The Ghost in Red at Ping Shan Tat Tak School

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Some of the most haunted places in the world are easily old schools. The empty hallways seem different after school. Empty classrooms seem wrong and if the school has a dark background, it is most certainly connected to a ghost story or two. This is the case with Ping Shan Tat Tak School in Hong Kong that had more than one haunted legend behind it before it closed down.

In the New Territories north on mainland Hong Kong there is a haunted school called Ping Shan Tat Tak School (達德學校). The original school that was established in 1931 was set up in the centuries old Yu Kiu ancestral hall in Ping Shan, Yuen Long and was the first school institution to teach the nearby villagers children in the New Territories. 

In 1974 the primary school reached more than 700 students and needed bigger space. The school moved location to North-South Road before closing completely in 1998, 67 years after it opened it was abandoned and people now claim the place is haunted. 

Read More: Check out all of our ghost stories from China

The deserted school is occasionally utilized as eerie shooting sites for television and film productions, featuring frightening and spine-chilling props left behind by the crew. The two-story main building is structured in a U-shape, with the central hall flanked by classrooms in the other two wings. The encompassing open area comprises a basketball court, encircled by trees planted around the premises.

Ever since the opening and well after Ping Shan Tat Tak School closed it has been the subject of haunting ghost stories. But what made it go from one of the first and biggest schools to this abandoned place said to be haunted?

Tat Tak School: Abandoned building of Tat Tak School, Ping Shan, Hong Kong, in February 2024. The trees and bushes are taking over it all and the courtyard is empty except those seeking the paranormal rumors. This school with a long institutional history is thought to be haunted by multiple ghosts. // Source: Wikimedia

The Ghost from the War at the Haunted School

There are a couple of different stories circulating about exactly what is haunting the school. One is from war times. During the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong classes were suspended. It is said that the school was used as a burial ground as it was believed that it was a place where a horrible massacre happened during the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941.

There is worth noting though that these are stories told, not verified facts.

Read More: Check out our Top 10 List of Haunted Places in Hong Kong

There are also a few stories about the ghosts of the original residents of the New Territories when the British came and took over the area in 1899. At the time, the Six Day War of the New Territories broke out where around 500 people died.

The bodies of the villagers from Ping Shan were buried on the side of the mountain that became a mass grave according to these stories and the school is surrounded by these visible graves. These victims are the ghosts that are thought to haunt the school, although, they are not the most told about ghosts at all.

The Ghost in the Red Dress at Ping Shan Tat Tak School

After a while of retelling of things in the past there started to evolve a proper ghost story from Ping Shan Tat Tak School that was original to the school and the rumors of the abandoned haunted school was complete. 

A legend goes that one of the schoolmistresses, perhaps even the principal committed suicide and hang herself in the school toilets, wearing a red dress. In many of the variations she is said to have been raped.

She is now said to haunt the school. A woman haunting the bathroom in schools are widely told across Asia, and also the fact that she is wearing red like in these stories:

Read More: Check out more ghost stories about Women in Red Ghosts like The Lady in Red of Bang Pakong River or The Haunted Bela Vista Villa

The Woman in Red: One of the ghosts said to haunt the Ping Shan Tat Tak School in Hong Kong is the woman in red. It is said that a headmistress hanged herself in one of the toilets and has ever since been haunting the school.

Since there are no police reports or even a news article about this, it is impossible to confirm that such a rumor is true. A former student claims it was the headmaster’s wife who died at her home. Nevertheless, this story has become one of the most told about from Ping Shan Tat Tak School.

Student Ghost Investigation Gone Wrong

Because the haunted rumor about an abandoned school exists, there will naturally thrill seekers that are attracted to the stories, especially for other students wanting to test their bravery and spook their friends. Normally the explorations come from the famous stories, but this time, one of the fateful explorations turned the story about the haunted school and the ghost wearing red to new heights.

On September 10th in 2011, 12 students from a middle school visited Ping Shan Tat Tak School and came back with haunted tales. They claimed to have heard footsteps in the abandoned building as well as hearing an ominous scraping noise from the walls. 

Paranormal Investigations: The school has in later years been the subject of paranormal investigations by various groups of people. Many of them are school children themselves and not ready to deal with the horror that awaits them. Be it psychological or paranormal. // Source: Wikimedia

According to reports, three of the girls kept fainting and one completely lost control of himself, pinching his own neck and biting so he needed the friends to help stop him and they called the police for help. 

