At the top of a mountain in Northern Spain, there is a supposed gate to the underworld or possibly another dimension. The legend of Porta do Alén and its strange structure continues to be known as the Door to Beyond.
North in Spain on the highest peak of the mountain Serra do Cando there is a strange dolmen construction that looks a lot like a door. The locals have named it Porta do Alén, or the gate to the underworld. According to the legends about this strange place, the Porta do Alén connects our world to the world of spirits.
Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain
Who raised this strange structure, all the way to the top of a mountain, and when did it happen? No one really knows the origin of this mysterious place, but the locals in the region have used it as an altar of all sorts for centuries.
Legends and Folklore Surrounding Porta do Alén
Porta do Alén, also known as the “Door to the Beyond,” has a rich tapestry of legends and folklore woven into its history. Even its origin is disputed, but it is believed that it is most likely human made.
According to local tales, the portal was created by ancient Celtic druids as a passage to the spirit realm. We can find altars, shrines and ancient burials scattered around in Galicia as a reminder of its past.
Often called France’s Stonehenge, The Carnac Stones in Brittany have puzzled people for millennials as to why they were built. Some ancient burial rites? Perhaps it’s like the legends say and are soldiers turned into stone?
It is said that on certain nights, the veil between the worlds becomes thin, allowing spirits to cross over into our realm through Porta do Alén. These supernatural entities are believed to roam the surrounding area, leaving behind traces of their presence.
The legends surrounding Porta do Alén have also inspired numerous ghost stories and tales of paranormal encounters. The writer Manel Loureiro based his novel, La Puerta on the strange happenings found close to the rocks.
The Supernatural and Spiritual Beliefs Associated with Porta do Alén
Porta do Alén has long been associated with supernatural and spiritual beliefs, attracting individuals who seek a deeper understanding of the metaphysical. Many believe that the portal serves as a gateway to parallel dimensions or otherworldly realms. This notion is supported by countless accounts of strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena reported by those who have visited the site.
For those interested in the occult and esoteric practices, Porta do Alén has become a site of pilgrimage. Spiritual seekers and practitioners of various mystical traditions gather here to perform rituals, meditate, and connect with the energies they believe exist beyond the portal. Whether it’s communing with spirits, seeking inner enlightenment, or simply immersing oneself in the mysterious atmosphere, Porta do Alén offers a unique space for exploration
Santa Compaña the Spanish Wild Hunt
These strange rocks on the top of the mountain have often been connected to legends about the Wild Hunt. The Santa Compaña, or the holy company is the Spanish version of the Wild Hunt found in most European mythologies. The common belief is that a procession of the dead wander through the empty path to the small villages at midnight in white cloaks.
It is said that the living person leading the procession doesn’t remember what happened the night before, but is each night compelled to go wandering as if in a trance in the midnight hours as a curse. It is said that it is especially on two nights were the chances of meeting the procession is higher than other. That is on San Juan (23 to 24 June) and Todos los Santos (October 31 to November 1).
Santa Compaña: This Spanish version of the Wild Hunt have strong ties with the Porta do Alén and the rest of Galicia in Northern Spain.//Source: The Holy Company of Camilo Díaz Baliño (1919)
It might be inspired by the celtic of norse wild hunt, but here, the procession is usually led by a person of the church. Even if the souls are not always seen, the scent of the wax candles they carry are smelled in the breeze.
According to the legend, the Santa Compana enters our world and looks for its victims to take with them back to the underworld.
The Ritual by the Stones
Another legend says the place was a place for a huge ritual in ancient times to send evil spirits through the door and back to the underworld.
According to this legend the evil spirits are still waiting right on the other side of the door, ready to be released to our world. This is why the local superstition says to never walk through the gate, as you might get some of the spirits with you on the other side.
The locals and visitors hiking Serra do Cando leave different offerings at the place like food, small objects, plants and notes asking for good luck at the door to the underworld.
There is a particular ritual where if someone wants to speak with the souls of the deceased, they will have to go through the door from north to south. They will give an offering like bread, flower or a lighted candle. Then they have to remain quiet and the wind will grant the answers you seek.
If you don’t follow all of the rules you will lose your voice or health as a punishment. To finish off with the ritual you have to pass through the door again so not to be trapped in the beyond.
Said to house over a hundred ghosts, Dragsholm Castle in Denmark is said to be one of the most haunted in the country. A prison for both traitors of country and heart, there are many lingering in the now modern hotel rooms.
Dragsholm Castle is a stunning 800-year-old fortress that has played host to royalty, nobility, and even prisoners in the picturesque Danish countryside of Zealand. But beneath its grandeur and beauty lies a dark and chilling secret. For centuries, the castle has been haunted by ghosts and spirits, with tales of mysterious apparitions and unexplained occurrences leaving visitors trembling with fear.
From the headless ghost of a former nobleman to the restless spirits of prisoners who died in the castle’s dungeons, Dragsholm Castle is a fascinating yet terrifying place that has captured the imagination of many.
Dragsholm Castle: An 800-year-old fortress in Denmark, surrounded by lush greenery and a serene waterway, known for its haunting history.
The Bloody History of Dragsholm Castle
Dragsholm Castle has a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1215 when it was first built as a fortification. The name Drag, comes from draugh and is the narrow strip of land Over the years, it has been modified and expanded to become the magnificent castle that we see today. Originally, the castle was owned by the powerful Bishop of Roskilde, but it was later taken over by noble families who used it as their residence. It was actually the oldest secular building in Denmark.
Read more: Check out all ghost stories from haunted castles around the world
During a war known as The Count’s Feud in the 1530’s, it was the only castle in Zealand to remain standing. It also lived through all of the wars between Sweden and Denmark
View of the Danish Countryside: A scenic view of the lush landscape surrounding Dragsholm Castle, showcasing the tranquility of the Danish countryside. // Source: Wiki
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Dragsholm Castle was used as a prison for nobility who had fallen out of favor with the Danish monarchy. Many of these prisoners were held in the castle’s dungeons, where they were subjected to horrific conditions and died from disease, starvation, and torture.
Ghost Stories From Dragsholm Castle
It is no surprise that a castle with such a dark history is believed to be haunted. There have been countless reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena at Dragsholm Castle over the years, making it one of Denmark’s most famous haunted locations.
Dragsholm Castle has turned into a hotel and restaurant today, and many of their guests experience strange things. Water taps turn on in the night, mirrors and pictures on the walls starts swinging. The castle is said to be home to over 100 ghosts, each with their own terrifying story.
The Bishop Ghost in the Tower
It is said that one of the last Bishop of Roskilde haunts one of Dragsholm Castle’s towers. According to the stories Joachim Rønnow was imprisoned in these when the castle was seized by the Danish king in the reformation. Today, they have turned into hotel rooms.
