10 Haunted Places Around the World

The mysterious, eerie, and unexplained draw us in, captivating our imagination and tempting us to find answers to the inexplicable. Some people might hesitate to admit they believe in the paranormal. But if you've ever heard a chilling bump in the night, the paranormal might not be such a leap. In fact, about a third of American adults believe in ghosts. And 23 percent of adults polled said they'd personally seen or felt a ghost (1). Even if you’re guided more by scholarly than spectral pursuits, some of the spookiest locations are still worth your time—whether for their beautiful architecture, jaw-dropping locations, or fascinating histories. Here, we'll take you on a spine-tingling journey to 10 notoriously haunted locations worldwide.

Source: Ireland Before You Die

1) Leap Castle, Ireland

Built at some point between the 13th and late 15th century, this Irish castle has seen more gruesome deaths than a Game of Thrones wedding. Then, in the 1600's, it was Mildred Darby who is believed to have brought the most infamous and evil spirit to Leap Castle. In the early nineteen hundreds the occult was a fashionable pastime, and Mildred began dabbling in the black arts with terrifying results. She is credited with unleashing an elemental spirit in the castle, a type of primitive ghost that attaches itself to a particular place. It can be malevolent, terrifying and unpredictable.

Source: MyBestPlace.com

2) Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania

Named after a shepherd who went missing in the forest with a flock of 200 sheep, Hoia Baciu came to international attention when a military technician captured a photograph of a “UFO” hovering over the forest in 1968. Some believe it to be a portal that causes visitors to disappear. Those who have passed through the forest without being zapped into another realm have reported rashes, nausea, and feelings of anxiety. Known as the “Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania,” the spooky curved trees that populate the forest just add to the creepy atmosphere.

3) Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

One of the biggest attractions in Scotland’s capital city is also considered to be one of its most haunted. With sections dating back more than 900 years, the historic fortress’s ancient dungeons have led visitors to report sightings of phantom pipers, shadowy figures, and the spectral form of a headless drummer who only appears before disaster strikes.

4) The Tower of London, England

With nearly 1,000 years of history, it's no surprise that the Tower of London has garnered a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the world. It has been the site of executions, political intrigue, and torture. Visitors have reported seeing the ghostly apparitions of famous historical figures, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. The White Lady, believed to be the spirit of Arbella Stuart, is also said to wander the castle's corridors.

5) Al Madam, United Arab Emirates

Roughly 40 miles from Dubai, the ghost town of Al Madam is a stark reminder of just how merciless life in the desert can be. Built in the 1970s, this small community of a dozen homes and a mosque was abandoned within a decade, with rumors blaming djinn (supernatural spirits mentioned in the Koran that can take the shape of humans or animals) for the flight. In recent years, curious tourists have made the trip through the desert, finding homes filled nearly floor to ceiling with windswept sand.

Source: Arkansas Tourism

6) Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Built in 1886, the Crescent’s ghost story truly begins in the 1930’s. That’s when untrained “doctor” Norman Baker turned the Crescent into a sham hospital hawking spring water-based cures for cancer. The morgue he used at the time supposedly functioned as a portal to the spirit world. Current Crescent ownership has embraced this haunted heritage, operating ghost tours of the grounds. But those who really want to immerse themselves in the paranormal can request to stay in room 218—an epicenter of ghostly activity within the property.

Source: The Hindu

7) Bhangarh Fort, India

Bhangarh Fort, a 17th-century fort in Rajasthan, is often referred to as the most haunted place in India. According to local legends, a curse was placed on the fort, leading to a desolate and ghostly atmosphere. Visitors have reported strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and a pervasive feeling of unease within its walls.

8) Prypiat, Ukraine

The ghost town of Prypiat stands as a chilling testament to the Chernobyl disaster. Abandoned after the nuclear meltdown, the empty streets, decaying buildings, and eerie silence create a haunting atmosphere. Some believe the spirits of those affected by the disaster still linger in the area.

Source: Steve Ronin - Youtube

9) Poveglia Island, Italy

Dubbed the "Island of Madness," this small island near Venice was used to quarantine plague victims. The ghosts of the afflicted are said to haunt the decaying buildings, and its gruesome history makes it one of the most terrifying places in Italy.

Source: www.briottieres.com

10) Château de Brissac, France

The picturesque Château de Brissac conceals a chilling secret. The Green Lady, a ghostly woman with hollow eye sockets, is said to haunt the castle. Legend has it she was murdered by her husband in a fit of jealousy.