One of them claimed to have had visions of people dying in horrific ways. But visions were not the only thing the students claimed they saw. Worst was the sighting of a female ghost dressed in all red and long hair. The chilling whispers of her presence sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross her path.

And all the while the building sits there abandoned with its secrets. And while the local villagers claim that they have never seen a ghost in these parts, and the thing with the students losing control has been said to be a case of acute reactive psychosis, the legend says otherwise. 

The Haunted Tat Tak School

In conclusion, Ping Shan Tat Tak School in Hong Kong remains an intriguing and haunted place with a rich history and mysterious legends. While the truth about the reported supernatural occurrences is difficult to ascertain, the stories surrounding the school continue to captivate the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Whether it’s the restless spirits of the villagers from centuries ago or the ghostly presence of the woman in the red dress, Ping Shan Tat Tak School has become synonymous with tales of hauntings and eerie encounters. The abandoned school’s dilapidated halls and eerie atmosphere only amplify the sense of unease that surrounds it.

Empty Classrooms: Only graffiti on the walls and broken windows are left of the once big school that housed over 700 students. Could it be that only the ghosts remain? // Source: Wikimedia

To this day, Ping Shan Tat Tak School stands as a cautionary reminder of the power of urban legends and the allure of the paranormal. Whether the haunting stories are true or not, the school continues to fascinate those with a penchant for the supernatural and a love of abandoned school corridors.

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References:

新界六日戰- 维基百科,自由的百科全书 

9 of the most haunted places in Hong Kong 

Top 10 spooky stories in Hong Kong

達德學校- 维基百科,自由的百科全书 

The Chief Executioner at Plaza Nueva

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In his old workplace at Plaza Nueva, there is the ghost of an old executioner that is said to still walk over the plaza in Granada, Spain. It is said he is still dressed in his garb, as he is on his way to one of the executions for a day’s work. 

Have you ever felt a chill down your spine while walking through an old, dark street in Spain? It could be that the stories of haunted streets are true. Spain is known for its mysterious and dark history, and many of its cities have their own stories about spirits and ghosts lurking in the shadows. 

Plaza Nueva, a bustling square in Granada, has a long and storied history and is despite its name, the oldest square in Granada. Originally built in the 16th century, it has witnessed countless events and has been a central location for various activities over the years. It was one of the most important parts of the city with many games, bullfights and tournaments were held. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

However, it is also linked to the darker side of Granada’s past – executions. During the 19th century, Plaza Nueva was the site of public executions, where justice was carried out in front of a crowd. It is in this context that Maestro Lorenzo’s role as the Chief Executioner becomes significant.

The Chancellery of Court of Justice: A Place of Haunting Presence

The Chancellery of Court of Justice, located near Plaza Nueva, is a building steeped in history and mystery. Constructed in the 16th century, it has witnessed numerous trials and legal proceedings. 

Legend has it that many spirits still roamed the halls inside of the building as well as walking across the square outside where the condemned met their final end. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about places that were used as an execution ground: Dead Men Walking in Old Provost in Grahamstown, Paris’ Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery, Unveiling the Dark History of the Tower of London and its Ghosts 

The Haunted Plaza Nueva: In Granada, Spain the Plaza Nueva is said to be haunted by the former Chief Executioner, Maestro Lorenzo, dressed for work in his uniform, ready for the next execution.//Source:Superchilum/wikimedia

The most famous ghost said to haunt this place is the ghostly figure of the Chief Executioner who is said to roam the corridors, forever trapped in a time when his role was to deliver death. He is seen dressed in the attire of an executioner, forever bound to the room where the garotte, a device used for strangulation, is still kept.

Many who have encountered his spirit describe a feeling of unease and an overwhelming sense of dread.

Maestro Lorenzo: The Chief Executioner of Granada

In the grim days of the 19th century, the role of the Chief Executioner was one of great responsibility, albeit a macabre one. The Chief Executioner was responsible for carrying out death sentences and ensuring that justice was served. They were skilled in various methods of execution, including beheading, hanging, and the use of the garotte. The Chief Executioner was seen as an ominous figure, feared by many and associated with death itself. 

The Executioner: It is believed that the ghost haunting the Plaza Nueva in Granada, Spain is that of Lorenzo Huertas. Here is the executions of anarchists in Xeres in 1892 by use of the garrote.

Maestro Lorenzo, as the Chief Executioner of Granada, held this position during a time of great unrest and upheaval in Spain. His name was Lorenzo Huertas and was known as the “Head Cutter”, was always dressed in a black cape with a wide brimmed hat. According to the stories about him it was said he always carried the garrotte Mariana Pineda, a liberalist heroine, was executed with in his pocket. 

