Europe’s Most Haunted Attractions
Lucy Chambers October 30, 2018
Lucy Chambers October 30, 2018
Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? If you’re looking for some more alternative attractions on your next trip to Europe, then consider taking a walk on the dark side with one of the following haunted destinations. From evil spirits to melancholy ghosts, there are plenty of spectres to choose from.
This has to be one of the most famous haunted attractions in France, and what’s more is that it’s located in North West France, just a couple of hours away from the outskirts of Paris. Like many haunted attractions, this chateau has one particular resident that’s known to locals and guests alike. La Dame Verte, or the Green Lady, is purported to be Charlotte de Brézé, the illegitimate child of King Charles VII who was murdered by her husband for having an affair. Those that have lived at the chateau are apparently accustomed to her presence, but that’s not always true for visitors. If not all of your party is into ghost stories, then the Chateau de Brissac makes an excellent choice, as the property is a wonderful destination in its own right, being one of the tallest castles in the country.
We stay in France for the next one. The Paris catacombs are world famous for their creepy experience, with miles and miles of tunnels snaking through the Parisian underworld. Walls are lined with skulls and other bones from more than 6 million people. While there are no specific ghosts or spirits known to haunt guests down there, there are countless stories of frightening experiences and otherworldly goings on. It’s certainly easy to see how the imagination could run wild in such a place. Queues for the catacombs can be long, so ensure you book your tickets in advance, and try to visit at off-peak times.
Poveglia is a small, picturesque island in Venice, Italy, hiding a more sinister past. Visitors will notice that the island is entirely uninhabited, and that the locals neither set foot in the place, nor do they sail too close. The reason? The whole island is said to be haunted as a result of Poveglia’s history. It was for a long period an island of quarantine for the bubonic plague and other diseases, and has since also housed a mental hospital. Legend even has it that a doctor working at the hospital threw himself from a balcony because he’d been driven mad by ghosts. There’s no official way of visiting the island, but many reporters have made their way there.
If you fancy a trip a little further afield, then there are few places more unmissable for the horor or haunting enthusiast than Bran Castle. Located in Transylvania, it has links with the story of Dracula, and is connected with Vlad the Impaler, a source of inspiration for the titular character in Bram Stoker’s novel. That aside, the castle is purported to be haunted, with long dead denizens of the citadel still walking the halls at night. Even the local villagers are said to have strigoi – evil spirits – amongst them. Given the associations with Dracula, there are countless spooky events and themed areas around the castle, which are well worth looking out for if you’re making the trip.
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