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The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi

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During one of the biggest witch trials in Spain, there was one place that was thought to be more filled with witchcraft than others. In the so-called Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi in the Basque country, it was said that witches gathered for sabbaths and akellares.

The witch hunt hit Europe hard, and Spain was no different. The Inquisition in Spain was brutal and perhaps one of the darkest chapters in the history of the country. The church and its helpers took everyone that the catholic deemed inappropriate, witches, heretics alike. 

In Navarre, north in the country close to the French border, the forest of the Pyrenees grew thick and legends, strange rites and rumors of witches were especially strong there. 

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

Especially in the deep darkness of the caves of Zugarramurdi the haunted legends from the past echoes throughout the walls of the cave. You can find them just 400 meters from the village through the woods. 

The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi: These caves in Zugarramurdi in northern, Spain were long thought to be a popular place for witches to meet and conduct witchcraft and demonic sabbaths.

Inside of the 120 meters long cave that towers over 10 meters is the stream called Oblabidea that runs through it. The stream was also known as Infernuko Erreka, or the stream of hell and was a perfect place for the witches to hold their sabbats. 

The Magical and Mysterious Basque Country

Already in the 1100s, the Basque country was described as barbaric and mysterious from southern Spain’s perspective. The place was also a misty and heavily wooded terrain with few people that spoke a foreign and as they describe it, harsh sounding language. 

Belief in witches were actually quite low compared to the rest of Europe at that time, and the educated Spaniards saw witchcraft as a protestant superstition as well as something only the “uneducated” northerners believed in. Still, being accused as a witch was a very deadly thing as the people of Zugarramurdi would soon find out. 

The Tribunal of the Spanish Inquisition in Logrono received intel that there were witches and wizards in Zugarramurdi and became involved in one of the most brutal and biggest witch hunts in Spanish history with over 7000 investigated for witchcraft. 

In 1610 take came to Zugarramurdi that means the hill of elm trees to investigate the suspicions. The people of Zugarramurdi had long traditions of making creams and herbal medicine that were unknown to the rest of the country. There were also more women as the men were at sea for months on whaling boats, something that the authorities saw as unfortunate and suspicious with villagers filled with women going on about their days with the men away. 

There were also the strange things that the number of stillborns were abnormally higher than the rest of Spain. This has turned out to be because the Basques have a very high percentage of Rhesus Negative blood. Although we today have a scientific explanation on it, they used to think they were cursed. 

The Witch Trials of Zugarramurdi

It all started when a 20-year old girl came back to the town after living many years in France. For some reason she started to tell everyone that she had been one of those participating in Akelarres, or the witch sabbaths. 

Then she started to involve more people and claimed that a woman named Maria de Jureteguis had been involved as well. This is when things escalated and more and more of the locals started to accuse each other for witchcraft. 

Over 300 became involved in the investigation, almost the whole village. The witch hunters rounded up over 40 women and men that the neighbors had accused and brought them back to Logorno to await trial. 

Many of them repented and were let go in the end, but some of them were tortured for months and five died in prison. There were 7 that were burned at the stake. 

When the trial had ended all of them were dragged through the streets with no hair and big wax candles in their hands. A lot of them were wearing a tunic called sanbenitos to show people that they had sinned. Some had a rope around their necks to show they were about to be flogged. The remains of those that died were carried to the pyre and four women and two men were burned as they kept denying they were witches. 

Their names were Domingo de Subildegui, María de Echachute, Graciana Xarra, Maria Baztan de Borda, Maria de Arburu and Petri de Joangorena. Not all of them were from Zugarramurdi town, but were all condemned for participating in the witch sabbath there. 

It was the notorious Inquisitor Valle-Alvardo who came to town and rounded up everyone they thought looked and seemed out of sorts as a last effort to root out evil from Navarre in what became known as the Basque Witch Trials. 

A madness and witch fever because of what happened were getting out of hand and thousands upon thousands were accused of witchcraft all across the country. A man went back to Zugarramurdi and spent 18 months talking with them. It turned out that most of the accusations were false, but alas, for many it was already too late. 

Akelarre – the Spanish Witch Sabbath

Akelarre literally means the pasture of the he-goat in Basque, and according to the tribunal it was where the witches met up with Satan. Today the word is synonymous with Witch Sabbath in Spain. 

The Akelarre and the witch sabbath lore seems to have been the pagan remains of the rituals from before christianity. This type of female worship in groups has been done since the classical Greece times when worshiping Dionysus, perhaps even before. 

Witch Sabbaths: The painting Akelarre  from 1798, by Francisco Goya.

People over Europe were accused of these types of gatherings, but if there was actually anyone doing it is highly uncertain, even though pagan remains of the past have lasted for a much longer time in remote places than the church would have liked it to. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about: Witches

Some of the things the accused witches of Zugarramurdi werre thought to do was demonic possession, vampirism, celebrating black masses and causing storms, as well as cursing the fields and animals among other things. 

The Witches in the Caves

Why was it that there were so many accused of witchcraft right here in this quaint little village? Some of it had to do with the rumors of the caves nearby where people claimed to have seen big bonfires and pagan festivities by the locals, the witches. 

According to legend, the rest of the witches of Zugarramurdi went into hiding in some caves outside of the town after their time on trial. To get away from the town that wanted them dead and gone.  Perhaps it was to practice their rites and witchcraft in peace, far from the deadly hands of the inquisition?

The story goes that you can still hear the echoes of their magical chanting and dancing around the fires. 

Inside of it they have a throne room, where the devil himself would join the witches during the sabbath. 