It has been said he is still walking, dressed as if going to an execution and heading to the room where the garotte is still held. 

The Ghost of the Chief Executioner at Plaza Nueva

The legend of Maestro Lorenzo, the Chief Executioner of Granada, continues to intrigue and captivate those who visit Plaza Nueva and the Chancellery of the Court of Justice. His ghostly presence serves as a reminder of the darker chapters in Spain’s history and the haunting stories that persist to this day. 

The stories surrounding Maestro Lorenzo add an air of mystery and intrigue to the already enchanting streets of Granada. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the historic streets of Spain, keep an eye out for the ghostly figure of the Chief Executioner, forever bound to Plaza Nueva in Granada.

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References:

Mysteries en la Real ChancilleríaThe 5 most Haunted Places in SpainPlaza Nueva in Granada – the Main Old City Square with Historic Buildings
El espíritu del ejecutor que recorre la Chancillería | Ideal
Lorenzo Huertas – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

The Haunted Road of Bundesstraße 215

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The B215 otherwise known as Bundesstraße 215 is a stretch of roads that are haunted in Germany. It has more deadly accidents than other roads in the country according to the stories, and is also haunted by a Woman in White. 

Germany is famous for its comfortable long stretches of highway that cuts through the country in no time. There are some roads though who have a rather dark reputation surrounding the dark concrete. 

Read about all the ghost stories about haunted roads in the Moonmausoleum: Here

The B215 is a road in Germany where they say strange things happen. The federal highway runs between Hanover and Hamburg in Lower Saxony. It is an old road and the stretch between Nienurg and Verden was built already in 1849. 

Supposedly it has more accidents than any other road in Germany, and in particular close to the city of Verden, they are supposedly more dangerous to drive than other places in the country.  

The White Lady Along the Road

There are also stories about a white lady that can be spotted along the Bundesstraße 215. Stories about these White Women are plentiful in Germany and they have long standing in ghost stories. In German legends and folklore the stories of the Weiße Frauen, meaning White Women used to be a name meant to the elven-spirits and the stories of the light elves from pagan times. Today she is known for haunting old castles, families and other places where women died full of regret. 

Read more ghost stories about the White Lady and the Women in White like: The Haunting of The House of Hohenzollern

This particular Lady in White is someone you can see out of the corner of your eyes along the haunted Bundesstraße 215 when you are driving down Bundesstraße 215 in the dark. She is said to appear between 2 and 3 am in the night if you are driving too fast. It is unsure if she is a warning to the reckless drivers or if she is the one behind causing the accidents. 

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References

Most Haunted Places in Germany

Bundesstraße 215 – Wikipedia

The Ghost under the Lamp Post at Plaça del Comerç

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Wandering under the decorative lamp post at the Plaça del Comerç in Barcelona, people have seen what seems to be a ghost walking over the plaza, seemingly at the same time each time. Who is this ghost still wandering, and what happened at this plaza?

Plaça del Comerç is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Barcelona. This seemingly charming square holds a dark secret, a haunted history that whispers through its cobblestone streets. 

According to this local legend from Barcelona, there is a plaza in the Sant Andreu district that is said to be haunted by a ghost roaming the street. 

History of Plaça del Comerç

Plaça del Comerç has a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. Originally a bustling marketplace where merchants traded goods and bartered, the square has witnessed countless transactions and seen the rise and fall of many businesses. Over time, it has become a place where the past and present converge, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and chilling.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The Plaça del Comerç is a picturesque square, frozen in time. As you step into its cobblestone streets, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The buildings that surround the square are a mix of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Neoclassical, each one telling its own story. 

The locals know about this as the clock square because of the large clock mounted on the wall. The square is adorned with a wrought-iron lamp post in the middle that casts an eerie glow at night, creating an otherworldly ambiance.

Ghostly Encounters and Paranormal Activities at Plaça del Comerç

Many locals and visitors have reported strange occurrences at Plaça del Comerç. One of the most common sightings is that of a ghostly figure crossing the street under the streetlamp. 

Witnesses have described the apparition as a translucent figure dressed in outdated clothing, seemingly lost in time. Some have even claimed to have heard the sound of ghostly laughter echoing through the square, sending shivers down their spines.

Each year, numerous people report seeing a ghost crossing the street between 9pm and midnight as the big clock on the wall will tell you. 