Guests staying at the tower claim to have heard the moaning of the bishop as well as wailing sounds from the hallways on the second floor. Still haunting the place he once owned.
Joachim Rønnow: 1500-1542 was a Danish Bishop, last of the Catholics Bishops in Roskilde. He was captured with other bishops and he died in prison. Although the legend says he died in Dragsholm Slot, it was also said he died in Københavns Castle, May 1, 1542. history claim that his first year of imprisonment was at Dragsholm, then at Københavns castle, Kronborg and in the end, Visby. In 1533, the Danish theologian Hans Tausen was convicted of blasphemy, and this caused an oproar in the Protestant city of Copenhagen. The scene shows Tausen defending Joachim Rønnow, bishop of Zealand, against the mob.
The Ghost of the Mad Squire Ejer Brockenhuus
One of the King’s confidants when alive, Brockenhuus was set for a comfortable life. In the end he blew it with the kind and ended up in prison because of his incestuous affairs. He enjoyed blowing up dynamite by setting pipes on fire and abused his servants, raped and killed his sister. He may or may not have also impregnated her and had an affair with his brother in law’s widow. In church he invited people to his funeral before he jumped out from the coffin in front of the horrified spectators.
The Noble BroockenhuusFamily Crest
He is known as the Mad Squire because he went mad as time went by in the prison. In the end he was only able to cry out bitter and hurtful words and held his own council and dialog no one could follow. Still to this day it is said you can hear him rambling in the corridors close to where his cell used to be.
The Mummified Ghost of the Earl of Bothwell
Another ghost said to haunt the castle is James Hepburn, also known as the 4th Earl of Bothwell and perhaps best known as the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.
In his lifetime, he was engaged to a Danish-Norwegian woman called Anne Rustung. When he went back to Scotland though, he was planning to marry Mary, Queen of Scots, but brought Anne’s dowry with him. He was accused of murdering Lord Darnley, the second husband of the Scottish Queen and captured in Bergen port in Norway, then a Danish territory. The humiliation was big for Anne and her father tracked the Earl down and punished him by imprisoning him. He was chained to a pillar and left to die and died at 44 years old.
His mummified body is kept close by at Faarevejle Church and is believed to haunt the castle. He is also seen entering the castle in a horse drawn carriage through the courtyard, although there hasn’t been horses on the site in years.
The White Lady of Dragsholm Castle
One of the most famous ghosts at Dragsholm Castle is the White Lady and no European castle is complete without its own version. Legend has it that she was a beautiful noblewoman who fell in love with a commoner who worked at the castle, although she was betrothed to another noble family. Most English sources would have you think her name was Celina Bolves for some reason, but there are no Bolves nobles in Denmark.
Her name was actually Celestine Mariann de Bayonne Gyldenstierne, daughter of Mogens Gyldenstierne. She had fell in love with a man working in the stables and fell pregnant around 1550. She was already promised to another noble family and her father was furious when he found out. He told her to go to Slesvig to have the child in secret and threw her a going away party. This was the last time anyone saw her.
She never went to Slesvig. Her father drugged her wine with opium and locked her away in one of the castle’s towers. She was never seen again, and it is believed that she died of starvation and despair as it is said they built a wall around her and chained to the wall, she was left to starve.
But is the story true? Mogens Gyldenstierne was certainly a real man, and is said to have around 20 kids, although this daughter is not really mentioned anywhere, and neither is it said she entombed someone either.
Can the lady in white then be Magurite Dåe as some sources claim? She was a noble woman in the 1600 and fell in love with Count Maurice Lejonhuvud who was weak of syphilis. Her father forbade her to marry him. Defiant, she threw herself into a dance at a ball at Dragsholm Castle they attended in 1641. The dance was so intense, her tuberculosis lungs couldn’t handle and she fell dead on the floor. Now she is said to seek out young men that look like her count.
This story became popular in 1912 when the plumbing of the castle got an upgrade. They were adding a toilet in the room and removed some of the bricks. Behind the wall a skeleton was discovered. No matter who the Lady in White is said to be, there truly was a skeleton of a real human hidden in the castle walls.
Her ghosts are said to wander the castle’s halls, wearing a white dress and carrying a candle. Many visitors claim to have seen her ghostly figure, and some have even reported feeling a cold breeze or hearing her soft footsteps. When the castle turned into a hotel, many men woke up in their room to find the ghost of the lady in white looking at them at the end of their bed.
The Grey Lady of Dragsholm Castle
Another famous ghost at Dragsholm Castle is the Grey Lady. There are some conflicting stories about who she was, especially when looking at English sources and Danish sources. Many English sources tell that she was a former maid said to be very beautiful who worked at the castle during the 19th century. According to legend, had a toothache and got help from the master of the castle. He did relieve her pain for a while, but the infection caused her death. When she died a little later, she came back as the castle’s protector and is seen at night, guarding the castle, still cheerful as she was in life.
However when looking at the Danish sources, they tell a different story. Here she gets a name, Louise Katrine Jensdatter. She was from a poor family and started as a maid at the castle. She was caught stealing silver and thought she would be punished. The Housekeeper took pity on the poor girl and gave her a new chance and responsibility. Louise rose to the occasion and worked hard at the castle for many years.
She was working as the Housekeeper at the castle when the Swedish attacked in 1659. She had to watch the Swedish soldier kill her little children and husband in the courtyard after raping her. She is said to have died soon after, either from fright or in the fire that consumed the castle after the attack.
People working in the castle can still feel her presence, especially when something goes wrong and she is there to remind the staff the proper way to take care of the castle.
Paranormal Activity at Dragsholm Castle
Despite its age and the many ghost stories associated with it, Dragsholm Castle remains a popular tourist destination. It is to this day the Bøtteger family who owns it and uses it as a luxury hotel.
Visitors come from all over the world to experience the castle’s haunting atmosphere and to try and catch a glimpse of its ghostly inhabitants. Over the years, there have been many reports of paranormal activity at the castle, including strange noises, unexplained movements of objects, and even sightings of ghostly figures. Many paranormal investigators have visited the castle to try and capture evidence of these ghostly occurrences, and some believe that the castle is one of the most haunted locations in Europe.
Read More: Check out all haunted hotels around the world
Dragsholm Castle is a fascinating and terrifying place that has captured the imagination of many. Its haunting beauty and dark history make it one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, and its ghostly legends continue to intrigue and terrify visitors to this day. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying the eerie atmosphere that permeates the castle’s walls.
Could the Connolly Station in Dublin be haunted? Some claim that the ghosts of the victims from the Dublin Bombing in world war two could still be lingering near the tracks.