The Witch Caves of Zugarramurdi Today

Today it is still an important place for the modern-day witches in Spain and they honor the reputation and the magical place of Zugarramurdi and the caves people once thought were a place for devil worship. 
The town of Zugarramurdi also established the witch museum to remember the town’s dark past and holds yearly fests in the famous cave. 

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References:

The Witches of Zugarramurdi – the scene was set!

Basque Fact of the Week: Zugarramurdi, the Town of Witches

Haunted Spain, stories for an All Hallows Eve – CaramelTrail

Ten paranormal places that you can actually visit in Spain

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Haunting Tales of Black Alice and John’s Bridge in Kilkenny

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In 1763, the John’s Bridge in Kilkenny collapsed and killed many people. People started to whisper about it being the curse from Black Alice that started many centuries ago in Ireland’s first recorded witch trial.

Kilkenny, Ireland, is a city steeped in history and folklore, where tales of the supernatural are as much a part of the landscape as its ancient architecture. The Marble city has even been called the most haunted city in the world. 

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

The reason for its haunting is much blamed on the curse a supposed witch put on the city that convicted her for witchcraft and is the first recorded person that was condemned for this. This case set the precedent for how all following witchcraft and heresy cases would be executed. The act of burning witches in Ireland lasted until 1895 when the 28 year old Bridget Cleary was burnt as the last one. The legend of Black Alice and the eerie history of John’s Bridge and the ghost that are supposedly lingering.

Black Alice’s Mysterious Life

The year was 1280 when Dame Alice Kyteler was born into the Kyteler family, a clan of Flemish merchants who had made their home in Kilkenny.  She was born in Kyteler’s House, which has since 1639 been used as an inn and is today a restaurant.

Dame Alice Kyteler

As she grew older, Alice’s life took intriguing turns. She first married William Outlawe, a wealthy merchant and moneylender, and later, Adam le Blund of Callan, another prosperous moneylender. After Adam’s death, Alice’s fortune continued to rise as she married her third husband, Richard de Valle, a wealthy landowner, and subsequently, Sir John le Poer.

Alice Kyteler soon earned the moniker “Kilkenny’s merry widow” due to her remarkable run of good fortune – a fortune that, mysteriously, seemed to coincide with the untimely deaths of her spouses. 

The circumstances surrounding her fourth husband’s death were particularly disturbing, as he was found with his nails torn out, his body hair fallen off, and his will altered to benefit Alice and her son. Fearing foul play, the children of her former husbands accused her of witchcraft and that she had poisoned him, and perhaps the other husbands as well. 

The Seven Accusations

Seven grave charges were brought against Alice and her servants, accusing them of denying Christ and the Church, having dealings with a demon named Artis Filius and Robin Artisson for sorceress powers, practicing pagan rituals involving animal sacrifice and theft of church keys, crafting love potions and poisons from grisly ingredients, and using these concoctions to manipulate her husbands into giving away their wealth and ultimately killing them.

Read More: Check out all of the stories about Witches at the MoonMausoleum.

In a shocking turn of events, Alice Kyteler managed to escape to England, vanishing without a trace and we don’t really know what happened to her after this. Her son, however, faced a trial for witchcraft but was ultimately sentenced to penance, which he failed to uphold. Instead, he ended up in prison until he fulfilled a unique penance: covering the roof of the local cathedral with lead, a task he succeeded in but which ultimately led to the roof’s collapse.

Petronilla’s Grim Fate

Petronilla de Meath, Alice’s maid, was not as fortunate as her mistress. She was a young woman in her 20s and was her mistress maidservant. When her mistress was charged, it was her that suffered the gruesome consequences.

She endured torture, whippings, and finally, a gruesome end at the stake on 3rd of November in 1324. The Bishop wrote this about her confessions: 

‘On one of these occasions, by the crossroads outside the city, she had made an offering of three cocks to a certain demon whom she called Robert, son of Art (Robertum filium Artis), from the depths of the underworld. She had poured out the cocks’ blood, cut the animals into pieces and mixed the intestines with spiders and other black worms like scorpions, with a herb called milfoil as well as with other herbs and horrible worms. She had boiled this mixture in a pot with the brains and clothes of a boy who had died without baptism and with the head of a robber who had been decapitated … Petronilla said she had several times at Alice’s instigation and once in her presence, consulted demons and received answers. She had consented to a pact whereby she would be the medium between Alice and the said Robert, her friend. In public, she said that with her own eyes she had seen the aforesaid demon as three shapes (praedictus daemon tertius), in the form of three black men (aethiopum) each carrying an iron rod in the hand. This apparition happened by daylight (de die) before the said Dame Alice, and, while Petronilla herself was watching, the apparition had intercourse with Alice. After this disgraceful act, with her own hand she (Alice?) wiped clean the disgusting place with sheets (kanevacio) from her own bed.’

Legend has it that before her death, Petronilla vowed to exact revenge on the onlookers who had condemned her. Her vow would soon come to haunt the city. One can ask, who was really the one behind the legend of Black Alice? Is it the ghost and curse from Petronilla that continued to haunt the city, centuries after her death?

The Ghostly Legacy about John’s Bridge

Particularly in 1763, during a catastrophic flood that claimed sixteen lives when John’s Bridge collapsed. During the flood, the people gathered to see when the Green’s Bridge collapsed, not realizing that the bridge they were standing on would also meet the same fate until it was too late. 

But what does this have to do with the specters found after the collapse of one of the city’s bridges with the trial of Black Alice? Ever since these disturbing events, tales of strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions have persisted in and around Kilkenny, and it is said that it is the wrath of Black Alice that caused the accident in the first place. 