The ghost revealed itself because of the vintage street lamp in the middle of the square. Not bothering anyone, not saying anything. But each year, without fail, the ghost will be seen in the yellow light from the lamp. 

The Mysterious Plaça del Comerç

Plaça del Comerç is more than just a square; it is a destination that captures the imagination and sends chills down your spine. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying the eerie atmosphere that permeates the air. 

Plaça del Comerç is a place where history and the supernatural coexist in haunting harmony, inviting you to uncover its dark secrets as the clock on the wall keeps ticking.

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References:

Plaça del Comerç | Meet Barcelona
Haunted and Mysterious Places in Barcelona | 19 Local Legends

The Poetic Haunting in No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong

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One of the four most well known haunted houses in Beijing is No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong. People have talked about the sound of a woman reciting poetry in the night for centuries, and used to be the home of one of the most important authors in Chinese Literature. 

The Chinese writer, Cao Xueqin (曹雪芹) who lived from 1710-1765 was a famous novelist and poet from the Qing Dynasty and used to live in the house that is now known as one of the four most haunted houses in Beijing. He is best known as the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, a family saga about the rise and fall of the family and about the social relations in 18th century China. 

The book, Dream of the Red Chamber is considered one of the Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature together with Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, Journey to the West, The Plum in the Golden Vase and The Scholars.

Read More: Check out all our collection of ghost stories from China

Like the situation of the family in the novel Dream of the Red Chamber, Cao Xueqin’s family was once important but later purged after the death of the Kangxi Emperor and the ascension of Yongzheng Emperor to the throne. His family’s once affluent family’s assets were confiscated and his family fell into poverty.

Moving into a Haunted House to Write

Cao Xueqin moved into No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong, Xidan in Beijing where he started to write and rewrite his novel for over ten years that would once be one of the country’s cornerstones of literature. Back then the housed used to be No. 7 and No. 8 before being renumbered in the 1960s. 

The No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong is known as one of the four haunted houses in Beijing, the other being Songpo Library, Hufang Bridge Huguang Guild Hall, Chaonei No. 81 and Xi’an Menli Palace. But exactly who is said to be haunting the place?

Many have lived and passed in this house, and the only thing that has seen it all is the Jujube Tree in the courtyard which is said to be more than 600 years old. It even used to be the residence of the Kangxi Princess Jianning, before her family were destroyed and according to legend, left an ominous omen in the place. 

The Jujube Tree: In the courtyard of the No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong, it is said that an ancient Jujube Tree stands that used to stand there even before the house got the haunted reputation.

Cao Xueqin didn’t have a peaceful ending though, and was one of the residents in the house that had a tragic death. The writer died suddenly after a time being confined to the bed of what was considered grief after the death of one of his sons or poverty. 

The Ghost Reciting Poetry at Night at No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong

Although No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong is now a wedding photography studio, believing locals all over the city claim to hear the ghostly sound of traditional instruments at night being played, accompanied by a woman reciting poetry. 

Who is this woman that recites poetry in the night, long after the writers of the house moved out and died? Could it be someone from his family, or perhaps one of his lovers? There is a legend that Cao Xueqin once had a lover that he was separated from by the Yongzheng Emperor that also was the cause of his family’s downfall. Could they have reunited in their afterlife, reciting poems and playing music? 

Perhaps the poetic ghost said to haunt No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong is someone completely else not linked to Cao Xueqin at all. Perhaps the ghosts are much older than so. Could it have something to do with the Kanxi princess that lived in grief after all of her family was slaughtered? Today, only the  Jujube Tree in the courtyard knows.

The house on No. 33 Xiaoshihu Hutong had haunted rumors from way back, perhaps even from before Cao Xueqin’s lifetime. However, many attribute this ghost of being someone close to him. A man called Ji Xiaolan once said of the house: “This mansion has been in existence for a long time, so it will inevitably become strange sometimes, but it is not harmful to people.”

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References:

Dream of the Red Chamber – Wikipedia

Classic Chinese Novels – Wikipedia

Cao Xueqin – Wikipedia

北京四大凶宅

北京四大凶宅之一:小石虎胡同33号院,地处西单究竟有何玄机 

Princess Jianning in history, her life will make you sigh

京城4大鬼宅/小石虎胡同33號死全家 夜半驚傳女人吟詩| 國際 

The Haunted Bela Vista Villa

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A vacation inn in Hong Kong has been called haunted after people staying there have claimed to have seen ghostly apparition of people that have ended their life in the Bela Vista Villa. 