Once a place for executions, the place the Ruffinihaus in Munich, Germany is built upon is said to be haunted. It is said that in the dead of night, the undead rises from their graves, still carrying their heads the executioners took.
Where the former country estate Campagne Mon Repos in Bern once was, the ghostly council of the military leader from General Robert Scipio von Lentulus was given in times of unrest. Is he still haunting the Könizwald woods, even after his estate is gone?
One of the old cemeteries in Munich said to be haunted is the Alter Südfriedhof, or the old south cemetery. According to lore, the ghostly voices of the so-called Eskimo Tragedy are still heard at night.
In the darkness of night and under the foliage cover of the forest, the demonic spirit of Uhaml is said to roam. The only way to escape it is getting out of the forest faster.
In the shadows between ghost, creature and witch, the Welsh Gwarch y Rhibyn has been given many names. Like a Banshee she has been said to be a deadly omen, often called The Hag of the Mist because of her presence in wet areas, or the Hag of the Dribble because of the versions where her mouth is dripping with blood.
Unhappy with the lack of beer in heaven, the Bavarian angel never returned when sent on a mission back on earth. To this day, he sits at The Hofbräuhaus bar in Munich, enjoying his brew.
Sometimes called the Devil’s Stone, the ruins of the former Mödling Castle is said to be haunted by a demonic bird-like entity, screeching at night as an omen of death and disaster.
Could a beer festival be haunted? Many have spoken about the ghost of an old brewer at Nockherberg haunting the beer festival, creating havoc to retaliate to what his descendants did to his brew.
After her public death in the tower of the Munich Frauenkirche, many have claimed to have seen the ghost of Fanny appearing at her death anniversary wearing white.
What really happened around the Pollingsried Chapel, and its supposed plague cemetery? Is there really a curse around the area? As far as the ringing of the bells can be heard?
Searching for its name, the utburd ghost from Norwegian folklore haunts the forests, waters and houses its parents left them to die. For the most part, they remained in folk tales, but sometimes, the stories about the dead children got real life consequences.
Is Corvin Castle in Romania haunted by something? Perhaps the ghost of Vlad the Impaler? As one of the biggest castles in Europe it also houses a whole load of ghost stories. Who is hiding in the shadows?
Are you ready to embark on a spine-chilling journey through Romania’s dark history? Join me as we explore the haunted Corvin Castle, a place that has been the subject of countless legends, myths, and tales of horror. Built in the 15th century and considered as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania, this Gothic fortress has witnessed centuries of bloodshed, torture, and tragedy.
Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Romania
But the ghosts of the past still linger within its walls and as one of Europe’s biggest and old castles overlooking the Ziasti River, it’s bound to have a ghost story or two.
Corvin Castle: The majestic Corvin Castle, a Gothic fortress steeped in history and legends, located in Hunedoara, Romania. Holding back the Ottoman army for years, it is filled with ghosts and the castle is believed to be some of the most haunted places in Romania. And that is saying something.
History of Corvin Castle
Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, is a Gothic-Renaissance fortress located in the town of Hunedoara, Romania. It was built on top of an old Roman camp in 1446 by John Hunyadi, a Hungarian military leader, and served as a strategic stronghold against the Ottoman Empire. He was a Voivode of Transylvania, the highest ranking official during the 12th and 16th century. Back then, it was a part of the Kingdom of Hungary, a monarchy that existed for nearly a millennium. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and renovated by various owners, including the Corvin family, who gave it its current name.
Despite its impressive architecture and historical significance, the castle is best known for its dark and twisted past. It has been the site of numerous battles, sieges, and executions, and has been home to some of the most infamous figures in history.
On 13 April 1854, Corvin Castle was struck by lightning, severely damaged and abandoned until 1869.
The Legend of the Raven: Some historians think John Hunyadi was the illegitimate son of King Sigimund of Luxemburg and an Elizabeth. To protect everyone, this was kept secret. Sigimund gave Elizabeth a gold ring for their son. When John grew up, Elizabeth gave him the ring. One day at lunch, John took off the ring, and a raven tried to steal it. John killed the raven with a bow and arrow and got the ring back. Later, he told the king (possibly his father) this story. Impressed, the king chose a raven with a gold ring for the Hunyadi family crest. The family liked this symbol, which stood for wisdom and longevity, and adopted the name Corvin, from the Latin word “Corvus” meaning Raven. It’s also said that Elizabeth used a raven to send a letter to Matthias when he and his brother were imprisoned, which is why the raven was the symbol of the Hungarian postal service for over a hundred years. The family also had a property called Raven’s Rock.
Dark Tales and Legends of Corvin Castle
The legends surrounding Corvin Castle are as numerous as they are chilling. One of the most famous tales involves Vlad the Impaler, who was imprisoned in the castle’s dungeon for seven years by John Hunyadi. According to legend, Vlad was kept in a small, dark cell and tortured mercilessly by his captors. This is what inspired him to impale his enemies, as it was what he did to the rats he ate alive in his cell. Some say that his ghost still haunts the castle’s halls to this day, seeking revenge against those who wronged him.
Vlad the Impaler: A historical depiction of Vlad the Impaler’s brutal methods of torture and execution, reflecting the dark history of Corvin Castle. Woodcut from the title page of a 1499 pamphlet published by Markus Ayrer in Nuremberg. It depicts Vlad III “the Impaler” (identified as Dracole wayde = Draculea voivode) dining among the impaled corpses of his victims.
If he really was is uncertain and most likely it’s a tall tale, but many of the tour guides of the castle show his holding cell they say he stayed in. Many say that he was imprisoned in 1462, but seeing that John Hunyadi was already dead by then, it carves a dent in the truth of the story. What has been said though, is that Bram Stoker was inspired by the castle, although he apparently had no idea about the Vlad the Impaler connection when he wrote Dracula.
Haunted sightings and experiences at in the Capistrano Tower
Over the years, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity at Corvin Castle. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing strange noises, and feeling cold spots throughout the castle. Some have even claimed to have been physically touched or pushed by unseen forces.
One such legend talks about a monk haunting the Capistrano Tower. The Capistrano Tower, one of the most significant parts of the construction, was a circular tower and this was used as a prison like many of the other towers of Corvin castle, named of the Franciscan monk, John of Capistrano.
The Towers of Corvin Castle: The towers of the castle was known to be used as prison cells. This is also what fuels the haunted rumors about something not being quite right in one of them. Could the ghost of a monk be haunting one of the towers?
He was said to have been sentenced to death because he was spying on a nobleman in the council room. As punishment he was entombed alive in the brick wall of the tower and slowly died of starvation. To this day it is said his ghost is there, spying on those venturing into his tower.