That day, 16 people died and reports of ghostly figures have multiplied, with witnesses describing spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the river below, especially in the eerie hours of the early morning.

The Remaining Whispers about Black Alice

As the eerie whispers of Black Alice continue to echo through the streets of Kilkenny, the city remains captivated by its rich supernatural history. The legend of Alice Kyteler and the tragic events surrounding John’s Bridge have left an indelible mark on the city’s consciousness, fueling both fascination and fear.

In the years that followed the collapse of John’s Bridge, the sightings of ghostly figures and strange occurrences persisted, casting an ethereal veil over the area. Locals and visitors alike would share tales of spectral figures peering over the bridge or rising from the depths of the river in the early hours of the morning. The apparitions served as a constant reminder of the long-standing curse that was said to haunt the bridge, a curse supposedly originating from the vengeful spirit of Petronella de Meath, Alice’s ill-fated maid. Or perhaps it was Black Alice herself?

As visitors walk across the bridge, feeling a chill in the air and catching fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures, they can’t help but wonder: are they merely witnessing tricks of the mind or is something more supernatural at play? Perhaps the echoes of the past, the whispers of those who have been wronged or lost, continue to resonate in the present, ensuring that the story of Black Alice and the haunted history of Kilkenny never fade away.

And so, the mystery remains, inviting new generations to delve into the depths of Kilkenny’s history, to unearth the untold secrets and unlock the truth behind the haunting tale of Black Alice and John’s Bridge.

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References:

Black Alice | Irish Ghost Stories from the Emerald Isle

John’s Bridge | Haunted Kilkenny, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Ghost Stories ~ Sacred Sites of Ireland Alice Kyteler – Wikipedia

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The Dark Tale of Enriqueta Martí: The Infamous Vampire of El Raval in Barcelona

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For years children kept disappearing in the El Raval neighborhood in Barcelona. When the culprit finally was found it was Enriqueta Marti and her twisted crimes at fault. She was because of the darkness of her crimes called The Vampire of El Raval, and perhaps the scope of her crimes will never be revealed.


Step into the dark streets of El Raval, Barcelona, and immerse yourself in the chilling tale of Enriqueta Martí, the infamous vampire who haunted this neighborhood in the late 19th century. 

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Known for her macabre activities, Enriqueta Martí preyed on the most vulnerable members of society, luring innocent children into her clutches. This dark tale unravels the secrets behind her heinous crimes, revealing a web of deceit, manipulation, and unspeakable horrors that made people refuse to believe that she was actually human. 

The Dark and Scary Neighborhood: El Raval

The Raval neighborhood in Barcelona had a dark and sinister reputation in the years leading up to the first world war. This area, still commonly referred to as the Barri Xino or red light district, has a long history of criminal activity and poverty as well as the bohemian homes to artists, theaters, bars and cabarets. 

Its dimly lit streets and alleys have witnessed countless crimes, making it the perfect setting for the haunting tale of Enriqueta Martí. At the start of the 20th century it was the most densely populated district in Europe. The atmosphere of fear and unease that permeates the Raval adds an extra layer of dread to the story of the infamous vampire.

The Missing Children Nobody Looked For

In the late 19th century, Barcelona was a city plagued by poverty and social inequality where there was a big difference between the highs and lows of social status. It was in this environment of desperation that Enriqueta Martí found her victims. She preyed on the most vulnerable members of society: the poor children that no one really noticed. These innocent souls were often neglected and forgotten by society, making them easy targets for Martí’s twisted desires. 

The disappearances of these children went unnoticed for far too long, as their absence was overshadowed by the chaos and hardships of the time. Martí’s ability to operate in the shadows, unnoticed by the authorities, allowed her reign of terror to continue unchecked.

The Dark Legend of Enriqueta Martí as the Vampire of El Raval

Enriqueta Martí i Ripollés, a name that still sends chills down the spines of those who dare to speak it. Born in 1868, Martí would go on to become one of the most notorious figures in Barcelona’s history.

Enriqueta Martí i Ripollés: Photo of the alleged serial killer from Barcelona.

She was known by many names: “The Vampire of carrer Ponent”, “The Vampire of Barcelona,” and “The Vampire of the Raval.” The press sensationalized her crimes, perpetuating the image of a bloodthirsty monster who fed on the innocent. 

Read more: Check out the stories about Paris’ Haunted Père Lachaise Cemetery or Poveglia Island — The Most Haunted Place in the World for more stories about suspected vampires.

Martí’s macabre activities included kidnapping, murder, and even running a brothel that specialized in child prostitution. But what drove this woman to commit such heinous acts?

Before being renovated in 1923, the street was something else entirely than the home of a bar, pub and fancy shops. It used to be a brothel that Enriqueta owned.She was a simple country girl that moved to the city to earn her living. She started out as a nanny and a waitress, but soon ended up becoming a prostitute until she became a madam and opened her own brothel on Carrer Ponent. 

The Vampire’s Work as a Witch Doctor

One of her darker endeavors was her work as a witch doctor. She was said to sell miracle skin creams to rich ladies that promised them eternal beauty. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about: Witches

The only thing they didn’t know was that these supposed creams contained the blood and fat of children. Or perhaps they knew, but just didn’t care. 

She also claimed to have found a cure for tuberculosis that plagued the city at that time. She said that by drinking the blood of children, they would be cured. 

The Horrible Crimes

It is said that she dressed up as a poor woman and looked for children that had no grown ups watching them. She then took them and sold them in her brothel. 

She was arrested once in 1909 during the Tragic Week for selling children but was never convicted as she utilized her friends in high places that relied on her services. 