Close to the sea there is a vacation home in Cheung Chau in Hong Kong where couples visit to have a romantic time together in the little bungalows by the beach. When staying at the place though, things can according to legend become more haunted than romantic though. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from China

Cheung Chau island (長洲) is just southwest of Hong Kong Island has a long history of being haunted and filled with spirits. There is even a festival that could have originated because of these evil spirits. This version tells that the island was plagued by pirates and even the plague itself in the 18th century and the local islanders wanted to get rid of them. Local fishermen then brought an image of the ancient god Pak Tai, the mysterious black God of the north to the island they paraded with throughout the island and it is said that the deity drove away the evil spirits. 

But what is it about this quaint beachfront vacation home that draws so many people to end their life there in what has been known as The Haunted Bela Vista Villa, one of the most haunted place in Hong Kong?

The Resort of Charcoal Suicides

The Bela Vista Villa (東堤小築) is a collection of vacation bungalows in central Cheung Chau, close to the Tung Wan Beach and a popular vacation location that in later years changed the name to Miami Resort.

It is said that the building is the place for over 20 murders and suicide cases over the last 30 years and the Bela Vista Villa has been dubbed The Resort of Charcoal Suicide. People have come to this place from the rest of Hong Kong to end their life there for all sorts of reasons. What happened over the years was that it started to be a rumored haunted place as well though for the people that stayed there for their vacation. 

The Ghost Haunting the Bela Vista Villa: It is said that people that have stayed there have seen a woman wearing red or traditional Chinese clothing as she is haunting the Bela Vista Villa as well as the beach.

The people that have stayed in the vacation home claim to have heard wailing screams in the night coming from the ghosts of the victims and seeing ghost apparitions of them, and it is said that the haunted ghost stories all started with a singular case.

The Murder Suicide and Ghosts of the Mother and Son

It is said that it all started the summer of 1989 when a woman together with her son vacated in one of the units. The 35 year old woman was having marital problems and was highly unbalanced. According to the stories, the woman was said to be the estranged wife of a Hong Kong pharmaceutical tycoon. He was cheating on her and the infidelity drove her mad.

She killed her son before herself. The mother dressed up in an all red outfit, possibly a Chinese traditional costume before hanging herself. 

Read more: There are stories about jaded women haunting places wearing red all over the globe. Like with the haunting of

Read more: There are stories about jaded women haunting places wearing red all over the globe. Like with the haunting of The Lady in Red of Bang Pakong River

After this incident, it is said that the residents on the island have seen the mother and son wandering around. There have even been those who claim that they have been possessed by their ghosts as well.

Reclaiming life in the Bela Vista Villa

While the history of this place holds tales of tragedy and ghostly apparitions, the past is not destined to repeat itself forever. Over the years, efforts have been made to bring about an aura of peace and tranquility in the Bela Vista Villas, fostering a sense of harmony between the living and the departed.

The ghosts that once haunted this place fade into the annals of history, their presence becoming nothing more than whispers carried in the sea breeze. Now, the only spirits to be found are those of joy, laughter, and blissful contentment. As day turns to night, the vibrant atmosphere transforms into a serene sanctuary, where the only sounds to be heard are the distant hum of the waves caressing the shore.

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References:

History · Cheung Chau Bun Festival – CCCH9051 Group 25 

Cheung Chau – Wikipedia 

Top 10 spooky stories in Hong Kong

28 year old man rents a unit at the haunted Bela Vista Villa Miami Resort in Cheung Chau to end his life – Dimsum Daily 

Debunking the myth of ‘suicide haunt’ at Cheung Chau’s Bela Vista Villa – Dimsum Daily 

The Alchemist House on Carrer D’Estruc in Barcelona

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On a narrow street in the heart of Barcelona you will find the remains of the Alchemist House on Carrer D’Estruc. It used to belong to a renowned alchemist named Astruc Sacanera. Centuries after the alchemist left, people claim strange stuff happens around the house. Could it be haunted?

On the enchanting Carrer D’Estruc, The Alchemist House stands as a testament to the city’s rich past and mystical allure in a street that once used to belong outside of the city walls.

A Brief History of Carrer D’Estruc in Barcelona

Carrer D’Estruc, a quaint street tucked away in the heart of Barcelona, holds a fascinating history that dates back centuries.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

During the 14th and 15th centuries, alchemy flourished in Barcelona, attracting scholars, astrologers, and mystics from all corners of the world. Carrer D’Estruc became a meeting place for these alchemists, who sought to uncover the secrets of the universe and transform base metals into gold. It was believed that the street itself held a special energy, making it the perfect location for their experiments.