Exploring the castle’s architecture and hidden rooms
Despite its dark history, Corvin Castle is a marvel of Gothic architecture and design. From its towering walls and turrets to its ornate carvings and frescoes, the castle is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders.
One of the most interesting features of the castle is its hidden rooms and secret passages. These were often used by the castle’s inhabitants to escape during times of siege or to hide valuable treasures. Some of the most famous hidden rooms include the Knight’s Hall, which was used to store weapons and armor, and the secret room of John Hunyadi, which was used as a private study and meditation space.
One time though, some tourists got locked in the Corbin Castle after it closed for the day. Some say that they bribed the security guard to let them stay overnight. When the castle opened the next day, they were found, bruised, beaten and terrified. They were unable to explain what had happened to them, but claimed that some unseen force had tortured them throughout the night.
The torture chamber and its gruesome history
One of the most chilling places in Corvin Castle is the torture chamber, where prisoners were subjected to horrific acts of violence and torture. The chamber is located in the castle’s basement and features a variety of torture devices, including the rack designed to tear a victim in half, the iron maiden that was a spiked iron chamber the prisoner had to sit in, and the Spanish Donkey were the victim was places on a triangle with pointed edges between the legs where the prisoner eventually split in half.
There was also a bear pit that prisoners were thrown into alive to be eaten by the creatures residing there. No wonder that the castle is filled with ghosts.
The Bottomless Well
Another famous tale involves the castle’s well, which is said to be bottomless and connected to the underworld. Legend has it that the well was dug by three Turkish prisoners who were promised their freedom if they could complete the task of digging after water. However, once they finished digging after ten to fifteen hard labored years, they were thrown into the well and left to die.
The Well: What will you find at the bottom of the well? The gateway to hell or the skulls of some Turkish prisoners? Source: Stanisław Ludwiński/Flickr
Some say that he held them there, laughed in their face and kept them in the basement until they died. Some think that it was Hunyadi who promised them their freedom, but died while they were working. The one telling them to get back into their cell was his wife, Elizabeth. One of the prisoners allegedly wrote on the wall: You now have water, but no soul/heart. With this, he cursed the castle forever.
Some say that they were beheaded and hteir skulls thrown into the well, still there to this day. It’s said that their ghosts can still be heard crying out for help from the depths of the well.
Is Corvin Castle really haunted?
While there’s no scientific proof that Corvin Castle is haunted, there’s no denying the countless reports of paranormal activity and ghostly sightings that have been recorded over the years. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the eerie feeling that permeates the castle’s walls.
Could the Connolly Station in Dublin be haunted? Some claim that the ghosts of the victims from the Dublin Bombing in world war two could still be lingering near the tracks.
Once a place for executions, the place the Ruffinihaus in Munich, Germany is built upon is said to be haunted. It is said that in the dead of night, the undead rises from their graves, still carrying their heads the executioners took.
Where the former country estate Campagne Mon Repos in Bern once was, the ghostly council of the military leader from General Robert Scipio von Lentulus was given in times of unrest. Is he still haunting the Könizwald woods, even after his estate is gone?
One of the old cemeteries in Munich said to be haunted is the Alter Südfriedhof, or the old south cemetery. According to lore, the ghostly voices of the so-called Eskimo Tragedy are still heard at night.
In the darkness of night and under the foliage cover of the forest, the demonic spirit of Uhaml is said to roam. The only way to escape it is getting out of the forest faster.
In the shadows between ghost, creature and witch, the Welsh Gwarch y Rhibyn has been given many names. Like a Banshee she has been said to be a deadly omen, often called The Hag of the Mist because of her presence in wet areas, or the Hag of the Dribble because of the versions where her mouth is dripping with blood.
Unhappy with the lack of beer in heaven, the Bavarian angel never returned when sent on a mission back on earth. To this day, he sits at The Hofbräuhaus bar in Munich, enjoying his brew.
Sometimes called the Devil’s Stone, the ruins of the former Mödling Castle is said to be haunted by a demonic bird-like entity, screeching at night as an omen of death and disaster.
Could a beer festival be haunted? Many have spoken about the ghost of an old brewer at Nockherberg haunting the beer festival, creating havoc to retaliate to what his descendants did to his brew.
After her public death in the tower of the Munich Frauenkirche, many have claimed to have seen the ghost of Fanny appearing at her death anniversary wearing white.
What really happened around the Pollingsried Chapel, and its supposed plague cemetery? Is there really a curse around the area? As far as the ringing of the bells can be heard?
Searching for its name, the utburd ghost from Norwegian folklore haunts the forests, waters and houses its parents left them to die. For the most part, they remained in folk tales, but sometimes, the stories about the dead children got real life consequences.
The Chinnery Backseat Driver ghost is now a famous photo used to prove that ghosts exists. but does it? What was the story behind the photo at the time, and what do the experts say about it today?
The Chinnery Backseat Driver ghost, or the backseat ghost, is a picture that has become quite popular on lists of pictures proving the existence of ghosts. This intriguing image not only captures the attention of paranormal enthusiasts but also raises numerous questions about its authenticity and the narrative surrounding it. But what is the true story behind the now famous picture?
Many believe it to be a chilling reminder of the past, while others are skeptical, suggesting that it could be a simple case of double exposure or a cleverly staged scene. This has sparked debates among both believers and skeptics, igniting curiosity about the origins of the photograph, the circumstances in which it was taken, and the identity of the spectral figure appearing in the backseat.
The Story Behind the Picture
March 22, 1959, 44 year old Mrs. Mable Chinnery from in Ipswich in Suffolk, England packed up their car and took off to visit Mable’s mother at the cemetery with her husband, Jim. When they arrived, Mr. Chinnery stayed in the Hillman Minx car as his wife went to the grave of her mother.
Mable had just gotten a new camera, some saying it was an Eastman-Kodak Brownie. She had brought it on her trip to take some pictures of her mother’s gravestone who had died a week prior. After taking several photos, Mrs. Chinnery saw that she had one picture left. So, she pointed the camera at her husband in the car and took the picture.
When they got the film developed though, she saw it was more than her gravestone Mrs. Chinnery had taken a picture off. Sitting in the backseat of the car was the clear image of a person. When Mrs. Chinnery showed the pictures to her friends they pointed out the figure in the backseat saying: “But there’s your mother in the back!”
According to Jim, she loved sitting in the back of the car. One of the final things she had told them before she died was: “you’ll never come to any harm ’cause I’ll still be with you.”