It was only when a particular girl went missing that the police really bothered to investigate properly as she was not a poor and orphaned child as many of her other victims had been. 

The Tragic Tale of Teresita Guitart Congost

Although Teresita Guitart Congost’s parents weren’t necessarily rich, they were popular and had a fair amount of influence to make this case matter compared to all the other cases. A neighbor saw the girl in Marti’s apartment on 29 Ponent Street or Carrer de Joaquin Costa as it is today, and notified the police. When they arrived they found both Teresita Guitart Congost and a girl called Angelita. Teresita Guitart Congost said that Marti had lured her there with sweets before locking them up in her apartment. 

Saved: Teresita Guitart Congost at 5 years old after she was found and rescued from the Vampire of El Raval.

No one knew who Angelita was, and even if Marti claimed it was her daughter, her ex husband said they never had any children. It was from this girl that harrowing details came into the light. According to this young girl, she had apparently seen Marti butcher a 5 year old in the kitchen table called Pepito that she had stolen from a single mother that was new to the city. 

The police also found bags filled with small and bloody human bones as well as dirty clothes as well as around 50 jars of fat, blood, hair and skeletons, some already mixed into an ointment, ready for sale. 

Although there was a filthy apartment with a horrible stench, there was one room where it was clean with expensive furniture and nice looking clothes for both girls and boys, most likely where her clients were taken. 

In her former apartments they found bones, in the yards, a skull of a child. They had no way of piecing all of them together, and the forensic could only identify twelve children. But how many it really was, is unknown. 

The Arrest and Trial of Enriqueta Martí

The police accused her of abducting and killing children, how many is unknown. She had 20 years to commit her crimes in peace. She never confessed to killing any of the children, but admitted that she had brought children to rich child molesters through her brothel. She never named her clients. 

Arrested: Enriqueta Martí was finally arrested after the discovery of two kidnapped children in her apartment that told the authorities about the killings. Although she was finally arrested for her crimes, she never had a proper trial and became convicted, and a lot of questions remain.

Martí was never convicted. Her fellow inmates took matters into their own hands and hung her in the prison yard in May 1913. In some versions she was beaten to death. The official death claims it was cancer. Rumors circulated that Martí’s wealthy patrons had paid for her murder to ensure that their dark dealings with her would never come to light. The official cause of death listed on her death certificate was uterine cancer, effectively closing the door on any further investigation into her crimes.

Was the Rumor False?

While Martí’s reign of terror came to an end with her death, questions still linger about the true extent of her crimes. Did she really kill them, or was she more of a scapegoat for the elite to throw away when the police came too close? 

They suggest that she can only be reliably linked to the abduction of one young girl, Teresita Guitart. These researchers contend that the black legend attributed to Martí cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

However, the stories and legends surrounding her continue to haunt the dark corners of Barcelona, perpetuating her infamous reputation and for many years, there were countless of local Barcelonians that claimed that they had been tried or were kidnapped by her.

Enriqueta Martí’s Dark Tale Lives On

The tale of Enriqueta Martí, the infamous vampire of El Raval, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk in the human soul. Her crimes shocked a city and left scars that still remain to this day. While the truth may never be fully known, the legend of Martí continues to captivate and terrify those who dare to delve into the depths of her dark tale. 

As we walk through the streets of El Raval, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of unease, as if the echoes of her crimes still linger in the shadows. Enriqueta Martí may be gone, but her legacy as one of Barcelona’s most notorious figures lives on, reminding us of the thin line between good and evil, and the horrors that can lie hidden just beneath the surface.

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References:

Enriqueta Martí – Wikipedia

Enriqueta Martí – The Vampire of the Raval – Barcelona Lowdown

https://www.thepastworld.com/post/the-vampire-of-raval

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The Haunted Abandoned Porcelain Doll Factory

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In an abandoned porcelain doll factory in Spain they got up and left production in a hurry. Remains of the dolls were left to be found by those daring to enter the abandoned building. It is said that some that have taken some of the dolls out from the building had to return it back because they thought they were haunted. 

Right on the border between the municipalities of Altura and Segorbe Castellon Province, this property belonged to the Inglés family in 1970, which was dedicated to the manufacture of porcelain molds. Inside the building we find hundreds of them in different shapes: animals, houses, and especially, dolls. 

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

The building of the old factory is on the corner between the  ‘old height road’ and the Esperanza road. Also this road is in ruins and the area has even been cordoned off to prevent people from entering. 

We don’t really know much of the building before it became a doll factory, but some sources claim that it used to be a convent at the beginning of the last century. And when the Second Republic came around it is said that they killed the nuns and monks that lived there. According to this horrible legend of the place they also threw them into the well on the property. 

The abandoned porcelain doll factory has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in the 1970s by the Inglés family. Ramon Ingles was a sculptor and porcelain artist that bought the place after the Civil War and opened the factory together with his sister, Josefina. 

The three story building produced the dolls until the 1980s until it was abruptly shut down and abandoned. Why did it close down? Was it because of the financial strain the factory experienced, or was it because the building was cursed as the legends claim? It left behind half-finished dolls on the assembly lines and boxes of boxes of their parts, wigs and clothes remains in the abandoned factory. 

Dark rumors and legends surrounding the doll factory

Over the years, the doll factory has become the subject of numerous dark rumors and legends. Locals speak of ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and eerie occurrences that have been witnessed by those brave enough to venture inside. 

