Most
Haunted but Beautiful Destinations To Visit
There
is an unsettling but whimsical elegance to places that are shrouded in mystery with
legends passed down for centuries. Whether these places are from the 12th or
20th century, each has an interesting history — with plenty of ghost sightings,
creepy noises and an eerie experiences you’ll never forget.
No
matter where you are in the world, there’s probably a haunted house, hotel, or
old historical site that’s waiting for you to explore. Discover the dark
history behind these places and be mesmerized by how spooky yet beautiful they
are.
Kehoe House, Savannah, Georgia
The
Kehoe House was built in 1892 by a successful iron foundry owner, William
Kehoe, with whom he shared with Anne Kehoe and their ten children. The exterior
stairways, window treatments, columns, fences and gates are all cast iron, a
tribute to the iron foundry's excellence in pattern making and casting. After
the Kehoe’s heirs sold the property, it was used as a boarding house, funeral parlor
and held for a time by football star Joe Namath. Eventually, the building was
converted into a bed-and-breakfast in 1992 and guests have reported hearing the
sounds of children playing. Could it be the sounds of the deceased children of
William and Anne who died years ago? If you do visit guest can enjoy a short
walk to just about everything. The house overlooks Columbia Square, and
features 13 guest rooms with multiple private and semi-private
balconies. The Kehoe House is considered one of Savannah's most treasured
historic homes.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Nestled
at the head of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this 12th-century fortress was, for many
years, an active military base. The castle is considered to be one of the most
haunted places in Scotland. There have been numerous reports of paranormal
activity over the years from music echoing through the fort’s empty chambers to
the ghost of former prisoners and a headless drummer. The scenery is
breathtaking and your imagination is just the beginning if you dare to visit.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose,
California
Although
there have been ongoing claims of ghostly encounters and spirits who occupy
this enchanting mansion, it still attracts many visitors for its charm and
unique architecture. Sarah Winchester traveled across the states to start a new
life and was determined to design a Victorian labyrinth mansion to repel the
vengeful spirits of the lives taken the “Gun that Won the West.” The Queen Anne–style mansion had over 160 rooms and 40
bedrooms, 10,000 windows, and even 2 basements. You will be amazed to see
that not all the 2,000 doors can be walked through—one leads to an 8-foot drop
to a kitchen sink, another to a 15-foot drop into bushes in the garden below.
She purposely installed the Tiffany stained-glass windows in places where they
would get no light, and there are more secret passages than Narnia.
Château de Brissac, Brissac-Quincé, France
Originally
built as a castle by in the 11th century to protect the region, Château de
Brissac is perhaps best known as the site of the grisly murder of Charlotte of
France. Legend has it that Charlotte, the illegitimate daughter of King Charles
VII, was killed by her husband after he discovered her adulterous behavior. The
Green Lady, named for the color of the dress in which she met her end, is said
to haunt the castle’s tower. If you’re not afraid to come to explore this
architectural jewel, you will be greeted with exquisite antique furniture,
lavish gardens, paintings, and tapestries dating from the fifteenth through the
eighteenth centuries.
Hay House, Macon, Georgia
Transport
back in time and come see this Italian Renaissance Revival Style historical
landmark in the heart of Macon, Georgia. The house itself contains more than
18,000 square feet in 24 principal rooms with iconic features such as the
custom made wooden sliding doors, the art collection, and the three-story
cupola. If that’s not enough for you some visitors have reported lingering
spirits on the third floor.
Ennis House, Los Feliz, California
The
Ennis House was built from 27,000 perforated concrete blocks for Charles and
Mable Ennis in 1923. The house is the fourth in a series of homes that have
become known as the textile block designs known for its stunning Mayan
Revival-style. Built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it is located on a
highly visible lot in the Los Feliz hills. The uniqueness of the house has
attracted filmmakers for decades, most notably in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and the film House on Haunted Hill. Though no actual
hauntings have been reported, observers are quick to note how the home’s warm
courtyards and airy hallways take on a silent, mausoleum-like quality after the
sunsets.
