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The Dark and Haunted Towers of Zvíkov Castle

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The beautiful Zvíkov Castle in the Czech Republic is thought to be haunted by a demonic imp that resides inside of the old castle towers as well as a residence Lady in White and a hellhound guarding a secret entrance. 

Nestled on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers in the Czech Republic, Zvíkov Castle is a magnificent fortress steeped in history and often called The King of Czech Castles. 

Its majestic towers and formidable walls have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of political intrigue, battles, and conquests that shaped the country. But beneath the Zvíkov Castle’s grandeur lies a darker side, one that is shrouded in mystery and haunted by legends of ghosts, curses, and malevolent spirits. 

The role of Zvíkov Castle in Czech History

Zvíkov Castle has a rich and fascinating history, one that is full of political intrigue, battles, and conquests all the way from the Bohemian Přemyslid dynasty. The castle played a key role in many of the major events that shaped the history of medieval Bohemia, including the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years’ War, and the rise of the Habsburgs.

Zvíkov Castle played a significant role in the history of medieval Bohemia and the Czech Republic. The castle built with water all around was a key stronghold for the Rosenbergs, who were among the most powerful and influential families in the region. It was also a center of political and cultural activity, hosting many of the most important figures of the time.

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During the Hussite Wars, Zvíkov Castle was besieged by Hussite armies, who attempted to storm the castle’s walls. The castle’s defenders held out for several months, but were eventually forced to surrender. The castle was later destroyed by the Hussites, but was rebuilt by the Rosenbergs in the 16th century.

Today, Zvíkov Castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its history, architecture, and legends. The castle’s haunting beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the dark and mysterious side of Europe’s past.

The Imp Haunting the Towers

Zvíkov Castle is renowned for its ghostly sightings and paranormal experiences. Visitors to the castle have reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls, hearing strange noises and footsteps, and feeling cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. Some have even claimed to have been touched or pushed by unseen hands.

One of the ghosts said to be haunting the castle is called the Zvikov’s Imp. He is said to be haunting the ancient tower Markomanka, a tower with mysterious markings or runes in the stones. He has also been reported to haunt another tower called Hlíza or The Black Tower.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from the haunted castles around the world

Stories have been circulating about him for hundreds of years and is known for playing tricks on people like punching, poking, moving their objects or tripping them. 

It is said that people that have visited the castle tell about seeing strange things in their photoes when coming home as well as experiencing technical issues. 

Animals are also said to be affected and have shown bizarre behavior, almost like possessed

This story most likely comes from the stories about the Rarášek from Slavic folklore. Described as a sort of imp or a trickster spirit. The legend of the Zvíkovský rarášek has been told since 1597 when they were doing work in the Markomanka Tower that is also the oldest part of the castle. 

It was said that the workers were driven out from the evil spirit, and that it has since haunted the Throne Room at midnight. 

Dead Within a Year

Another story told about the Zvíkov Castle is that anyone that sleeps over in the main tower is said to die within a year. Perhaps one of the demonic imps more deadly tricks?

Another thing to beware is down in the catacombs of the castle where it is said that bloody hellhounds roam and have been blamed when some hear strange howling in the night. According to the legends there is a secret passage they are guarding from the gothic chapel of St. Anne from the 1200s. 

The Legend of the White Lady

Another one of the enduring legends of Zvíkov Castle is that of the White Lady, a ghostly apparition that is said to haunt the castle’s halls, although she is said to not be as demonic as the other strange occurrences from the castle. 

Many visitors to Zvíkov Castle have reported seeing the White Lady, dressed in a flowing white gown, gliding through the castle’s rooms and appearing in the stairs. Some have even claimed to have heard her weeping and 

Conclusion and final thoughts

Zvíkov Castle is a hauntingly beautiful fortress steeped in history and legend. Its dark past is a testament to the trials and tribulations of medieval Bohemia, and it’s haunted legends continue to intrigue and fascinate visitors to this day. So, gather your courage, and join us on a journey into the heart of one of Europe’s most haunted castles.

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Zvíkov (hrad) – Wikipedie 

A Haunted Czech Castle and its Demonic Imp – Journalnews 

Zvíkov Castle – Wikipedia 

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The Bizarre Story of the Highgate Cemetery Vampire

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The supposed haunted Highgate Cemetery in London left to decay suddenly became the hotspot for paranormal and occult phenomenon in the 1970s, when reports about the Highgate Vampire became a sensation and the hunt for it began. 

Settled in the heart of North London lies a place that’s shrouded in mystery and intrigue – Highgate Cemetery. With its overgrown pathways, eerie Victorian tombs, and gothic architecture, it’s no wonder this place has developed a reputation for being one of the most haunted cemeteries in the world and was certainly one of the most spookiest places in the 60s and 70s. 

From tales of ghostly apparitions to reports of unexplained phenomena, the dark secrets of Highgate Cemetery have captivated the imaginations of many over the years. But what is it about this place that has people so fascinated? 