Read more: Check out the stories about The Haunted Barbie Doll in The Shrine on Pulau Ubin Island, Okiku — The Haunted Doll of Hokkaido, The Possession of Letta the Doll, The Mannequins Haunting the John Lawson House , Mandy the Haunted Doll or Ruby the Haunted Doll

It has been said that those who take a doll or a part of a doll with them home have experienced strange things after. Some have even gone back to return the things they took to stop what they thought was a haunting coming from the doll. 

Is the building cursed as some claim it is? What we do know is that people use it as a place for summoning something. Another strange thing that urban explorers have come over on their trips to this factory is remnants of what looks like a ritual of sacrificing chickens that were strung up on crosses. 

Plans of the factory moving forward

A woman bought and had plans to restore the factory, but she fell ill and went bankrupt. Since then the building has experienced a constant state of deterioration until the roof collapsed in 2011. There have also constantly been people looting the place in search for rare and expensive dolls. 

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La Fábrica de Muñecas Abandonada
https://mentalitch.com/abandoned-doll-factory-spain/
This Doll Factory Was Abandoned Years Ago, But What’s Left On The Shelves Will Give You Chills | LittleThings.com

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The Gentle Haunting at Markree Castle

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Although connected to Red Mary, infamous for her cruelty, the Markree Castle is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl that likes when guests leave her presents. 

In the enchanting landscapes of County Sligo, Markree Castle has witnessed centuries of change, echoing with the footsteps of generations who have called it home. Today it is a four star hotel on the Irish coastal route Wild Atlantic Way.

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

Markree Castle has been the cherished seat of the Cooper family since 1663. Its walls have borne witness to the ebb and flow of time, holding within their confines the tales of those who lived, loved, and sometimes lingered beyond their years.

History of the Castle

In the 17th century, Markree Castle was originally allotted to Cornet Edward Cooper, a soldier who served under Cromwell. The castle had previously been a fortified outpost of the McDonagh Clan, guarding a river ford. After Edward married Marie Rua, widow of Conor O’Brien who died in battle, they lived at Dromoland Castle. The Red Mary has her own ghost story from another castle. 

Their descendants continued to own Markree Castle, although there were periods when they had to flee due to political turmoil, such as during King James’s attempt to regain the throne and the Irish Civil War in the 1920s.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

In the 19th century, Col. Edward Joshua Cooper established Markree Observatory on the castle grounds, housing one of the world’s largest telescopes at the time. The castle underwent architectural changes in the 1800s and recorded Ireland’s lowest officially recognized air temperature in 1881.

Markree Castle: This haunted castle in Sligo, Ireland, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a small girl. //Source: Wikimedia

In the 20th century, Bryan Cooper inherited the castle in 1902 and resided there with his family, except during World War I and political duties, until his death in 1930. After the Second World War, the castle was occupied by Bryan and Elizabeth Cooper until 1981. In 1992, it was converted into a hotel by Charles Cooper. The castle underwent renovations after being sold to the Corscadden family in 2015.

The Ghost Pippa Haunting Markree Castle

Unlike some other haunted dwellings that bear witness to darker, more sinister apparitions, Markree Castle’s ghosts are said to be of a gentler disposition. At the heart of its supernatural tales lies the spirit of a young child, whose tragic passing left an indelible mark on the castle’s soul.

The hauntings have become so regular over the years that the staff have named her Pippa and have even learned to manage her by leaving her little gifts.

The mischievous little spirit is believed to find amusement in playfully locking doors and causing staff to fumble with their plates. While some might find these antics unnerving, they serve as a reminder of the castle’s rich history and the lives that once thrived within its walls.

Visitors that have brought their children have experienced them being visited by this curious ghost. One guest found her 2 year old talking with no one and when asked, the child pointed to the corner, but there was no one there. 

The Enigmatic Cellars

In the depths of Markree Castle’s cellars, where the past meets the present in a spectral dance, there have been reports of paranormal activities. These mysterious occurrences beckon those with a penchant for the supernatural to explore the castle’s hidden depths and perhaps glimpse the ethereal residents that call it home.

Markree Castle’s blend of history, elegance, and the supernatural makes it a captivating destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike on its 500 acres that are now a hotel.

As you wander through its corridors and explore its enigmatic cellars, keep an eye out for the mischievous spirit who reminds us that even in the afterlife, there’s room for a bit of playful fun.

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References:

Markree Castle | Haunted Sligo, Ireland | Spirited Isle

The History of of Markree Castle | Irish Castle

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Elche’s Historic and Haunted Library

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In the old town of Elche there is an old library that is said to be haunted. Securitas have claimed to have witness an entire procession of ghost monks wandering through the halls that once used to be a Franciscan Monastery.

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche has a long and storied history. Originally established as a convent of Franciscan friars in the 16th century, it later served as a charity hospital before being converted into a library in the 18th century. This transformation laid the foundation for the library’s reputation as a place of both knowledge and mystery.

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The library’s location within the historic city center of Elche adds to its significance. Elche itself is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, and the library stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its past. 

The Historic and Haunted Library of Elche is no stranger to tales of paranormal activity. Over the years, numerous stories have circulated about ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena within its walls. One of the most enduring legends is that of the spirit of the monks who once inhabited the library.

According to local folklore, the ghost of a friar roams the library at night, his presence felt by those who dare to venture into the dimly lit corridors. Visitors have reported hearing soft footsteps and murmured prayers, as if the spirit of the friar is still carrying out his duties even in death. Some have even claimed to have seen the apparition of a hooded figure, silently gliding through the shelves, disappearing into thin air.

Haunted Encounters in the Library

One such encounter of the paranormal involved a group of security guards who were stationed at the library during the night shift. They reported strange noises, cold drafts, and flickering lights that seemed to have no logical explanation. Some even claimed to have seen shadowy figures darting in and out of the corners of their vision, and even an entire monastic procession. 