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Calgary,
Alberta
One of
our most beloved hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers the majesty,
hospitality and grandeur visitors are craving. Styled after a Scottish
Baronial Castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is one of Canada’s historic
railway hotels and has been associated with the paranormal since its
construction in 1888. The Ghost Bride of the Fairmont Banff Springs, can
supposedly still be found in the hotel’s ballroom eternally waiting for her
first dance.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
This
iconic treasure is a historic and luxury hotel in Estes Par known for its
old-world charm. Most people may recognize the hotel ambiance as it inspired
Stephen King’s The Shining. Have no
fear as staff claims it is only visited by “happy ghosts” and that nearly every
room has a unique ghost story, like that of the maid from Room 217 who is known
to playfully pack away guests’ clothing when they aren’t looking.
Amityville Horror House, New York
The
Amityville Horror House is the subject of one of the most well-known haunting
and murder stories in American history. Ronald Defeo Jr. shot six members of
his family on November 13, 1974, but that’s not the ending to this story. In
1975 the Lutz family bought the house and reported extreme paranormal activity
from the moment they moved in, including uncovering hidden rooms, doors
slamming by themselves, and mysterious voices. The family lasted 26 days in the
house before moving out. Many people remain frightened by the story and curious
about the house; haunted or not it may be worth the trip.
Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls),
Mexico
Just
south of Mexico City you can find a small island with an unfortunate history
that never intended to be a tourist destination. The island, known as Isla de
las Munecas, or Island of the Dolls, is a memorial some would say dedicated to
the lost soul of a young girl who had died from drowning. She was found with a
floating doll in the water. The man took the doll and strung it high in a tree
to pay homage to the girl’s spirit but over the years, more dolls were placed
on the trees throughout the island. People claim that the dolls are possessed
by the spirits of girls who passed too soon, reporting that the dolls would
move independently and even tried to speak.
Lizzie Borden House, Fall River,
Massachusetts
On
August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in their
home. Their youngest daughter, Lizzie, became the main suspect in the murder
case, as she was the only one around and the first to find them. During the
trial, Lizzie was found not guilty. Their home now is a museum and bed and
breakfast and if you are brave enough you can stay overnight. Their New England
style house provides the perfect blend of mystery and beauty of Massachusetts.
Reports from visitors say that they have witnessed electricity surges, shadowy
figures, and floors creaking among other paranormal activities.
Corvin Castle, Romania
The
Corvin Castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale and made famous
because Vlad the Impaler who was known for despicable acts of bloodthirsty
torture was said to be imprisoned here. The castle is one of Europe’s
largest. For more of a dramatic appearance, the castle sits atop a rocky
bluff with nothing but a thin bridge allowing access. The inspiring Renaissance
Gothic-style castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of the lives taken
within the walls. Visitors and paranormal fanatics and documentarians are intrigued
to uncover if the “Dracula” myth is just a myth.
Palacio de Linares, Madrid, Spain
The
Palacio de Linares is an exquisite sight located in the wealthiest
neighborhoods of Madrid. Formerly the home of Marquis and Marchioness of
Linares, this magnificent masterpiece was built for Don José Murga and his
wife, Raimunda Osorio. Inside the palace hides many secrets and mystery such as
hidden trapped doors, disappearing staircases, and of course the ghost of Don
José and Raimunda’s daughter. The legend is that the young girl is heard
singing in the palace from time to time when there are no more visitors in the
building.
Paris Catacombs, France
The
history of the Paris Catacombs starts in 1809 when the Catacombs were opened to
the public. Since their creation, they have aroused paranormal curiosity from
visitors all around the world. Explore 500 miles of winding catacombs that sit
just underfoot of any Paris street. Interest in the catacombs was reignited
when a camcorder was found along with one of the passageways containing a
disturbing tape. Allegedly the tape ends with the man screaming and
running from an unknown entity, dropping his camera and only source of light,
never to be seen again
Come
visit these stunning houses, hotels and attraction to see why visitors never
want to leave—even after death.
Learn how
Galactic can get you there for a spooky adventure!