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The Katyn Massacre and Hauntings in the Smolensk Forest

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Close to Smolensk in Russia, the Katyn Forest hides horrible war atrocities known as the Katyn Massacre. The horrible smudge on the beautiful forest has made some think that this could be one of the more haunted forests there is.  

The Katyn Forest in Russia is found around 20 kilometers west of Smolensk, one of the oldest cities in Russia. Although the true name is the Katyn Forest, it is often called Smolensk Forest instead.

This rural forest area conceals the painful memories of one of World War II’s darkest chapters—the Katyn Massacre. In 1940, thousands of Polish prisoners of war, including military officers, intellectuals, and cultural figures, were systematically executed by Soviet forces under Joseph Stalin’s orders together with Voroshilov Mikoyan and Molotov. 

The very name, Katyn could be of the Belarusian and Ukrainian word, Kat, meaning executioner and even in historical writings, Katyn forest was a place for executions. For how far back is unknown. The atrocity left an indelible mark on the landscape, and many believe that the spirits of those who perished continue to linger, haunting the depths of the Smolensk Forest.

Katyn Forest. The forest is often called the Smolensk Forest and is by many thought to be haunted. This is from Katyn Memorial (including Polish War Cementery)//Source

The Katyn Massacre

The Katyn Massacre, named after the Katyn Forest near Smolensk, was a brutal act of political repression executed by the Soviet NKVD. More than 4443 Polish army officers were found in the Smolensk Forest in 1943, found by the Germans that occupied the area from 1941. 

The rest of the 11000 Polish officers that were taken prisoners by the Soviets, were never heard of again. Presumably they too suffered a deadly fate and were buried in mass graves in another killing field like the one in Smolensk Forest.

The Katyn Massacre: Thousands of Polish military officers, intelligentsia, and civilian prisoners were executed by the Soviet Union’s in the spring of 1940. The massacre took place in the Katyn Forest and other Soviet prison sites. The Soviet Union blamed Nazi Germany for the atrocity. The truth about the Katyn Massacre remained hidden for decades due to Soviet propaganda, and it strained Polish-Soviet relations for many years.

The victims were shot in the back of the head and hastily buried in mass graves. For years, the Soviet Union denied responsibility, blaming the Nazis for the massacre. It wasn’t until 1990 that the Russian government by Mikhail Gorbachev officially acknowledged Soviet guilt, marking a crucial step toward historical truth and reconciliation.

In addition to the Polish prisoners, there are some soviet sources claiming that around 500 bolsheviks were killed in these woods by the nazi Germans as well as it having being found graves of people most likely killed by the soviets in the 1920s and 30s.

Haunted Legends of the Smolensk Forest

The Katyn Forest is shrouded in a melancholic atmosphere, and has become a site of eerie tales and ghostly encounters. You will also find the forest, often called the Smolensk Forest on lists of top haunted forests and the likes, although not many Russian and more local sources write much about hauntings.  

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Forests around the world.

But some claim that the forest is haunted after the tragedy and harrowing things that happened inside it. Perhaps it even was haunted long before the second world war? They say that you can hear whispers in the wind, mournful cries, and phantom footsteps, suggesting a lingering unrest in the aftermath of the tragedy. Some describe apparitions dressed in tattered military uniforms, wandering through the trees as if searching for justice or closure.

The Memorial Complex

In 2000, a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Katyn Massacre was erected in the Smolensk Forest. The site features symbolic sculptures, commemorative plaques, and an atmosphere of solemn remembrance. Visitors report feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow and reverence, as if the spirits of the fallen are still present, seeking acknowledgment and remembrance.

The Katyn Massacre was not the last Polish tragedy that happened in this area though. In 2010 a Polish plane with the Polish president Lech Kaczynski was flying to visit this memorial in honor of the 70 year anniversary for the massacre. The plane went down close to Smolensk and he died.

The Haunted Katyn Forest by Smolensk

The Katyn Forest stands as a poignant testament to the profound impact of war and human suffering. The Katyn Massacre’s haunting legacy, intertwined with the forest’s history as a place of executions and mass graves, serves as a reminder of the importance of historical truth and collective remembrance. 

As visitors explore this somber landscape, they are confronted not only by the echoes of tragedy but also by the enduring spirits that beckon for acknowledgment, urging the world never to forget the atrocities committed in the heart of the Katyn Forest.

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References:

The Ghosts of Katyn Forest – Los Angeles Times 

Катынский лес — Википедия 

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The Ghostly Legends of Malahide Castle

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Some ghosts have one residential ghost, others have several. This is the case with Malahide Castle in Ireland that houses at least five different ghosts, each with their own tragic story and end. 

Malahide Castle, or Caisleán Mhullach Íde, is a medieval marvel situated just nine miles north of Dublin’s bustling city center, has been a bastion of the Talbot family for nearly eight centuries. 

Today you can visit the castle on guided tours, and walk in the gardens that have turned into parks, a cricket field and a concert venue. 

Yet, beneath its centuries-old walls and majestic turrets lies a darker, ghostly history, making it one of Ireland’s most renowned haunted castles with at least five known residential ghosts.

Malahide Castle History

The castle’s storied history is as fascinating as its spectral residents. Originally granted to Richard Talbot in 1185, the castle’s oldest section dates back to the 12th century. It remained in the possession of the Talbot family for almost eight centuries, with various additions made during the reign of Edward IV, including the addition of two impressive towers.

The castle has witnessed its share of grimm episodes, such as the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, where fourteen family members gathered for breakfast only to meet their tragic end by dinnertime after they died in the battle. 

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

After the passing of Lord Milo Talbot in 1973, the castle’s ownership was transferred to his sister, Rose, who eventually sold it to the Irish state in 1975 to offset taxes. While many of the castle’s contents were dispersed to the public, some were recovered, preserving the rich history of Malahide Castle for generations to come.