On this particular night in the early 1990s, they were making their rounds as usual when one of them heard the sound of chains being dragged on the ground from the courtyard. Later that night, around 3 o’clock, he heard the same again inside of the library. When he went to check, he found piles of books stacked on the table, without anyone having gone inside. He tried to ignore it and went back to work. But then the specter of a ghost monk appeared and he fled from the library, running as fast as he could and spent the rest of the night in his car with his weapon ready, scared to death. 

The case reached the press, but the staff of the library was asked to not talk about ghosts and phantoms in the library. Their work was to offer the service of books, not ghost stories. What could it be?

Sure, there are many things that could explain strange things happening in an old building like the library. According to a staff member at the time, it was apparently a rat infestation in the air-went, making strange rattling and scratching sounds. The books could be a prank or just something the security guard forgot about. The wind can also create mystical sounds. But a whole procession of monks?

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LOS FANTASMAS DE LA BIBLIOTECA DE ELCHE
Los fantasmas de la Biblioteca de Elche

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The Haunting History of Spike Island

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On the hellish Spike Island that once served as the biggest prison in the British Empire, ghosts are said to linger from its time as a fortress, smugglers den and as the prison it ended up becoming.

Just off the coast of Cobh in Ireland, Spike Island looms as one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and haunted landmarks. Encompassing over 100 acres and boasting a history that stretches back to the 7th century, this island has witnessed centuries of transformation, from a peaceful monastic community to a formidable fortress of British Forces. 

Beneath its serene facade lies a harrowing tale of strategic significance, incarceration, and chilling paranormal encounters.

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

From Monastery to Fortress

Saint Mochuda founded a monastery there in the 7th century. In 1779, Spike Island underwent a significant transformation, evolving into a strategic fortress for the British Forces. 

The island’s unique location on the edge of Cork Harbour made it an ideal location for this military outpost. Casements were constructed to house guns aimed squarely at the harbor, serving as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries.

From Fortress to Prison

As the pages of history turned, Spike Island took on a more ominous role. It transitioned into a prison and a holding site for convicts destined for the harsh life of penal colonies abroad. For a few years in the mid 19th century it was probably the biggest prison in the British Empire.  

Spike Island Prison: During the British Empire’s height, this was one of the biggest prisons in it. Here there were people waiting to be transported to Australia, IRA fighters as well as other criminals of all sorts and sentences. They all experienced the gruesome facilities the now haunted prison had to offer. //Source: Sameichel/Wikimedia

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Prisons around the world

During the tumultuous years of the Irish War of Independence, the island served as a detention facility for IRA prisoners until 1921, earning it the ominous nickname of “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

The Woman in White

While Spike Island’s physical role evolved over the years, its haunting history endured. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction akin to Alcatraz, replete with its own spectral inhabitants. One of the most notorious apparitions is the enigmatic “White Woman” who roams the island, her presence shrouded in mystery and who she was we will probably never know. 

The Ghost of the Soldiers

It is said that the haunting goes way back, at least as far back when the island was used as a fortress. The island’s soldiers, on duty in the dead of night, have recounted terrifying encounters with a ghostly officer. 

According to them, there is the ghost of a terrifying soldier, still on guard. Along the island’s perimeter walls, a phantom soldier stands guard, his eyes replaced by hollow voids that seem to peer into the abyss with his black holes as eyes.

People have been so frightened at this ghost that they have even opened fire at him, only to realize they are shooting at nothing. 

The Haunted Prison and the Ghost of John Mitchel

Within the confines of the gaol cells, where countless inmates once suffered, now simmer with paranormal activity, a testament to the enduring anguish of those who served time behind its cold stone walls they were confined to almost all day and night. 

John Mitchel: His activism and criticism of British rule garnered international attention and was convicted for treason.

One of the prisoners thought to haunt the prison is that of John Mitchel that apparently shows up in a white mist, although he did get released from the prison island.

John Mitchel was a prominent figure in Irish nationalism during the 19th century. Born in County Derry in 1815, he became a leading member of the ‘Young Irelander’ and ‘Irish Confederation’ movements. He was a solicitor, political journalist, and an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland, especially during the Irish famine.

To silence Mitchel and prevent him from becoming a martyr, the British government passed the 1848 Treason Felony Act, which aimed to treat treason as a common crime. Mitchel was arrested and convicted of sedition under this act, receiving a fourteen-year transportation sentence. He was first sent to Spike Island in Ireland for three days before being transferred to Bermuda and eventually Australia in 1850.

During his journey, Mitchel began writing his famous ‘Jail Journal; or ‘Five Years in British Prisons,’ documenting his experiences from Dublin to New York, where he arrived in 1853. The journal, first published in 1854 in New York, exposed the harsh conditions in some prisons, including Spike Island, and garnered international attention.

The fort on Spike Island was renamed Fort Mitchel in his honor in 1951, and some GAA clubs in Ireland and sites in America bear his name.

The Haunted Cell 9

The most haunted cell was cell 9, that was known to be haunted, even when the building operated as a prison, and prisoners refused to stay in it as they never got a night’s sleep because of the haunting. They were either woken up, or flung from their bed. 

The Haunted Cells: Many of the cells in the prison on Spike Island is said to be haunted. It is said that the place was even haunted when it was used as a prison. //Source: Kondephy/Wikimedia

Spike Island’s Echoes of the Past

Spike Island’s haunting history, from its monastic beginnings to its turbulent tenure as a military fortress and prison, continues to cast its eerie shadow over this enigmatic landmark. The spectral White Woman, the phantom soldier, and the ghostly officer are but a few of the restless souls who wander its haunted grounds, ensuring that the island’s chilling past remains alive and well, for those daring enough to explore its dark history.