Carrer D’Estruc: Tucked away in the narrow alleyways of Barcelona you will find the old Alchemist House on Carrer D’Estruc that are supposedly haunted. Source//pere prlpz/wikimedia

This alleyway in Barcelona is located just a few moments walk from Plaça de Catalunya is said to be a mysterious and perhaps even haunted place in Spain. The building was there all the way back in the 15th century when it was outside the city walls and used to house a sorcerer.

The Allure of Alchemy in Barcelona’s History

Alchemy, often associated with turning common metals into precious substances, was more than just a pursuit of material wealth. It was a spiritual and philosophical journey, seeking to unravel the mysteries of life and the universe. Barcelona, with its vibrant intellectual and cultural scene, became a hotbed for alchemical studies during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Read Also: Check out the story about Black Magic at Pfaueninsel, another building belonging to an alchemist now believed to be haunted. 

The alchemists of Barcelona were not just interested in transmutation; they were also fascinated by astrology, herbal medicine, and the quest for immortality. Their experiments and research were fueled by a deep curiosity and a belief that the secrets of the universe could be uncovered through their work. This fascination with alchemy left an indelible mark on the city’s history, shaping its culture and attracting seekers of knowledge from far and wide.

The Astrologer and Wizard Astruc Sacanera

The mysterious astrologer and sorcerer called Astruc Sacanera lived in it and had many strange rumors about him. He is most famous for using a black stone called Pedra Escurçonera, as well as a powder he used to heal rabies and bites with. 

Sacanera’s reputation as a skilled alchemist and sorcerer drew many curious minds to his doorstep. He was often sought after for his potions, charms, and divination services. It is said that he could cure ailments with a mere touch, and his predictions were eerily accurate. His presence on Carrer D’Estruc added to the street’s mystique and cemented its reputation as a hub for alchemical studies. 

The Fascinating Story Behind The Alchemist House

The Alchemist House, formerly the residence of Astruc Sacanera, holds a captivating story that spans centuries. The house itself is a testament to the alchemist’s ingenuity and dedication to his craft. Its architecture and design reflect the mystical beliefs and symbols of alchemy, with intricate carvings and hidden chambers throughout.

Centuries later, an alchemist named Ricardo Bru got a permit to commemorate the story of the Alchemist House. He decorated several plaques that got hung on the walls.  It was also said that Bru went into a trance and someone from the afterlife told him how the plaques should be. One of the plaques said: 

“At the beginning of the 15th century, people called this street Astruc Sacanera, that is, the astrologer or witch from Sacanera. Astruc is a healing herb and an ancient word applied to astrologers or witches. Here the escurçonera stone was sold, possessing virtues against rabies and bites”.

Haunted Rumors about The Alchemist House

As with any place steeped in history and mystery, rumors of hauntings and supernatural occurrences surround The Alchemist House. Visitors and staff have reported unexplained phenomena, such as flickering lights, strange sounds, and the feeling of being watched. Some claim to have seen apparitions of alchemists conducting their experiments or heard whispers of long-lost secrets.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses

These rumors, while fascinating, only add to the immersive experience of The Alchemist House. Whether they are the result of the house’s rich history or the power of suggestion, they contribute to the enchanting atmosphere that visitors can’t help but be drawn into.

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References:

El carrer d’Estruc, una calle llena de magia y misterio – Barcelona Secreta

Top Haunted and Mysterious Places in Spain | Scariest Places in Spain to Visit

The Cursed Columns at St. Mark’s Square

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At St. Mark’s Square in Venice there are two columns placed. And if you believe old folklore you can’t pass between them, or you’ll be cursed. 

The two columns at St. Marco Square, or locally known as: Colonna di San Todaro, is wonderful to look at and one of the main places tourists visit as they wander around in the city between the majestic Doge Palace and the famous bell tower.

However, the origin of these columns is not a happy one as they are a reminder of what war nation Venice once was. They were transported to Venice in the 1100s after the Venetians sacked the city of Constantinople. 

There were originally 3 of them, but the last one sank into the sea on the voyage. They even hired a special sea master to look for the third one for almost 20 years, but the column was forever swallowed somewhere in the Venetian lagoon. 