Malahide Castle stands as a testament to both the grandeur of Ireland’s medieval past and the enduring allure of its supernatural mysteries, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and ghost hunters alike.

Malahide Castle Ghosts

The castle’s rich and often turbulent 800-year history has given rise to many spectral inhabitants that are said to still linger within the walls. Among them, at least five ghostly apparitions are said to roam the castle’s hallowed halls.

Lady Maud Plunkett

Lady Maud Plunkett is one of the ghostly presences in Malahide Castle. Her spirit reenacts the day of her marriage to a Lord Chief Justice, chasing her husband’s ghost through the castle’s labyrinthine corridors. He was her third husband and it is said that Maud was a very possessive woman then, some even say she was abusive. 

She was the daughter of the Baron of Killeen. She fell in love with a young soldier named Walter Hussey who was Lord Galtrim. On their wedding day Lord Galtrim was attacked when he was on his way to the wedding by a rival and was stabbed to death. 

Another version of the legend is that they were wed on the morning of Whit Monday in 1429. Only a few hours later he was killed in battle.

After this it is said that Lord Galtrim is also haunting the castle, because he is bitter that Maud wed his rival right after his death that she is still chasing to this day.

The Ghost of Puck

Puck, the ghost of a jester with dwarfism that also was a watchman that lived in one of the towers of the castle. Puck fell in love with Lady Elenora Fitzgerald, who was held captive at the castle by Henry VIII for inciting rebellions. 

Some say he hanged himself after he failed to do his duties, or because he was rejected. But most claim that the jester was murdered. 

One snowy December night, Puck was found lifeless, stabbed in the heart, still adorned in his jester’s attire. Before his death, he vowed to haunt the castle until a master from the common people married into the Talbot family. Astonishingly, he swore not to harm any male Talbot sleeping within the castle’s walls. 

It is said that his ghosts act as a more protective spirit though, and he was known for appearing a lot in the 1970s, when a lot of the things inside the castle were sold. 

Visitors have claimed to capture his eerie visage in photographs taken within the castle. Even the famous singer Lizzo claimed that Puck was the one that took her phone when she visited the castle.

The White Lady

What castle is complete without its ghost of the Lady in White, and Malahide Castle is no exception. The enigmatic White Lady, depicted in a captivating portrait hanging in the Great Wall of the castle, is another famous specter of Malahide Castle. 

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castle’s from around the world

This beautiful yet unknown lady is said to step out of her painting and wander through the castle grounds, particularly during the moonlit hours clad in all white. Her ethereal presence has been witnessed by countless visitors over the years.

The Ghost of Miles Corbett

Lastly, the ghost of Miles Corbett adds a haunting dimension to Malahide Castle’s history. Oliver Cromwell granted Corbett ownership of the castle and its surrounding lands from 1649 to 1660, following the conquest of Ireland. 

However, upon Cromwell’s death, Corbett was tried and hanged for his deeds during his tenure at the castle and during Cromwell’s reign in April in 1662. He was used as an example for what happened to those conspiring against the throne and after being hanged he was quartered. He was one of those that signed for King Charles I death warrant. 

His ghost is said to appear on his death anniversary. He is often seen as a complete soldier in armor before disintegrating into four pieces.

The Haunting Malahide Castle

In conclusion, the legends and ghostly tales surrounding Malahide Castle in Ireland have captivated visitors for centuries. This medieval fortress, steeped in history and tragedy, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the supernatural.

As visitors explore the castle’s halls, they may encounter the ghostly presence of Lady Maud Plunkett, reliving her ill-fated wedding day or the mysterious White Lady, stepping out of her portrait to wander the moonlit grounds. The jester Puck, with his tragic love story, continues to make his mischievous presence known, while Miles Corbett’s ghost reminds us of the turbulent times during Oliver Cromwell’s reign.

These spectral residents add an extra layer of intrigue and mystique to the castle’s already rich history. Their stories and apparitions serve as a reminder of the castle’s past, with its battles, tragedies, and royal connections. It is an enchanting destination that both history enthusiasts and ghost hunters find irresistible.

So, if you dare to venture into the hallowed halls of Malahide Castle, keep your eyes peeled and your senses alert. The spirits of the past may just reveal themselves, whispering stories of long ago, reminding us that history and the supernatural can intertwine in the most fascinating of ways.

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References:

The Ghosts of Malahide Castle, Dublin, Ireland | Haunted Rooms® 

Malahide Castle – Wikipedia 

The Story of Malahide Castle’s Irish Ghosts – Authentic Vacations 

The haunting of Malahide Castle: Scorned lovers, a king killer and a prankster who stole Lizzo’s phone – Dublin Live 

Malahide Castle’s Heartbroken Ghost – IrishShop.com

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The Ghosts of the White Plague Haunting the Alfaguara Sanatorium

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In the ruins of Alfaguara Sanatorium, also known as The Berta Hospital in Spain they tried as many sanatoriums did, to cure tuberculosis. It is said the victims of the white plague are still haunting the ground as well as the founder of the hospital.  

One of the smallest haunted hospitals in Spain is known for its long history of ghost sightings and paranormal activity. This hospital has been abandoned for many years and has become a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.

In Granada there was a sanatorium that was built in 1923 to help with the rising problem of tuberculosis in wartime at the beginning of the 20th century and operated as a hospital until it closed in 1940. 

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

At the hospital’s inauguration the archbishop, the military governor and representatives of the city council of Granada with a large audience helped open the hospital. The furniture was even donated by Queen Victoria Eugenia who served as the president of the Red Cross for Ladies. Later the hospital was abandoned and forgotten except for the ghosts said to roam in the ruins. 