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John Mitchel – Spike Island Cork 

Ghost stories, haunted cells, horrific history at Cork’s Spike Island After Dark tours 

Ireland’s 7 Most Haunted And Mysterious Islands | Spooky Isles Spike Island | Haunted Cobh, Cork, Ireland | Spirited Isle

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The Haunted Calahorra Tower in Elche

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In Elche, Spain there is the notorious Calahorra Tower that has long been believed to be haunted by mysterious ghosts. Under the tower there is a hidden passageway were the people that have lived in the tower throughout times have been certain to have been haunted. 

From its strategic position on the banks of the Vinalopó River to its remarkable architectural features, the Calahorra Tower has witnessed centuries of triumphs, struggles, and cultural transformations.  From the ancient Iberians to the Roman Empire and the Moorish rule, each chapter of history has left its mark on this remarkable structure. 

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

The first sign of the tower appeared as far back as the 12th century.Its strategic location made it a vital stronghold, guarding the city of Elche against potential invasions. The tower’s construction reflects the military architecture of the period, with its solid stone walls and defensive battlements. As you approach the tower, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the centuries of history it has witnessed.

Torre de le Calahorra: The Tower of La Calahorra rises up at the south of the Roman bridge, the far end from the city centre. It is a fortified gate originally built by the Moors. In the 18th century it was used as a prison and in the 19th century it was a girls school. It currently houses the Museo Vivo de Al-Andaluz.

But the historical significance of Calahorra Tower extends far beyond its military and religious roles. Over the centuries, it has served as a witness to Elche’s cultural transformations. The tower stands as a testament to the blending of different cultures, from the Roman Empire to the Moorish rule and the subsequent Christian reconquest. Each of these periods has left its mark on the architecture and cultural fabric of Elche, and the Calahorra Tower stands as a tangible reminder of this rich tapestry of history.

One of the most striking features of the Calahorra Tower is its rooftop terrace. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Elche and the surrounding countryside. It’s easy to imagine the soldiers who once stood guard on these battlements, scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. As you take in the breathtaking views, you can’t help but feel a connection to the past and the people who once called this tower home.

The Tower as a Mysterious Masonic Lodge

One of the strange uses the place has had except from prison, barracks and confinement during the plague is as the headquarter of a Masonic Lodge. The Masonic lodge of the Order of the Grand Orient of Spain is decorated with Egyptian motifs in the tower. It showed life and death as well as for ceremonies and different rituals. 

Legends and Mysteries Surrounding Calahorra Tower

No historical landmark would be complete without its fair share of legends and mysteries, and the Calahorra Tower is no exception. Over the centuries, numerous stories have been passed down, adding to the allure and intrigue of this remarkable structure. 

One of the most enduring legends surrounding the Calahorra Tower is that it is haunted. According to local folklore, the spirits of past inhabitants still wander its halls, unable to find peace. There is for example a passageway from the dungeons that leads out to the sea and many of those who have stayed there claim to have experienced something paranormal there. The last person who lived in the tower also claimed to have encountered a headless ghost.

Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, feeling cold spots, and even witnessing ghostly apparitions. There are especially talks about hearing footsteps and the sound of children on the second floor. 

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La Torre de la Calahorra en Elche o la aparición de la Asunción a un pirata berberisco
Misterios de la Calahorra – VisitElche
Pasamos la noche en la torre de la Calahorra pese a las advertencias – Cuarto milenio

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Skryne Castle and the Ghost of Lilith

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A servant working at Skryne Castle was brutally murdered by a rejected suitor. Now her haunted screams are said to be heard in the castle as she is forever replaying her final frightened moments.

Amidst the Irish countryside and within a stone’s throw of the legendary Hill of Tara stands the imposing Skryne Castle. This three-storey, 12th-century structure has borne witness to centuries of history and has its own share of spine-tingling ghost stories that have become entwined with its ancient stones. 

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

The castle was built sometime around 1172-1175 by the knight Adam de Feipo who was granted the land by Henry II of England. Eight centuries later, the estate is still held by the direct descendants, the Dunsany. 

Today, Skryne Castle offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past, as it is available for rent on a self-catering basis. However, beneath its tranquil facade, the castle harbors eerie tales of its spectral inhabitants.

The Legend of Lilith Palmerston

One of the most well-documented ghostly tales associated with Skryne Castle revolves around the tragic figure of Lilith Palmerston. She was working as a maid in the castle in 1740. 

A neighboring landowner and widower, Phelim Sellers, harbored affection for Lilith, but when she spurned his advances, his infatuation took a dark turn. Sellers, driven by his desires, attempted to assault Lilith. However, her cries for help reached the ears of quick-thinking servants who intervened and rescued her from her assailant’s clutches.

Lilith’s Fateful Demise

Darker rumors circulate, suggesting that Sellers may have been involved in the earlier death of his own wife. Fearing further advances from Sellers, Lilith plans to escape to Dublin. Learning of her plans, Sellers confronted her once more, but this time, Lilith was alone and defenseless. 

Legend has it that Sellers forced foxgloves down Lilith’s throat and killed her. Realizing the gravity of his crime, Sellers fled the scene. However, justice would catch up with him, and he was eventually apprehended, tried, and met his fate at the gallows for the murder of Lilith Palmerston. 

Lilith’s Haunting Presence

Today, Skryne Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Lilith Palmerston. She appears as a spectral lady in white, her ethereal form fleeing the castle while clutching her throat, forever reliving the horror of her final moments. 