Investigating The Chinnery Backseat Driver
The photo has since gone through rigorous tests by professional photo analysts. This includes Skeptics who did a deep dive into this picture not too long ago. According to the experts that were examining the picture, the figure in the photo is not a reflection or a double exposure. Perhaps a bit of controversial take on a ghost photo. This comes from an article about the photo claiming because the door’s upright wouldn’t block off part of her face. And she can’t be a reflection in the window, either, according to them. So what can she be? And is a double exposure impossible?
According to many photographer, the camera she was using, could easily have taken a double exposure by mistake. These skeptics suggested that whatever was in the photo wasn’t a ghost, but rather the mind making familiar patterns out of light and shadow. Some also think the most likely scenario is that Mrs. Chinnery took a photo of her mother in an armchair shortly before the old woman died.
What Mrs. Chinnery ended up believing about the picture is never mentioned, neither is the further haunting from her mother. This together with all the possible explanations for the image distortion makes it difficult to come up with a single simple answer of what happened the day they snapped The Chinnery Backseat Driver.
After some tourists took a picture when visiting the Queen’s House in Greenwich, they came back with a strange image now known as The Tulip Staircase Ghost. Even today, people still debate if the ghost in the image was real or not.
If there’s one thing the British serve exceptionally well besides tea, is haunted history. And the Queen’s House in Greenwich? Oh, it serves up ghostly chills with photographic evidence. This stunning piece of 17th-century architecture might be a vision of classical elegance, but beneath its beauty lies a paranormal playground.
There were already ghostly legends circling around the old house before the picture was taken with children laughing in the hallways, a ghostly maid mopping up blood. At the heart of its spectral reputation is one particularly famous spirit: the Tulip Staircase Ghost.
Queen’s House in Greenwich: Royal Naval College North East Building Queen Anne’s Quarter. The mansion became popular for the paranormal community after a picture allegedly showing a ghost by the stairs. // Source: Tony Hisgett/Flickr
A House Fit for a Queen… and Her Ghosts
The Queen’s House was commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I as an apology from him after swearing at her in public. It is worth noting though, she did just shoot his dog, although it was an accident. Designed by the revolutionary architect Inigo Jones, it was England’s first consciously classical building—a stark contrast to the Gothic styles that came before.
The home has been inhabited by many female royals over the centuries. However, Anne never got to enjoy her royal retreat, as she died in 1619 before its completion. The house was eventually finished in 1635 under Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of Charles I), but from the get-go, it seems this regal residence was destined to be haunted.
Ghosts Haunting the House: There is said to be more than one ghost haunting the place. A lot of the paranormal activity is said to be around the grand tulip stairs. // Source: Elliott Brown/Flickr
Over the centuries, the Queen’s House has been home to royalty, naval officers, and later, the National Maritime Museum. With so many lives passing through its halls, it’s no wonder that whispers of eerie encounters began to surface. Strange voices, phantom footsteps, and inexplicable shadows have all been reported within its grand walls. But none of these compares to the chilling mystery of the Tulip Staircase.
The Ghost Caught on Camera
Let’s rewind to 1966—when the famed image of The Tulip Staircase Ghost was taken at the stairs. A retired Canadian reverend, R.W. Hardy, and his wife were visiting the Queen’s House on a casual tourist outing. Around 5.00pm Rev Hardy was taking photographs of the interior of the building. He was using a Zeiss Ikon Contina camera with a Zavar Anastigmat lens and skylight haze filter and K2 daylight film. He took a seemingly innocent photograph of the house’s famous Tulip Staircase, an architectural marvel with its elegant spiral design and delicate wrought-iron railings.
At the time there was no one there, this was according to his wife as well, standing by his side. There was also a ‘no admittance’ sign, and no one was around them.
Ghost on the Stairs: The picture was said to be sent to experts to check the validity of the image. Although it certainly could be a classic case of double exposure, the image of The Tulip Staircase Ghoststill holds a lot of credibility with some.
When the film was developed, what should have been a simple snapshot became one of the most famous paranormal images in history. The photo clearly shows a shrouded, shadowy figure ascending the staircase, gripping the railing with an almost skeletal hand. Not one, but two hands, in fact, as if someone—or something—was climbing upward.
Experts—including Kodak in their laboratory—examined the negative, ruling out tampering or double exposure. The eerie, translucent figure remained unexplained, solidifying its place in ghost-hunting lore.
Who—or What—Haunts the Queen’s House?
Theories about the Tulip Staircase Ghost abound, but the Queen’s House doesn’t just have one restless spirit. Some believe the spectral figure belongs to a 17th-century maid who was murdered on the staircase. Legend has it that she was pushed—or fell—to her death, and her tormented soul lingers to this day. Visitors and staff have reported hearing phantom footsteps on the staircase, feeling unseen hands brush against them, and even spotting a woman in old-fashioned clothing drifting through the halls, cleaning up the pool of blood before vanishing into thin air.
But she’s not alone. Other ghostly residents allegedly include the sound of disembodied children laughing, the echoes of mysterious chanting, and the sudden appearance of shadowy figures that dissolve when approached. One particularly unnerving report comes from a group of restoration workers in the 1960s, who claimed to hear loud, violent footsteps following them—only to turn around and find no one there.
The Haunting Continues Through a Séance
As news of the spectral photograph of The Tulip Staircase Ghost spread, seven members of paranormal investigation organisation The Ghost Club decided to spend the night of Saturday 24 June 1967 in the Queen’s House to investigate the claims. They had to wear soft-soled shoes, synchronise their watches and carry a working torch, notebook and pencil at all times. Everything was to be noted down, from odd noises and smells to any feeling of a presence.
Séance in the Queen Anne House: held at night by members of The Ghost Club at the Queen’s House on 24th June 1967 after they saw the photo of the The Tulip Staircase Ghost.
According to some sources, they found some startling discoveries, such as bells ringing and shadowy figures. However, the vigil and séance produced no conclusive evidence of the paranormal that night, or any other night after.
A Haunting That Stands the Test of Time
Today, the Queen’s House is a part of the Royal Museums of Greenwich and what is now known as the Old Royal Naval College. While it’s best known for its art collection and architectural significance, those with an eye for the supernatural know better. The Tulip Staircase Ghost remains one of the most compelling pieces of paranormal evidence ever captured, and the building itself continues to exude an air of mystery.
Skeptics might scoff, dismissing the ghostly figure as a trick of light or an overactive imagination. But those who’ve felt the chill of unseen eyes watching them, or heard the spectral echoes of the past, know that the Queen’s House is more than just a historical landmark—it’s a place where the past refuses to stay buried.
So, if you ever find yourself in Greenwich, take a stroll through the Queen’s House. Admire its beauty, soak in its history… and maybe, just maybe, glance over your shoulder. You never know who—or what—might be following you up the Tulip Staircase.
Built in a magical place both for the Christians as well as the druids that once owned the land, the Kinnitty Castle in Ireland houses ghosts that might be older than the castle itself.