The Old Alfaguara Sanatorium

A sanatorium is an old name for specialized hospitals that were made for specific ailments. They were often built in the countryside with plenty of fresh air in a healthy climate isolated from the outside world. Sanatoriums across Europe and America were very popular to treat tuberculosis until the discovery of antibiotics. 

Tuberculosis was one of the deadliest illnesses in Europe at the turn of the century and was often known as the white plague and is one of the oldest diseases we have proof of.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from old hospitals like Hauntingly Beelitz-Heilstätten Hospital, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital or Hauntings at the Weston State Hospital or the Trans-Allegheny Asylum

It could however also be a place for people to heal from things like alcoholism, nervous diseases like hysteria or emotional exhaustions. After medical advances the use of sanatoriums declined and many were abandoned in the mid 1900s often and has since gained a haunted reputation. 

Trying to Cure Tuberculosis

The Alfaguara Sanatorium was built with the money of a German Lady, Berta Wilhelmi, a philanthropist and was also known as the Berta Hospital. It was built in the area of what is now known as the heart of the Sierra de Huetor Natural Park in the mountain range, surrounded by Mediterranean and pine forest and fresh air in the mountains, something that was especially good for tuberculosis patients. 

Berta Wilhelmi was a businesswoman and philanthropist who had settled in Granada in 1870 when she was a child after moving from Heilbronn, Germany after the family mill had burnt to the ground and they went to Spain to start again. 

She had a brother who was named Luis who passed away from tuberculosis when he was only 12 years old and to cure people from it was close to her heart. 

This is why she invested a huge amount of her personal fortune into building a hospital that could help prevent further death from this disease. 

The Berta Hospital

Together with some doctors they built a new hospital to help with the rise of tuberculosis in the region. Tuberculosis was a dangerous illness at this time and spread fast in the overcrowded time of the early industrialization of the world and the approaching civil war that turned it into an epidemic. 

Most patients didn’t pay for their stay as it was first and foremost a philanthropic project for Berta and those who did pay paid three pesetas for their board at the hospital. 

The small hospital of Alfaguara Sanatorium was made to house 24 patients, and they also made a preventorium to house children in addition later. They stayed in their own pavilion named after Berta’s own son that passed away in 1925. 

She was well known for this type of work, and had also founded schools and was the director for the hospital until her death in 1934. And for the believers of the paranormal, some claim that her ghost is still roaming the place and looking out for it. 

The Ruins of the Hospital

The ruins of the building of Alfaguara Sanatorium are pretty hidden away and are today mostly rubbles and ruins you have to reach by foot up the mountain. 

The rumors say the sanatorium closed down for unknown reasons. What we do know is that the Spanish Civil War was raging at the time and the hospital was very close to one of the fronts and trenches by the Toriles fort near the town of Cogollos.

At one point in 1939 the hospital had more than 60 armed soldiers inside the compound and the scars of the Civil War in Spain are still felt by the nation where thousands of people died for their ideologies.

In the postwar times it was completely abandoned, but has been protected as a part of the forest conservation program of the Natural Park where it is in. 

The Ghosts of the Alfaguara Sanatorium

Today Alfaguara Sanatorium is known as a haunted place that draws hiking ghost hunters to see the ruins for themselves and do an investigation of the place. People that have visited claim to have seen ghostly silhouettes in the ruins and heard voices of the people that used to live there. 

Who are the ghosts that are said to haunt the place? A fact is that many of the tuberculosis patients didn’t make it, and some claim that it is the spirits of the patients taken by the white plague that is haunting the place. 

Considering Alfaguara Sanatorium role in the Spanish Civil War as well, some speculate that there were victims of war that ended their days inside of the hospital.  

Could it be Berta herself who is haunting her old hospital she poured her passion and love into just to see it crumble just a couple of decades after she built it?  

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References:

Se cumplen cien años del sanatorio de la Alfaguara

SANATORIO ANTITUBERCULOSO DE ALFAGUARA – GRANADA

Sanatorio y Dispensario de la Alfaguara – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Road trip through the gloomiest haunted houses in Spain

Berta Wilhelmi y el sanatorio antituberculoso de la Alfaguara | Gomeres

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Cork District Mental Hospital and its Horrible History

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What former asylum doesn’t have a haunted reputation? The Cork District Mental Hospital has gone under many names, but with the same hauntingly horrible reputation where the living conditions, treatments and life of the patients still linger as a dark shadow over the place.

In the heart of County Cork, Ireland, stands a place that has long stirred both curiosity and fear—a site where the echoes of the past reverberate with chilling tales and lingering apparitions. Cork District Mental Hospital, also known by various names like Our Lady’s Hospital, Eglinton Lunatic Asylum, St. Kevin’s Hospital as well as the Irish name, Ospidéal Mhuire has cemented its status as a place where the line between the living and the spectral blurs into the realm of the unexplained.

Cork District Mental Hospital, with its tangled history and evolving identity, has become synonymous with the supernatural and is reportedly haunted according to those that visit the ominous looking building overlooking the river Lee. 

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

In the days when it was known as Eglinton Lunatic Asylum, it served as a place of refuge for those grappling with the unfathomable complexities of the human mind. The halls of the asylum bore witness to countless stories of suffering and despair, as patients sought solace within its walls. As the institution evolved, so did the ghostly legends that became intertwined with its history.

The Asylum with Horrible Living Conditions

It wasn’t just a place of healing though, as the asylum grappled with the same thing a lot of other institutions did, overcrowding being a main factor. Reports done by the inspector of mental hospitals said it was a vermin-infested and dark place, the rooms were dirty and some of the patients were incarcerated after being guilty of nothing and had no reason for being locked up there. 