The anguished screams of Lilith have been known to echo through the castle’s halls, serving as a haunting reminder of her tragic end.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

Inexplicable footsteps reverberate throughout the property, evoking the presence of Lilith or perhaps that of her vengeful attacker, Phelim Sellers. Witnesses have also described encountering an enigmatic overweight male figure donned in attire reminiscent of the 18th century.

The Nun, the Tall Man, and the Hound

Skryne Castle’s ghosts don’t end with Lilith. Some visitors have reported sightings of a spectral nun, her silent presence disappearing mysteriously upon being spotted. 

A tall man, often accompanied by a ghostly hunting hound, was rumored to roam the castle grounds. However, these apparitions have grown elusive in recent times and not much about the two ghosts being reported on is known.

Skryne Castle’s Enduring Legacy of Hauntings

Skryne Castle, with its rich history and spectral inhabitants, offers a unique window into Ireland’s past. From the tragic tale of Lilith Palmerston to the enigmatic apparitions that continue to captivate the imagination, the castle’s stone walls seem to hold the echoes of centuries gone by. 

For those who seek a blend of history and the supernatural, Skryne Castle stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Ireland’s haunted past, where the past and the paranormal intersect in spectral harmony.

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Creepy Irish Castles & Houses Halloween Irish culture and customs 

Skryne Castle | Haunted Meath, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Skryne 

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The Haunted Rocafort Metro Station in Barcelona

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Ghost stations, ghost passengers and ghosts on the platform. The metro line in Barcelona has been thought to be haunted almost as soon as it opened. And no other station is said to be more haunted than the Rocafort Metro Station. 

This hidden gem of the city’s underground transport system holds a chilling history that will send shivers down your spine. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained phenomena, the mysteries surrounding Rocafort Metro Station have captivated the curious and the brave for years. 

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

Today, the metro in Barcelona is one of the most efficient ways of traveling around in the city. The metro has gone through many changes since the first trains started running. There are today many of the old lines and stations that have been abandoned and closed off where only the huge rats and nests of cockroaches live. It is said, though, that you can get a glimpse of them when passing by through the windows in the dark tunnels. And it is said the same with the ghosts said to haunt the metro.

The Haunted Metro Lines: In Barcelona there is not only one of the stations that are said to be haunted. But most reports about the supposed hauntings comes from Rocafort Station on Line 1.

The Cursed Line: Rocafort Metro Station

One of the most haunted metro lines, perhaps even the most haunted location in Barcelona, is the Line 1 to Rocafort and Rocafort Metro Station that opened in 1926. This old metro station on the red line in Barcelona is said to be cursed, as many suicides happened there. 

During the construction of Rocafort Metro Station, a mudslide occurred, resulting in the deaths of 11 workers when there was a collapse at Urgel station. This tragic event set the stage for the supernatural happenings that would follow. The station also served as a refuge during the Civil War, adding to its dark history. The combination of these events has created an atmosphere that is ripe for paranormal activity.

A Series of Suicides on the Metro Station

At one time, there were as many as four suicides in a month in the 1970s. The history of tragedy surrounding this station dates back to its conception.

Nobody wants to work in the place, especially at night. For a period of time there was a string of suicides at the station in a very short period of time. In one month it is said that four people took their own lives on the rails. 

On the TV monitors, static people that don’t appear in real life are walking along the platform, even long after the last train had passed and the station was closed down. They weren’t found on any of the other stations and look like they have just disappeared into the dark underground tunnels. 

The Hauntings of Rocafort Metro Station

The haunting stories surrounding Rocafort Metro Station are numerous and spine-chilling. The staff working at night claim to see ghosts walking on the platform as well as along the tracks. People have reported capturing recordings of these ghosts on the station’s surveillance cameras, adding a layer of eerie evidence to the stories.

The Urban Legends of the Underground: As with many other metro station worldwide, the tale of the murdered passenger is also told in Barcelona. According to the legend, a young student was heading home on the train and the train was empty except an older woman and two men carrying a woman between them. The older woman told the student to get off at the next stop, and when they exited, she told that the woman between the two men were in fact dead. A similar story is also told about The Disappearance of Bus 330 in Beijing.

One particular sighting that has left a lasting impression is when a medium saw that of a child playing with a ball on the platform. The chilling aspect is that the station had a child who tragically died a couple of years ago when the ball fell onto the tracks, and the child went after it. This encounter raises questions about the nature of these apparitions and their connection to the tragedies that have occurred at Rocafort Metro Station.

Another group of ghosts hanging in their afterlife at the station are blind people. The place is also said to be haunted by blind people, as many of them were trying to reach the office for the Spanish blind people Society (Once) and fell on the tracks and were run over. Since then, the station has been adapted for the blind. 

Other Supposedly Haunted Metro Stations in Barcelona

While Rocafort Metro Station may be the most infamous, it is not the only haunted station in Barcelona. There are several other stations that are rumored to have their fair share of ghostly encounters. Gaudi station never opened and is today bricked up. You can barely see the station as you pass through with the train. but people still say that they can see people waiting for the subway with an absent look on their face, waiting for a train that will never come. 

Ghost Stations: One of the ghost stations you can see on your way to the current Sagrada Familia station. It is said that ghosts are sitting there at the abandoned station as if they are waiting for a train.

Correo Ferran, and Travessera Correos are among the stations where paranormal activity has been reported. Each of these stations has its own unique history and legends, contributing to the rich tapestry of haunted tales within Barcelona’s metro system.

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Las leyendas del Metro

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