The 2 remaining ones were put on the square by a man named Niccolo Barattieri. For a long time this was the only place where you were allowed to gamble in the city, which was strictly forbidden, because that was what Barattieri wanted as thanks for putting up the two remaining columns safely. 

It was then later used as a place for executions. Between the two columns the thieves, enemies of the Republic, murderers, heretics and others were parade before being executed as a spectacle for the entire city. 

Because of this the columns are considered cursed because of all of the people that died between them. And according to legend, you can be too if you pass between them. 

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The Strange Disappearances on the Cursed Inn at Carrer de Flor de Lliri

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In an old inn in the Carrer de Flor de Lliri in Barcelona, people talk about visitors disappearing in the dead of the night without any leads. What happened to them? Did they just leave the city? Or are they still wandering the streets as ghosts as they never even survived their first night?

In the heart of Barcelona, nestled among the bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a mysterious phenomenon. Carrer de Flor de Lliri, a seemingly ordinary street, gained notoriety for the strange disappearances that have occurred within its boundaries. Over the years, individuals have vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a chilling mystery. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

What makes these disappearances even more perplexing is the lack of any logical explanation or evidence. No signs of struggle, no leads, and no answers, only rumors about a horrible legend

Flor del Lliri Guesthouse: A Haven of Horror

Most of the strange rumors of this dark urban legend of Carrer de Flor de Lliri in Barcelona are connected to an inn or a hostel that used to be on the street. When this hostel was supposed to be in operation is unclear. Some claim it is a tale from Roman times, some tell it like it was in medieval times. The closest people claim it is from the 1950s. 

There are documented an inn on this street since 1444 though and was a very popular place both for the wealthy people coming into town. It was also very popular with maids that came to Barcelona to offer their nursing skills to the upper-class women. 

When the hostel at Carrer de Flor de Lliri closed down though and when the dark legend started to take hold over the street is unknown. 

According to this urban legend, Many of the tourists visiting the inn vanished into thin air however and their bodies were never found. And since they didn’t find out what happened to them, they weren’t declared dead either. 

There are many variations of the legend about the horrible hostel at Carrer de Flor de Lliri, but most of them goes something like this:

The Story about the Disappeared Guests

Many said the people that went missing were last seen checking in to their inn in the street. The guests all had money and were traveling with nice things. One of the guests at this inn was grabbed by a woman on his way into his room. 

“Whatever happens, don’t sleep on the bed,” was all she said almost as a warning. The guest was confused, but a gut feeling wouldn’t leave him as he went into his room that seemed perfectly fine. 

He decided to adhere to the warning words from the woman and slept on the floor that night, even if the bed looked nice and comfy. In the dead of the night he awoke on the cold floor by a harrowing sound. The bed had clasped together as a sort of mechanical device had been put into place to squash those sleeping on the bed. 

The man hurried out from the inn, his life intact. But not all were so lucky after spending the night in that room. 

According to the legend, the owners of the inn put the seemingly rich and lonely people in this room and killed them to take their money. Even more disturbing is the lack of bodies from these alleged murders. What happened to those that were killed?

Apparently the owners covered their crimes by making the victims into meatballs or as a juicy steak and serving them to the other unsuspecting guests, perhaps even to the next unfortunate soul that would spend their last night in the murder room. 

Local Legends and Folklore of Carrer de Flor de Lliri

The strange disappearances that are said to have happened on Carrer de Flor de Lliri have given rise to a multitude of local legends and folklore. Some believe that the street is cursed, haunted by vengeful spirits seeking justice for the lives that were lost. Others claim that an otherworldly entity lurks in the shadows, selectively choosing its victims and dragging them into an unknown realm.

Many are claiming that the unfortunate souls are wandering the Carrer de Flor de Lliri to this day, still hoping that someone will listen and the truth will be revealed. 

The Remains of the Hostel

Curiosity and intrigue have led many to explore the remains of the Flor del Lliri Guesthouse, despite warnings of its dark history. The remains of the inn are just parts of the arch of the building by Carrer de la Flor Lliri No. 1 where the entrance to the hostel used to be. It stands as a chilling reminder of the horrors that unfolded within its walls. Some even say that if you put your ear close to the walls, you can hear the whispers of the victims. 

As the enigma of Carrer de Flor de Lliri continues to captivate the minds of those who dare to delve into its mysteries, one can’t help but wonder about the truth behind the strange disappearances. Is there a rational explanation, or is this street truly cursed? Despite the efforts of investigators and the countless theories put forth, the truth remains elusive.