In the 1930s they reported there were no soap or towels for the patients, and no curtains covering the windows that were covered by plywood instead. There weren’t even toilet seats and the bathroom was dirty. 

Read More: Check out Hauntings at the Weston State Hospital or the Trans-Allegheny Asylum, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital and Poveglia Island — The Most Haunted Place in the World as well.

The patients had to spend their own money and buy washing machines the female patients in one ward could use. In 1937, the Cork Examiner described it as a chapter of horrors and a total disgrace in terms of taking care of patients. 

The Asylum turned to Apartments

Deinstitutionalization heralded the closure of the asylum, marking the end of an era in psychiatric care when it closed its doors in 1992. Some long term blocks remained open until 2009. Even then the conditions were said to have been horrible for the day’s standard. 

The once-imposing structure was transformed into a residential area, its walls no longer holding the tormented souls of its former residents. However, tales of the supernatural lingered on, etching themselves into the collective memory of County Cork.

The Haunting of the Asylum

Even today, as modernity has taken root in the former asylum’s grounds, whispers of apparitions, disturbing sounds, and ungodly atmospheres persist. The stories of those who once sought refuge within these walls refuse to fade away, leaving behind an undeniable aura of unease.

When a devastating fire destroyed much of the building in 2017, people remembered just how dark the story of the old building comes with.  The boundaries between the past and the present blur as they traverse its now-residential streets, allowing the spectral echoes of the institution’s past to wash over them.

People have on several platforms shared their stories about the strange things they encountered when they used to work there, or visited after it was closed. Some things, sounds and sights were just unexplainable and many believe it to be haunted. 

Cork District Mental Hospital, County Cork’s haunting relic, continues to captivate and terrify in equal measure. It stands as a place where history and the supernatural coexist, where the ghosts of the past refuse to rest, and where the unexplained continues to send shivers down the spine of those who dare to explore its shadowy corridors.

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References:

Our Lady’s Hospital, Cork – Wikipedia 

History of St Kevin’s: A mental health institution that incarcerated innocent people in filthy conditions

The ghosts of Eglinton Asylum 

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The Lady in White Haunting the Parador Sigüenza Castle

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It is said that the former castle is haunted by Doña Blanca de Borbón, a French woman who was married off to the lord of the castle in a miserable marriage for them both. She was assassinated in the end and are said to haunt the halls of Parador Sigüenza Castle

Shrouded in mystery and intrigue we find the haunted history of Parador Sigüenza Castle located in the breathtaking landscapes of Guadalajara in Spain, this ancient fortress has witnessed centuries of tumultuous events, leaving behind a trail of ghostly tales and legends. 

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

From the eerie apparitions that wander its dimly lit corridors to the bone-chilling whispers that echo through its grand halls, Parador Sigüenza Castle has become a haven for thrill-seekers and lovers of the supernatural. 

Parador Hotels in Spain

This former castle is now a part of the National Parador Hotel chain that takes historic sites and turns them into hotels you can stay in and experience the rich history of the building. Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. Among the many treasures that the country holds, Parador Hotels stand out as true gems. 

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

These hotels are often housed in historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries, and palaces, offering visitors a chance to experience the past in a truly immersive way. Parador Sigüenza Castle is one such remarkable property, located in the Guadalajara Province in the heart of Spain was transformed into a hotel in the 1970s. 

Parador Sigüenza Castle: Source: José Ibañez/wikimedia

Situated atop a hill, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, this castle-turned-hotel captures the imagination of all who visit. But behind its picturesque facade lies a haunting history that continues to captivate guests and locals alike.

The Guadalajara Province, where Parador Sigüenza Castle is located, is known for its rugged beauty and medieval charm. This region is steeped in history, with ancient castles and fortresses dotting the landscape. 

History of Castle of the Bishops of Sigüenza

The castle of the Bishops of Sigüenza, now the Parador Sigüenza Castle, is one such prominent landmark. The Castle Palace of the Bishops of Sigüenza is so called because it was the official residence of the Bishops until the middle of the 19th century. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it was constructed as a defensive stronghold. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous battles, political upheavals, and personal tragedies, all of which have contributed to its reputation as a place of restless spirits and ghostly encounters.

Throughout the centuries, the castle witnessed numerous battles and sieges, with each event leaving its mark on the fortress. From the War of Spanish Succession to the Napoleonic invasion, the castle endured a series of turbulent times. These historical events have since become intertwined with the castle’s haunted reputation, as the spirits of those who perished during these conflicts are said to still wander its halls.

More than once the guests staying in the hotel have claimed to have seen ghosts. 

The Lady in White of the Castle

One of the most famous ghost stories associated with Parador Sigüenza Castle is the tale of the “Lady in White.” According to witnesses, a ghostly figure dressed in a flowing white gown has been spotted wandering the castle’s corridors late at night. Some believe this apparition to be the spirit of Doña Blanca de Borbón. 

Visitors have claimed to hear disembodied voices, whispers, and footsteps echoing through the empty halls. Some have even captured unexplained orbs and apparitions in their photographs.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Castles and Fortresses

Numerous witnesses have reported seeing the Lady in White, with some claiming to have had direct interactions with her. Visitors have also described peculiar sensations, such as sudden drops in temperature and feelings of being watched. There are also those who claim to have been woken up in their sleep of the clanking of chains coming from the corridor. 

The Tragic Life and Death of Doña Blanca de Borbón

It is believed that the ghost haunting the former castle is that of Doña Blanca de Borbón (1339-1361). She was a French noblewoman and the Queen consort of Castile. According to the tales, Pedro I of Castile incarcerated his wife Doña Blanca in the castle in 1355, to prevent her from serving to aid the nobles who wanted to overthrow him. He was later nicknamed Pedro the Cruel. 