North of the Irish Slieve Bloom Mountains lies Kinnitty Castle, a place where centuries of history have intertwined with tales of ghostly apparitions and supernatural phenomena. This gothic revival castle from the 19th century is steeped in history and mystery that the locals deem as haunted.
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Even the village of Kinnitty, or Cionn Eitigh as it is in Irish, is steeped in legend. The name is from an old story about the head of a princess buried underneath it. A nearby pyramid was built by the Bernard family who resided in the castle, also giving the place a curious feel.
A History Engraved in Time
Kinnitty Castle’s history dates back to ancient times when the O’Carroll clan first erected a castle at Glinsk around 350 AD. Simultaneously, on the same site, an abbey was founded by St. Finian, a disciple of St. Brendan of Clonfert. These early structures bore witness to centuries of tumultuous events.
In 1209, the original castle fell victim to destruction at the hands of Murtagh O’Brien, only to be rebuilt by the Normans in 1213. Ely O’Carroll later reclaimed it, holding the territory until the arrival of Cromwell and the turbulent times that followed.
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The present Kinnitty Castle took shape in 1630 when William O’Carroll constructed it on the site of the former abbey. Subsequently, during the plantation of Offaly, English forces confiscated the castle in 1641. In 1663, Colonel Thomas Winter was granted these lands by King Charles II in recognition of his military service. The Winter family eventually sold the property to the Bernards of County Carlow in 1764.
Kinnitty Castle: The haunted castle that is standing today is built from the 1600s. But there have been stories about it being haunted for much longer than that.// Source: Larry Goodwin/Flickr
In 1811, Lady Catherine Hutchinson, wife of Colonel Thomas Bernard, enlisted the renowned Pan Brothers to transform the building into a castellated mansion. However, the castle faced a devastating setback in 1922 when it was burned by Republican forces.
For nearly four decades, the castle served as a Forestry Training Centre until its purchase in 1994, after which it was transformed into a luxurious 37-bedroom hotel, welcoming guests from near and far.
The Hauntings of Kinnitty Castle
Kinnitty Castle is not only a repository of history but also a haven of ghostly legends. Situated in ‘The Haunted Triangle’ of Ireland, which also includes Leap Castle and Charleville Castle. Like the other Irish castles with its haunted legends, Kinnitty Castle has earned a reputation for its spectral residents.
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Many staff and guests are claiming to have heard or seen something paranormal in the castle. Even their Tripadvisor is filled with guests commenting about the strange things that happened during their stay. Guests can hear breathing in their room, shadows are dancing in the corner of their eyes and the TV is changing channels by itself. There is not only one ghost said to haunt the castle, and here is an intro to some of the more talked about.
The Guest of Monk Hugh
One tale that lingers within its walls is that of Monk Hugh or sometimes only referred to as the monk of Kinnitty. During the Norman era, an Augustinian Abbey was established near the castle, and remnants of the abbey still grace the estate, including the famous High Cross and Abbey wall.
Legend has it that Monk Hugh’s spirit roams the castle and the ruins of the Abbey to ensure the preservation of this historical era and safeguard the abbey and castle to this day. Who this ghost was when he was alive is unknown and many different legends have been told. Some say that he took his own life, something unthinkable for a monk seeking salvation.
He has also been seen wandering in the banquet hall and in the Dungeon Bar. People claim his appearance is a tall man dressed in a black robe with a face without any features. He has even said to have been talking to the staff and guests.
The Ghost of the Little Girl in the Geraldine Room
Also in the attic it is said that a ghost is haunting the castle and there is even a hotel room named after her ghost. Guests staying have talked about hearing little footsteps over the floor and have even seen something that looks like a little girl. She is also talked about looking like a red mist hovering above peoples beds at night.
Sometimes she is laughing, sometimes she is crying. She is often seen with the ghostly woman in white, and people speculate that she may have been a child out of wedlock when the staff and guests start to speculate.
The Lady in White
No European castle is complete without a Lady in White. Guests and staff have seen her in the same room as the little girl as well as the rooms on the first and second floor. They believe she must be the ghost of Lady Catherine Hutchinson who was behind most of the castle renovations.
The Circle of Stones
There are also strange stones around 650 acres from the castle. People that have passed claim to have seen strange shadows and little lights they can’t pinpoint were coming from around them.
A Druid Haunting: Circle of Stones Behind Kinnitty Castle
The stone is perhaps a druid altar from pagan time, and one can only start to speculate about the forces that made the druid build one there.
This is also one of the things that make Kinnitty Castle a part of the Haunted Triangle of this place, the other two points being Leap Castle and Charleville. These grounds once belonged to the druids and perhaps some of them still linger.
Whether these tales are rooted in fact or woven from the fabric of folklore, Kinnitty Castle’s haunted reputation adds an air of mystery to its already captivating history. Visitors are invited to explore its storied past and perhaps encounter the echoes of another time, lingering in the corridors of this enchanting Irish castle.
In the end, Kinnitty Castle stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich and complex history, where each stone has witnessed centuries of events, both earthly and otherworldly.
Once the master of the house was seen returning to Castle Ellen House in Galway by his servants. Thing was, he had already died several hours and miles away. Since then his ghost has often been seen wandering around the estate.
In the enchanting yet eerie landscape of Galway, Ireland, where ancient stone walls whisper tales of the past and shadows dance under the pale moonlight, stands Castle Ellen House. This magnificent manor, steeped in history and draped in legends, is said to be one of the many haunted sites that dot the Irish countryside. As twilight descends and a chill fills the air, locals recount spine-tingling stories of ghostly apparitions and mysterious happenings that have plagued this historic residence for centuries.
Beneath its stunning facade lies a darker narrative—one filled with sorrowful spirits and restless souls. Visitors often speak of strange noises echoing through its grand halls at night: footsteps when no one is around, soft whispers carried by the wind, and even glimpses of spectral figures roaming its grounds.
Castle Ellen House The House is thought to be haunted by one of the owners who keeps reappearing coming back to his home after he died far from it. //Source
Dating back to 1810, Castle Ellen House was the ambitious creation of the Lambert family and was their family home for generations. The need for more space to accommodate their growing family led them to construct this grand edifice, with remnants of their former castle still nestled within the sprawling 33-acre estate.
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One of the most intriguing connections to Castle Ellen House is the marriage of Isabella Lambert to Edward Carson. Edward Carson, a prominent lawyer, rose to fame as the legal representative of the Marquis of Queensberry in a notorious libel case against the renowned playwright, Oscar Wilde. He was also heavily involved in the Jack the Ripper case as well as an advocate for British rule in Northern Ireland.
