haunt Bhangarh Fort.
The Island of the Dolls, Mexico
A fascinating place, Xochimilco, a district just south of Mexico City, is home to a number of artificial islands and canals, one of which was owned by a caretaker named Julian Santana Barrera. When Barrera discovered the body of a young girl in one of the canals near his island, he began to collect dolls to hang around the island to ward off any evil spirits, and to make the young girl happy. The island, known as Isla de las Munecas (Island of the Dolls), is now visited by thousands of tourists a year, who bring dolls to carry on Barrera’s work. A personal favourite.
Eltz Castle, Germany
A medieval castle hidden away in the hills of Western Germany, Eltz Castle is one of just a few haunted castles in Germany. Allegedly, ghosts of medieval knights roam the grounds of the great 12th century castle, which has been owned – and haunted – by the same family for 33 generations. One of the more famous ghosts, Agnes, apparently died defending her honor, and her spectre remains in the castle to this day.
Edinburgh Castle, United Kingdom
The vaults of Edinburgh Castle are famous for the unsettling noises and movements that come from within. Constructed in the 15th century, the underground maze makes up 120 rooms, which were used to quarantine and entomb victims of the plague. Visitors can expect to see Lady Janet Douglas, who was burned at the stake following accusations of witchcraft, the spirit of a headless drummer, dogs wandering around the cemetery, and numerous prisoners roaming the labyrinth.
Marroquín Castle, Colombia
This stunning mansion, built in 1904 near the Colombian city of Chía, was an asylum for several years. Allegedly, the castle is haunted by the ghost of a nun who once worked there, numerous patients who met their demise in the asylum, and ‘La Zancona,’ a mysterious woman dressed in all black, who roams the building.
Port Arthur, Australia
Port Arthur is allegedly the most haunted place in Tasmania. During its almost 50-year history as a convict settlement, hundreds of men died at Port Arthur. Furthermore, the massacre in 1006 led to the death of 35 men, women and children. Tourists visit the port with the hope of catching a glimpse of the Lady in Blue – the crying ghost of a young woman, who reportedly died in childbirth – as well as over 2,000 ghosts that have apparently been seen over the past 20 years.
Dare you visit?