She never wanted the marriage, but was forced by her father as well as the rest of her family to accept her faith. Her husband already had a lover and she was already a widow with no wish for another marriage to a strange man. 

Her husband also did not want to marry her because the King of France had trouble paying for her dowry. But political plots made her and they were wed and their wedding ceremony was held in Valladolid. 

The marriage failed though and she was cast aside only three days into the sham marriage. He abandoned her and fled with his lover instead.

When civil war broke out in Castile though the king ordered her to go into hiding. She decided to leave the place she was confined to and took refuge in a Cathedral to organize her followers and finance her cause in spite of her husband. They were now on opposite sides. She was then confined to the castle for years before being transferred to El Puerto de Santa Maria to prevent her being released to the Aragonese side that was fighting against the Castile. 

She was eventually assassinated by poison by the Castile side, either from the King’s personal doctor or even by an arrow to her heart by a crossbowman that had just become a new warden. She only got to live for 25 years before  being used as a plot for territory amongst two strange nations. Her last words were:  “Tell me Castilla, what have I done to you?”

There are also those thinking that she actually died in the dungeon her husband threw her down in the castle, surrounded by his knights. His method was often with a blow to the head which is also one of the theories. 

It is said that ever since, she has been haunting the castle that she was confined to for years. Sobbing as she is dragging her chains across the floors of the oh so wonderful historic hotel. 

A visit to Parador Sigüenza Castle

Parador Sigüenza Castle stands as a testament to the rich history and supernatural allure of Spain. Its haunted past, filled with tragic love stories and restless spirits, continues to captivate the imaginations of visitors and researchers alike. Her final resting place is said to be one of the towers on the premise you still can visit for a 5 euro ticket. 

Whether you believe in the paranormal or simply appreciate the mystique of ancient castles, a visit to Parador Sigüenza Castle is sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and a newfound appreciation for the enduring power of legends. So, step through its gates, wander its haunted halls, and uncover the secrets that lie within. Just remember, you may not be the only one exploring the castle’s past.

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References:

Dormir con un fantasma en parador de Sigüenza | Guía Repsol

SIGÜENZA | NOCHE EN EL PARADOR, HISTORIA E ITINERARIO PROPUESTO – Donde Finaliza el Norte

El castillo de Guadalajara donde el huésped comparte habitación con un fantasma

Visit Castle of Sigüenza | TCLM

The 10 haunted castles in Spain you must visit – Tourtravel & More

Castillo de Sigüenza – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Blanca de Borbón – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

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The Haunted Mystique on the Cliffs of Wenlock Edge

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From the cliffs rising above the green landscape in Shropshire, England, the Wenlock Edge houses more than one ghost story etched into the limestone of bandits, soldiers and buried treasures. 

A limestone escarpment draped in deciduous woodlands in Shropshire in England and holds the secrets of centuries past—the infamous Wenlock Edge. It is an 18 mile escarpment of grasslands and woodlands with old quarries and lime kilns from the past along the way and is considered one of the wonders of the English midlands because of its important geology as remains to when the midlands had a warmer climate near the Seychelles.

The Wenlock Edge has also been the site of many legends and ghost stories. Immortalized in A. E. Housman’s poetic verses and steeped in legends, this enchanting forest conceals tales of bandits, lost treasures, and spectral echoes that beckon intrepid visitors to tread with caution through its shadowed glades.

Ippikin’s Stolen Fortune

One of the legends told about this place is a ghost who is rumored to guard the buried treasures of a notorious bandit named Ippikin and one of the outcrops of the cliff is called Ippikin’s Rock.

Apparently he was a 13th century knight, and he spent his days raping and pillaging had a base in a cave on Wenlock Edge. A character etched into local lore, Ippikins stolen wealth of gold and precious stones is said to lie concealed beneath the earth, waiting for those bold enough to seek it out. 

The Ghostly Warning of Ippikin

For those who dare to tempt fate, a chilling encounter with Ippikins ghost awaits. Some of the legends also claim that he had the ability to renew his youth every 70 years as well. But one fateful day a bolt of lightning struck the cave and both him, his band of bandits and his treasure came crashing down, trapping their spirit for an eternity. Other versions says it was a rock that came tumbling down and blocking the entrance to the cave. 

A local superstition warns that if a traveler stands upon Wenlock Edge, repeating the incantation “Ippikin, Ippikin, keep away with your long chin,” they risk the spectral intervention of the outlaw. The consequence? A forceful push off the escarpment by the unseen hand of Ippikin himself, ensuring that visitors tread cautiously in this woodland realm.

Ippikins Rock: Thought to be the place were the buried treasure and the bandits hideout cave is located. The Main Crag at Ippikins Rock Ippikins Rock is the name applied to several outcrops of coralian limestone along the length of Wenlock Edge.Source: Richard Law/Wikimedia

Major Thomas Smallman’s Fateful Leap

Wenlock Edge is not only shrouded in the legend of Ippikin but also bears witness to the ghostly presence of Major Thomas Smallman. A Royalist officer during the English Civil War between 1642 to 1651, Smallman faced a dire predicament as Parliamentarian troops closed in while he carried a crucial dispatch to Shrewsbury. 

Rather than surrender, he made a daring choice—to ride his horse off a cliff. The horse met its demise, but miraculously, Smallman survived, caught by the branches of an apple tree and he made his way on foot to Shrewsbury to deliver the despatches. 

Although he survived the fall in the legend, it is said he returned to Wenlock Edge and his dead horse when he did die. The site of this audacious leap is forever known as Major’s Leap, and it resonates with the lingering spirit of a courageous officer and his steed.

The Cliffs of Wenlock Edge

Wenlock Edge stands dappled sunlight and shifting shadows, with the surrounding forest guarding its secrets, allowing the legends of Ippikin and Major Thomas Smallman to echo through the ages. 