It is also remembered for the strange haunting of the member of the Lambert family and his ghostly return to Castle Ellen House.
A Ghostly Encounter at Castle Ellen House
It all started way back in 1892 when the owner of the house, Walter Peter Lambert and a member of the Lambert family, was enjoying breakfast at the Imperial Hotel in Tuam. Far from home, Walter began to choke during his meal and died at the age of 76.
Back at Castle Ellen House, the maids were unknowingly preparing his room for his return. One of them looked out the window and said to another that the master had returned when she saw him walking towards the house on foot. Little did they realize, Walter had already passed away at the hotel for a couple of hours already.
When an attempt was made to transport his lifeless body home, two sets of horses inexplicably refused to cross the estate’s boundary. The staff had to carry Walter’s body by hand up the driveway. More than two centuries later, Walter’s ghost is said to revisit his former home, an eternal resident in the house he loved.
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In 1974, the current owner took on the monumental task of acquiring Castle Ellen House, slowly but surely restoring the estate to its former grandeur. During the summer months, the property opens its doors to the public for limited hours, with proceeds contributing to ongoing restoration efforts.
Adventurous souls seeking a truly authentic castle experience can even spend a night in the Walter Lambert room, as it is listed on Airbnb. It is here that guests may have the extraordinary opportunity to cross paths with the spectral figure of Walter Lambert himself.
The Irish Fetch is a ghost from the underworld, coming as a bad omen to warn the living about an impending death. The ghost is said to take the shape of the person that is going to die.
Within the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and mythology, the mysterious concept of the “fetch” has captured the imagination of generations. This supernatural phenomenon, deeply rooted in Irish tradition, represents an eerie duality—an apparition or spectral double of a living person that often heralds impending doom and is seen as a deadly omen. The sighting of a fetch is foretelling the imminent passing of its living counterpart.
The Spectral Twin and Bad Omen
A fetch is described as an exact, spectral replica of a living human being. Its appearance is uncannily similar to that of its earthly counterpart, creating an eerie sense of déjà vu for those who encounter it.
The presence of a fetch is typically seen as a portent of the person it mirrors nearing the end of their life journey. If the person is dying in a fire, the fetch will look burnt. If the person is drowned, it would not be able to breathe.
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However, there is an intriguing twist to this belief. According to John and Michael Banim, if the apparition appears in the morning rather than the evening, it is interpreted as a sign of a long and extended life awaiting the individual. This dual nature of the fetch sets it apart as a harbinger of both hope and dread, reminiscent of the Germanic doppelgänger and certain interpretations of the British wraith.
Sometimes the fetch will not be like a mirror of yourself, but sometimes they appear like someone that has just died, just casually walking amongst the living and their loved ones. Although they look like they did in life, they are seemingly very distant and will vanish into the air in the edn.
The Obscure Origins of the Name
The etymology and origins of the term “fetch” remain shrouded in mystery. While it is often suggested that it may be linked to the verb “fetch,” the true source of this enigmatic word remains elusive.
The puzzle deepens with the existence of an Old English word, “faecce,” found in the Corpus Glossary and the First Cleopatra Glossary. Although “faecce” is presumed to be a Latin word, it defies classification, as no such Latin term exists. This conundrum led some scholars to propose that “faecce” may actually be an Old Irish word, shedding light on the potential link between Old Irish and Hiberno-English fetch traditions. The ambiguity surrounding this term continues to perplex researchers, and a definitive consensus has yet to be reached.
Fetch-Like Portents in Early Irish Literature
While the fetch may be a unique and intriguing concept, echoes of similar portents of death can be traced back to early Irish literature. These ominous predictions were associated with the Old Irish term “fáith,” denoting a seer or prophetess.
In legendary tales such as Táin Bó Cuailnge, prophetic visions of impending demise were issued by individuals like Fedelm. Cormac Connloinges witnessed sinister visions in Bruiden Da Choca, including a mysterious woman washing bloodstained chariot wheels. A hag foretold the demise of Conaire in Togail Bruidne Da Derga, while in Cath Maige Tuired, the Mórrigán herself prophesied death.
These early Irish traditions, steeped in mysticism and foreboding, laid the groundwork for the development of the fetch concept.
The Norse Connection: Fylgja and Vikings in Ireland
To gain a deeper understanding of the Irish fetch, it is essential to explore the Norse influence on Irish tradition. Within Norse mythology, the concept of the “fylgja” emerges—a personal alter ego, often taking the form of an animal, intricately linked to an individual’s fate.
Unlike the Irish fetch, the fylgja is almost invariably portrayed as female. The prominence of the Vikings in Ireland during this era makes the Norse connection highly relevant. Scholar William Sayers has proposed a fascinating theory—that the term “fetch” may have evolved from the Hiberno-English adaptation of the Old Irish “fáith.”
Another thing that makes them different is that the Fetch, although scary and a bringer of bad news, they don’t really hurt anyone. The Icelandic Fylgja, though, is said to have killed people for vengeance as well as just getting a companion.
The Mirror Ghost
The Irish fetch remains an enigmatic and captivating facet of Irish folklore, entwined with centuries of tradition and belief. Its duality as a harbinger of life and death, its obscure origins, and its connections to early Irish prophecies and Norse influences have imbued it with a sense of intrigue that continues to captivate those who dare to delve into the supernatural realm.
While the true origins of the term “fetch” may remain elusive, the phenomenon itself stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the inexplicable.
A house in Bélmez de la Moraleda quickly became known as Spain’s most famous haunted house when there suddenly started to appear faces inside of it. It is still a mystery exactly what the faces come from, but many believe that it is the ghosts from the burial ground under the house.
Welcome to the mysterious and eerie world of Bélmez de la Moraleda, Spain’s infamous haunted house. Nestled in the province of Jaén, this unassuming village hides a chilling secret that has intrigued paranormal enthusiasts for decades.
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The story begins in 1971 when a peculiar stain appeared on the kitchen floor of the Pereira family. Little did they know that this seemingly innocuous stain would turn their lives upside down and attract visitors from all corners of the globe. Or did they? Over the years, faces of different individuals, both living and deceased, have materialized on the floor, leaving experts baffled and skeptics questioning.
The Haunted House of Bélmez de la Moraleda
This mysterious dwelling is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the past. The locals have reported strange noises coming from the house, and some even claim to have seen apparitions walking around inside. The haunted house in Spain has become a popular tourist destination for those looking for an eerie experience. People come from all over to get a glimpse of this mysterious place and its supernatural inhabitants. Are you brave enough to take a tour of the haunted house and find out what secrets it holds?