The stories, legends, and speculation surrounding Carrer de Flor de Lliri serve as a constant reminder of the unknown forces that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most vibrant cities. The peculiar phenomenon that has plagued this otherwise ordinary street in Barcelona will continue to perplex and intrigue, leaving us to ponder the possibility of a world beyond our understanding.

As the sun sets over the streets of Barcelona, Carrer de Flor de Lliri casts a shadow of mystery that stretches into the night. The disappearances remain unsolved, leaving behind a haunting enigma that continues to grip the imaginations of those who dare to explore its secrets. Will we ever uncover the truth behind the vanishing acts that have plagued this hidden corner of Barcelona? Only time will tell.

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References:

Carrer de la Flor del Lliri – Barcelona | Santa Caterina – Pobles de Catalunya
HOSTAL FLOR DEL LLIRI: THE MOST UNWELCOMING HOSTEL IN BARCELONA – Carrers BCN

Atrape un fantasma

6 Haunted Places to Visit in Spain

L’Hostal sanguinari Flor del Lliri

The Beheaded Soldiers Haunting Dongmianhua Hutong

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In the midst of the old one of the old hutong neighborhoods in Beijing it is a house that is said to be more haunted than others. In the Ming Dynasty a famous female military general used the courtyard of the Dongmianhua Hutong to behead soldiers not following her commands. 

An army of ghosts are believed to haunt one of the old hutong alleys in Beijing  because of the order of their commander, Qin Liangyu (秦良玉), a female general in the Ming Dynasty. 

Read More: Check out all our collection of ghost stories from China

Qin Liangyu was from Sichuan and is best known for defending the Ming dynasty from the Manchurian army, late in the 17th century. Unlike Mulan who went into battle instead of her father, Qin Liangyu went in place for her husband who died in prison of an illness after being falsely accused.

The Cotton Spinning Soldiers

Hutong: A traditional narrow alleyway in older neighborhoods of Beijing, and other cities in northern China. These alleyways are typically lined with courtyard houses, known as siheyuan. Over the years, many hutongs have been demolished to make way for modern developments, but efforts to preserve and restore these historic neighborhoods have gained momentum in recent years due to their cultural significance.

According to legend of Qin Liangyu, she is said to have stationed her troops in the Dongmianhua Hutong (东棉花胡同) when she came to Beijing at least three times to aid the capital.

The national treasury was empty however and she had to make her own money to go to war. By military standards her army belonged to the lord, not the national army, and therefore the emperor didn’t pay the soldiers. So she had to figure out a way herself and the answer was cotton. 

It is said that she ordered her lieutenant soldiers to spin cotton clothes all night to earn money for the military and to pay her soldiers. This is allegedly why the Dongmianhua Hutong was named Cotton Alley after her and is to this day. 

Dongmianhua Hutong is now a historical area found south of Jiaodaokouin in the Dongcheng District, Beijing. The Hutong has preserved the brick arches of the late Qing Dynasty. There is however more than one Cotton Alley named after both a cotton market that used to exist. 

The Haunted Execution Courtyard in Dongmianhua Hutong

Qin Liangyu

The exact house that are supposedly haunted in Dongmianhua Hutong is the courtyard of No.1 (棉花胡同头条1号). It was known as a haunted house because of the ghosts of the soldiers that haunted the place. The story goes that this was the place where Qin Liangyu beheaded soldiers who violated her discipline, although there really aren’t many historical records of this, it probably wasn’t that uncommon for a commander to give these orders. 

The terror of the haunted Dongmianhua Hutong doesn’t stop with the ghost from the headless stories though, as more have died over the years in this house. This was where the writer Lin Baishui was arrested and shot to death after he published writings that criticized the warlords that governed the territory in his time. Perhaps he as well has something to do with the haunted rumors of this place?

Or perhaps the ghost stories from Dongmianhua Hutong come from newer times? There is also a story about one of the last occupants of this particular house that says he burned himself after killing a young girl. Allegedly that is.

The Ghost of Old Beijing Haunting Today

Either way, the house now bears a stigma painted in blood that is hard to wash out. Now the cotton alley and old hutongs like Dongmianhua Hutong in Beijing are slowly swallowed by high rise buildings creeping closer on all corners, and soon, there might not be much left of it. Perhaps except for the ghosts. 

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References:

Qin Liangyu – Wikipedia

棉花胡同:演绎浪漫“知音”

https://news.ifeng.com/history/zhongguogudaishi/200612/1204_7181_43303_1.shtml

棉花胡同名字的来由 – 北京 

An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.

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