Perhaps even hiding hidden treasures as well as stones and fossils of the truly ancient past.

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BBC – Shropshire – places – Legends: Ippikin, the robber knight of Wenlock Edge 

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Coolbawn House and the Lighting Ghost

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Once a servant at Coolbawn House in Ireland was struck by lightning when she was standing by one of the windows and died from it. Ever since, she has been haunting the old mansion that today is only decaying ruins. 

In the quiet beauty of County Wexford, Ireland, Coolbawn House stands as a solemn testament to a bygone era—a haunting reminder of a dark and eerie history that continues to captivate the imaginations of those who dare to venture near. Amidst the crumbling walls and faded grandeur, Coolbawn House harbors a sinister story that has earned it a reputation as one of Ireland’s most haunted places.

The two-story building had a basement and a distinctive T-shaped layout. The house has been vacant since 1883 and saw occasional use in 1911. Unfortunately, it was sold in 1917 and later suffered a fire in 1923, which has left it in ruins.

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

The roof is missing, and there are granite chimney stacks with octagonal shapes. The exterior walls are partially covered in ivy or creeper and have pinnacle-topped piers at the corners. The main entrance features a square-headed door opening with a granite doorcase.

Inside the house, much of it is in ruins, but you can still see remnants of the original structure, including a staircase. The house is surrounded by overgrown grounds, and there are wrought iron railings around the perimeter.

This house is historically significant, designed by Frederick Darley Junior, and represents the early 19th-century architecture of County Wexford. Despite its ruined state, it still holds architectural value.

Beneath its crumbling façade of Coolbawn House lies a history that unfolds like a chilling Gothic tale of a house that was abandoned in 1883.

The Ghost in the Lightning

Before this though, Coolbawn House was a thriving residence. It was during this prosperous era that tragedy struck in a manner both mysterious and ominous. As the story goes, a servant girl was tragically struck by lightning one fateful evening, while she stood near a window that framed the house’s grandeur.

This horrifying incident would forever mark the house and its surroundings with an eerie aura, etching the servant girl’s presence into the very fabric of Coolbawn House. Witnesses have recounted sightings of her apparition, standing by that very window—a spectral figure forever gazing out at the world beyond. 

Still as only ruins, the legend of the ghost of the servant is said to haunt the shell of the window where she once met her end. 

Coolbawn House Today

Today, Coolbawn House’s ruins bear witness to a past filled with both grandeur and darkness as it burnt down in 1923 and now only the shell of it remains, overlooking the Blackstairs Mountains. Like so many stately homes owned by the British it was burned down by the IRA during the Civil War. 

The green is now taking over the stone, reclaiming it to the green with. As the wind whispers through its crumbling chambers and the shadows play tricks on the imagination, the house continues to beckon those who seek to uncover its ghostly mysteries.

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Featured Image: Mike Searle / Coolbawn House (2) / CC BY-SA 2.0 /Wikimedia

Coolbawn House, COOLBAWN DEMESNE, WEXFORD – Buildings of Ireland 

Coolbawn Castle – Cow House Studios 

Coolbawn House | Haunted Wexford, Ireland | Spirited Isle

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The Navarran Prince Haunting the Parador de Olite in Pamplona

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In the former Navarra Kingdom in Spain, there is a former castle that is said to be haunted. The Parador de Olite in Pamplona is said to have a portrait of a prince that is said to be haunted. But it is certainly not the only ghost said to haunt the rooms of the hotel. 

Spain is a country steeped in history and mystery, and what better way to experience it than to stay in a haunted hotel? If you’re a fan of the supernatural, then you’ll want to check out these haunted hotels in Spain. Not only do they offer comfortable lodging and great amenities, but they also come with a bonus: ghosts!

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

A haunted hotel is in a former castle close to Pamplona and is there to fulfill a Navarran medieval fantasy for those wanting to stay at something really old and spectacular.

Part of the Haunted Historic Hotel Chain

This former castle is now a part of the National Parador Hotel chain that takes historic sites and turns them into hotels you can stay in and experience the rich history of the building. Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. Among the many treasures that the country holds, Parador Hotels stand out as true gems. 

These hotels are often housed in historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries, and palaces, offering visitors a chance to experience the past in a truly immersive way.

The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Navarre

The hotel is found in a small town called Olite in a former castle to the Kings of Navarre from the late middle ages. It was the seat of the kingdom from the reign of Charles 3rd the Noble from 1387 until the conquest by Castille in 1512. 

The Kingdom of Navarre was a disputed Basque kingdom on both sides of the western Pyrenees between present day Spain and France. 

After the Kingdom became a part of Castile the palace started to deteriorate and was neglected for years. It also had several damaging fires over the years that took out some of the towers and its interior. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Castles and Fortresses

It wasn’t until 1937 when they started to rehabilitate the castle back to its former glory. But although there are some documents telling how it once used to be, some of the rich history of the castle seems to be lost forever. 

The Ghost of the Prince in the Portrait

Inside of the building there hangs a portrait of the prince and it is said that the light bulb above it is lit at all times, even when the lights in the rest of the castle is turned off. This is the portrait of Carlos de Viana and he is said to be one of the ghosts haunting the place. 

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

The supposed portrait of the prince hangs in the main hall of the Parador. His face looks tortured and depicts his inner turmoil that his life was as he was sent into exile by his own father. 

Prince Carlos was a Navarran prince living in the castle from 1421 to 1461. He was a man of culture and loved music and literature, translating Aristoteles into Aragonese and wrote the chronicles of the Kings of Navarre by himself. 