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In a house on Calle Real number 5 in the village Bélmez de la Moraleda, in the far corners of Andalusia, a peculiar haunting has been reported. The small and sleepy town wasn’t really that known until strange things started happening inside of this whitewashed house. The faces on the floors and walls have been a subject of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. On the floors and walls of the building, there have been reports about seeing stains that look like faces that come and go since 1971.
Faces in the House: Suddenly it appeared what looked like faces in the walls and floors of the house. The owner of the house claim it wasn’t them. // Source: Cesar Tort/Wikimedia
At first, it appeared on the kitchen floor, and they scraped it off and covered it up. But then, the face started reappearing, not only in the kitchen where it was first seen but all over the house. They did several tests and multiple theories tried to explain exactly what happened in the house, but the exact cause has yet to be confirmed. The mystery continues to baffle experts, leaving the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda shrouded in enigma.
Scientific Investigations and Theories: Unraveling the Unexplained
The strange phenomena witnessed in the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda have attracted the attention of scientists and researchers from around the world. Various investigations and theories have been put forth in an attempt to understand and explain the inexplicable.
One theory put forward by the newspaper El Ideal published some tests that claimed the faces were painted on with silver nitrate and chloride. This painting method was actually a fairly common method in the forties by anti-Franco activists.
Scientific investigations have involved extensive analysis of the stains, including chemical testing and microscopic examination. Yet, these investigations have not yielded a definitive explanation for the phenomenon. The haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda remains an unsolved mystery, leaving room for speculation and wonder.
Built on Top of a Burial Ground
Whose faces are they, and from what reason do they appear? If science can’t give a definitive answer, can perhaps the paranormal world do?
Bélmez de la Moraleda: The town seen from above where the house with the faces is. What really happened and happens in the house will we perhaps never know. //Source: Veinticuatro de Jahén/Wikimedia
It is said that the house is built on top of an ancient cemetery and some believe that it is the ghosts of those buried underneath that are manifesting themselves as faces throughout the house.
The cemetery from the 13th century was found in the basement under the kitchen, and they could verify the remains of human bones.
A Haunting Experience: Visiting the House of Faces
Today, the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda stands as a testament to the enduring mystery that surrounds it. The house has been opened to the public, allowing curious individuals to explore the eerie corridors and witness the faces that continue to appear.Scholars have looked at it as a fraud though from the owners, and it is reported that since the death of María Gómez Cámara in 2004, the owner of the house, the faces have been blurring, some of them not even looking like humans.
In the realm of the supernatural, Bélmez de la Moraleda has carved its place as one of Spain’s most haunted locations. Its ghostly secrets and unexplained phenomena serve as a reminder that there is still much we don’t understand about the world around us. As the years go by, the haunted house of Bélmez de la Moraleda will continue to lure in those seeking a glimpse into the unknown, forever shrouded in mystery and ghostly allure.
After the horrible death of the daughter in the House of Mirror in the Spanish city, Cadiz, it is said that she is haunting the mirrors, still after she exposed the murderer.
This mysterious and eerie place has been the topic of many ghost stories and legends for decades. The locals believe that the spirits of the former owners still reside within the walls of this abandoned house, and anyone who dares to enter will be cursed forever. But what is the truth behind the haunted house of mirrors? Is it just a myth or a real-life haunting?
Legend about “La Casa de los Espejos” or “The House of Mirrors”
Among the many legends that surround Cadiz, one particular tale stands out – the legend of “La Casa de los Espejos” or “The House of Mirrors” located in the old town in Cadiz right in front of the monument of Marques de comilla. According to locals, the haunted house of mirrors was once the residence of a high-ranking admiral in the navy, who lived there with his wife and beloved daughter.
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The alleged haunted house is a three storey house with huge windows in the heart of Alameda Apodaca part of town. The part of town is known for its stately houses from the 15th and 17th century. Today, they have been converted to luxury apartments with a dark legend hanging over them.
The Admiral Family That Used to Live there
The admiral, known for his bravery and success on the seas, was often away on long voyages to far off lands. During each of his returns, he would bring his daughter a new mirror as a present, as she had developed a fascination with them. The daughter’s room soon became adorned with mirrors of all shapes and sizes that she hung around the house. The daughter’s collection grew with each passing year, and the mirrors became an integral part of her daily life. Soon the whole house was filled with different mirrors in all shapes and sizes.
Her mother hated them though and she was growing more and more jealous of her daughter and the affection her husband showed her. Over the years the daughter became a great beauty her father loved to show off, and the mother felt old and cast aside as he only showed affection to her daughter. She started to fear that her husband loved her more than her and the resentment towards her daughter grew.
The Jealous Mother and her Evil Plan
In the mothers eyes, it was the daughter that was in the way between her and the admiral. They started to argue more and more and their relationship was unsalvageable. She hacked out a horrible plan to get rid of her daughter so she would have her husband to herself once again.
When the admiral was away at sea, the mother poisoned her daughter. At dinner she served her daughter a portion of poison fish, and they both went to bed. That night the daughter became violently ill, and after the poison took hold of her, she collapsed on the floor alone and died of the poison.
Little did she know, her actions would have dire consequences. The daughter, in her untimely death, became a restless spirit, forever trapped within the mirrors of the house.
The Daughter Haunting the Mirrors
The admiral, upon his return came in with more mirrors to give to his daughter. His wife told him that his daughter had died of a sickness, and he didn’t suspect her at all. He was devastated to learn of his daughter’s tragic demise.
One day, he heard the voice of his daughter and he was awoken by it. When he passed by one of the mirrors on the walls, he froze. He saw his daughter, and she showed him in the mirror exactly what happened.
He went to his wife and demanded the truth from her, still having a sliver of hope that she hadn’t done it. But his worst nightmare was confirmed when she confessed to it all. Overwhelmed with grief and a desire for justice, he turned the mother into the authorities, who were able to uncover the truth behind the daughter’s murder. The mother was convicted and sentenced for her heinous crime and had to spend the rest of her days rotting away in prison. But the haunting of the house of mirrors was far from over.
The admiral was unable to stay in the house where everything had gone down and left the place and was never seen in Cadiz ever again.
The Hauntings in the House of Mirrors
The house was abandoned and visitors would see ghosts and hear strange things. Inside, you could see the girl still haunting the mirrors.
Before the house was being renovated recently it was for a long time just empty, and people that were interested in the supernatural came looking for it. They claimed they could hear the laments of the girl, crying over her faith and strange shadows hiding behind the curtains.
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With the admiral’s daughter unable to find peace in the afterlife, the house of mirrors became a hotspot for paranormal activity. Visitors to the house would report seeing apparitions, hearing strange whispers, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of unease. Those brave enough to venture inside would catch glimpses of the daughter’s ghostly figure, forever trapped within the mirrors that she once cherished.
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.