Because of his interests, he often found himself at odds with his father, John II of Aragon. They were also political enemies and a civil war broke out in 1451 between the father and son because of disputes about who was the rightful heir to the throne as his father had remarried and favored his stepson to take the throne. The son lost the war but it ended in them reconciling and Charles being appointed as the heir to the Navarre Kingdom. 

Although it looked like it ended in peace, Carlos died soon after in Barcelona and many believed that it was his father’s henchmen or even his stepmother who had poisoned him. It is also possible that he died of tuberculosis as he was known to be a sickly man and prone to depression 

The Other Ghosts of the Parador de Olite

There is also a wing in the castle that is said to be haunted by a strange melody. It is said that sad laments and old melodies can  be heard from the ghosts of the castle, still roaming around. It is especially heard in the towers. 

Many believe it is Carlos III the noble who in his afterlife is taking a walk through the castle with his favorite lion named Marzot. He was the grandfather of the prince in the portrait and similar in many ways about how peculiar they were.

It was under his rule that Olite entered a golden age as a city when they built their castle here and took their seat there as ruler when he built what is known as The New Palace. This new royal seat was built on top of the Roman fortification and the Old Palace from the 12th century. 

The ghost and the strange music from the time of the king can also be seen and heard in Galeria del Rey or the Golden Gallery. It is a gallery next to the King’s chamber overlooking the Patio de las Mereras courtyard enclosed by its gothic tracery. 
The strange music that is sometimes heard was copper sheets that hung from chains in the ceiling and vibrated in the wind. 

The Dona Blanca of the Castle

This former castle is also said to have a Women in White ghost that are said to haunt the Parador de Olite by showing herself in the windows. 

In 1866 a Gustavo Adolfo Becquer visited the castle and saw something he thought had to be a ghost. In one of the Gothic windows in the palace he saw a white figure he guessed to be Doña Leonor de Trastámara haunting the place. 

When the sun shines and outlines the battlements with gold, it still seems that the banners can be seen fluttering and the steely helmets throw sparks of fire; when twilight bathes the ruins in a violet and mysterious tint, it still seems that the afternoon breeze murmurs a song moaning between the angles of the minstrels’ tower, and in some gothic window, on whose sill it sways in the breath of air the blue bell of a wild vine, it is believed to see a white and light shape appear for an instant and disappear. 
– Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, about the Castle of Olite in: Notes from a trip through Navarre.

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References:

Navarrese Civil War (1451–1455) – Wikipedia

Charles, Prince of Viana – Wikipedia

Olite Castle – Castles, Palaces and Fortresses

Olite: Su palacio, su fantasma. Pinceladas de su historia – Pontevedra Viva

Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite – Wikipedia

Parador de Olite

Haunted Hotels in Spain

Paradores: Dormir con un fantasma en Olite | Guía Repsol

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Ballinagarde House and the Devil that Came to Visit

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Ballinagarde House is today only ruins, but once it was a stately home with strange ties to the Limerick Hellfire Club that is steeped in mystery. There is also said that the Devil himself came for a visit. 

In its heyday, Ballinagarde House, locally known as The Grange, was a symbol of prestige and social standing, a stately mansion that spoke of its owner’s prominence in society. Built in 1774 in Limerick in Ireland by John Croker, this magnificent residence once bore witness to opulence and affluence, yet its halls now echo with the eerie whispers of history and ghostly legends.

John Croker, the son of the John that built the mansion, was also considered a fair landlord that helped the local community during the Great Famine in Ireland. However, the lasting impression of the Croker family was that they were unpleasant and stubborn folk, especially the next couple of generations.

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

However, like many grand estates, its fate took a dark turn as the weight of financial misfortune and bankruptcy cast a shadow over its future. Over the years, the house dwindled from a majestic abode to a mere shell of its former self—a haunting transformation that mirrors the ghostly tales that surround it until it was abandoned by the Croker family in the 1930s.

When the Devil Came to Visit

When John Croker’s son, Edward took over the mansion however, it all changed. He was not well liked and was known to just spend his days spending his family fortune. It is also said that he was the one that brought the devil back to Ballingarde House.

Edward had encountered a stranger on horseback on his travels and invited him back to the house for dinner. In true Irish fashion they welcomed the weary traveler into their home, offering warmth, sustenance, and the quintessential Irish hospitality.

As the night wore on and the guest succumbed to a deep slumber, a servant was removing the visitor’s boots. 

The legend speaks of the servant’s shock and disbelief as they uncovered a sight that defied all reason—an otherworldly transformation that revealed the unmistakable hooves of the Devil himself. The visitor, it seemed, was no ordinary mortal but a sinister entity in disguise, slipping into the warmth of the house to deceive and bewilder.

Ever since then, locals have told about a mysterious man seen on a horse coming toward the ruins of the house, and there is still a local saying when stating a fact that goes like: “As sure as the devil was in Ballinagarde.”

Not the Only Place for the Legend

Though the tale may seem like a mere folktale or a product of the imagination, it has become an indelible part of Ballinagarde House’s enigmatic history. The spectral echoes of this peculiar encounter resonate through the halls, leaving visitors to wonder whether the legend may hold a grain of truth.

When the Devil came to visit: The story about a visitor turning out to be the devil himself is a story told throughout Ireland, especially from the old mansions, and especially those mansions that have a connection to the Hellfire Club. This was a gentleman’s club in Ireland and Britain, known for its debauchery and interest in the occult.

Actually, the tale of the Devil coming to a grand house only to be revealed because of his hooves is not only told in Bellingarde House. The Hellfire Club in Dublin as well as the haunted Loftus Hall also have very similar stories about this. 

There are even rumors that Edward was in fact a part of the Hellfire Club in Limerick himself and his mansion was the original meeting place. 

Ballinagarde House Today

Today, Ballinagarde House may stand as a ghostly shell of its former glory and is close to a pile of rubble, but its walls remain steeped in history and intrigue. It invites those who dare to explore its eerie confines to uncover the mysteries that shroud this once-grand mansion. 

With legends of diabolical disguises and supernatural encounters, Ballinagarde House continues to be a place where the line between reality and the paranormal blurs, beckoning the curious to delve deeper into its haunting past.

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Ballinagarde House | Haunted Limerick, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Paranormal investigators uncover link to Limerick Hellfire Club 

Ballinagarde House | The World’s Most Haunted | Quotev 

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Parador of Jaen Luxury Hotel in the Haunted Castillo de Santa Catalina

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This haunted Parador of Jaen Luxury Hotel is said to be haunted by more than one ghost. A broken hearted woman haunts the rooms, the ghost of two lovers haunts the ground as well as a fable of a so-called Terrible Lizard man that starved to death haunting the dungeons of the former Castillo de Santa Catalina. 

Spain is a country that is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It’s also known for its haunted hotels. If you are a fan of paranormal activity, staying at a haunted hotel in Spain may be just the thing for you. These hotels have been around for many years and are believed to be haunted by ghosts of the past. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most haunted hotels in Spain that you can stay in and the ghosts that are said to be lingering inside the rooms. Are you brave enough to spend a night in one of these haunted hotels?

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

This particular haunted hotel can be found in the olive oil producing center of Spain, sitting on the Cerro de Santa Catalina looking over the Spanish city of Jaen. 

The Arabic Castle

The Castillo de Santa Catalina was first built in the 8th century as a Moorish castle, they have a long history with bloody battles as well as a tragic ghost story of a woman with a broken heart.

Overlooking the Andalusian landscape and serving local food like the ajoblanco in the distinctive architecture of the province that remains a mix of the arabic, catholic and napoleon architecture of those who were the owners of the castle throughout time. The hotel is also known to serve up some spooky ghost stories.  

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Castles and Fortresses

Now the former Castillo de Santa Catalina and fortress has been reworked to a hotel next to the castle in 1965 where more than one ghost resides inside of the fine hotel rooms and most of the staff working there have a couple of anecdotes about the supposed hauntings that are said to go on. 

The Haunted Historic Hotel

This former castle is now a part of the National Parador Hotel chain that takes historic sites and turns them into hotels you can stay in and experience the rich history of the building. Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. Among the many treasures that the country holds, Parador Hotels stand out as true gems. 

The Haunted Hotel and Castle: Castillo de Santa Catalina, Tarifa, Cádiz in Spain.// Source: Diego Delso, delso.photo, License CC-BY-SA

These hotels are often housed in historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries, and palaces, offering visitors a chance to experience the past in a truly immersive way.

The Broken Hearted Woman in Room 22

One of the rooms of this hotel is said to be Room 22 that turned to room 401 after the hotel had some renovations done. People that have stayed here and local lore claim that this room is haunted by a woman that had her heart broken and ended her life here. 

The room is located in one of the towers in the Castillo de Santa Catalina. When this  haunting was supposed to have happened or started though it is a bit unclear. 

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

One story about her ghosts goes that one night, a guest was staying in the room and claimed to be woken up by someone banging on the door and the sound of a woman crying. He went to the hotel to complain, but no one could really give an answer except for that it might have been a ghost.

Others tell about a strange presence in room 22 and sometimes also Room 23 that are said to disturb in the night and sliding the furniture around, opening suitcases as well as a drop in the temperature and shadows wandering in the room. 

The Muslim Mistress that was too Powerful

Another variation of the legend is that the woman haunting the room is actually the muslim mistress to the lord of the castle, constable of Castile, Miguel Lucas de Iranzo. She is sometimes known as Jasmina It is said she had too big of an influence on the constable and that because of this he was neglecting his duties to the kingdom. It was because of this that King Enrique IV ordered her dead. 

She is now forever haunting the Castillo de Santa Catalina where she was cruelly murdered after a group of men stormed the castle and set her on fire, burning her to death, some claim that she was pregnant.

People have also said to have seen a woman dressed in old Arab clothes in the room and the hallways outside. 

The Ghost of the Lovers

Another ghost story told is the one about the Governor Omar and his wife Zoraida when the castle belonged to the muslims. 
One night, Omar was summoned to town to solve an issue, but didn’t return. His wife went out looking for him that night because she was worried and right outside she found him stabbed to death. 

She hugged him, crying for her lost lover. When his soldier found them, they tried to separate them, but found that the wife had also died, although her tears continued to run down as a stream. The tears eventually formed what is now Caño Quebrado fountain. 

In the local town it is said that on February nights their ghosts have been seen returning together to the castle arm in arm. 

The Paranormal Investigation in Castillo de Santa Catalina

The place was investigated by paranormal psychiatrists in 1984 and found the spirit of the ghost that haunted the room. 
There has also been a well known TV program about ghosts that dedicated an episode to the hotel in 2015. 

Lagarto Terrible Haunting the Dungeons

The heartbroken woman, the Arab mistress and the two lovers are not the only spirits that are said to haunt the hotel. 
In the prison below the Castillo de Santa Catalina there is also a particular ghost that is said to haunt the place. This is the ghost of Lagarto Terrible, or Terrible Lizard, a man who died of starvation when he was imprisoned and is now haunting the place, harmless, but spookily wandering the halls and temporarily possessing guests not paying attention.

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References:

El misterioso parador construido sobre un castillo: un fantasma vaga por la habitación 401

Dormir con un fantasma en Jaén – Castillo de Santa Catalina | Guía Repsol

Parador de Jaén: un hotel de lujo con fantasma

Castillo de Santa Catalina (Jaén) – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Spooky Spain: Paradores’ Haunted Hotels

The 5 most Haunted Places in Spain