The Dark History of Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery was opened in 1839 in Camden and quickly became the resting place of choice for wealthy Victorians and has today over 170 000 people buried there. The cemetery was designed by architect Stephen Geary and was intended to be a place where the rich and famous could be buried in style. However, as the years went by, the cemetery fell into disrepair and began to attract a less desirable clientele. 

Highgate Cemetery: The Cemetery was really made to make a more peaceful place to rest compared to the crowded churchyard graveyards. Today, it can seem like we have come full circle.

By the turn of the 20th century, Highgate Cemetery had become a shadow of its former self, with many of its tombs and monuments falling into a state of disrepair.

Famous Graves and their Mysterious Stories

Highgate Cemetery is home to many famous graves, each with its own fascinating story. One of the most famous graves in the cemetery is that of Karl Marx, the father of communism. Marx’s grave is a place of pilgrimage for many socialists and communists, who come to pay their respects to one of the most influential political thinkers of the modern era.

Another famous grave in the cemetery is that of Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Adams’ grave is a popular destination for fans of his work, who often leave tributes and memorials at the site.

Pathways: Green pathways with tombs on each side fills the Highgate Cemetery in London.//Source: Panyd at English Wikipedia

But perhaps the most mysterious grave in Highgate Cemetery is that of Elizabeth Siddal. Siddal was a model and artist who was married to the pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. After her death, Rossetti buried a manuscript of his poems in her coffin. The manuscript was later exhumed, and the poems were published, but were not a commercial success. Her husband was haunted by his action for the rest of his days. 

The Ghosts of Highgate Cemetery

There have been tales about the paranormal surrounding the cemetery for decades. After WW2 the cemetery fell into disarray and had little to no maintenance for a long time. In 1960 and 70s, it was so overgrown and left to decay that it was a perfect setting for horror movies like Taste the Blood of Dracula from 1970 and Tales from the Crypt in 1972. 

There were reports of locals from 1965 about seeing ghosts around the premises. There were especially two different figures that had been seen. One was that of an older woman wearing all white that was haunting the graves, looking after the graves of her murdered children. Another thing that was talked about was the skeleton that was standing guard by the main gate. 

There were also those that told that occult and even satanic rituals were held in the cemetery, people rising from the graves and other strange phenomena that attracted the attention of seekers of the strange and the paranormal. 

The Grey Figures Haunting the Cemetery

Over the years, there have been countless reports of strange sightings and unexplained phenomena at Highgate Cemetery in addition to the strange case of the Highgate Vampire. Many visitors to the cemetery have reported feeling a sense of unease or being watched, while others have claimed to have seen ghostly apparitions moving among the graves.

Seekers of the Paranormal: David Farrant in Highgate Cemetery caught the attention of the media when he claimed something strange was lurking in the cemetery. Was it a ghost? Was it a vampire?

In 1970 there was a man that wrote to the paper about seeing strange figures at the cemetery. On 24th of December he had passed the cemetery and seen what he described as a “gray figure” and asked if people had seen something similar. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from haunted cemeteries around the world.

The man was David Farrant, an investigator for the British Occult Society and in his article headlined: “Why do foxes die?” he claimed that the foxes that had been found dead in the cemetery with their throats slit had been killed by the Vampire. 

Vampire Hunter: Sean Manchester in an interview. He claimed that the supernatural thing in Highgate was a King of Vampires.

People replied and told about many different figures that they had seen that they thought had to be of a supernatural origin. There was one tall man in a hat, a ghost of a cyclist as well as a woman wearing all white that was glaring at them through the bars. Another figure had been seen wading through a pond. 

There was then a man named Sean Manchester that claimed that the gray figures they had seen was that of a vampire practicing black magic and even made a claim that this phenomena they were now witnessing was the King of Vampires from Wallachia, the home of Dracula before having being buried in the cemetery but awakened by satanists. 

Manchester was a bishop of the Old Catholic Church, not related to the Vatican, and a self-proclaimed exorcist as well as a vampire hunter. Soon the two men were on a mission to be the first to stop and capture the vampire and restore the peace of the holy ground of the cemetery. 

The Highgate Vampire Frenzie

The legend of the Highgate Vampire quickly spread, and soon the cemetery was attracting visitors from all over the world who were keen to catch a glimpse of the legendary creature.

Storming: Vampire hunters jumping over fences and gates of Highgate for vampire hunts.

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

Farrand and Manchester both claimed they were the one to get rid of the figure and Manchester said he was going to hold an exorcism in the cemetery the 13th of March in 1970 and they were filmed and interviewed about it. 

After they were shown on TV a mob of people that wanted to see for themselves flooded the cemetery. The police tried to control the masses by locking the gates, but they got over the gates and walls in the chaos. They were armed with stakes and roamed the cemetery to find the vampire and opened graves, beheaded and staked the corpses. 

Despite the fact that the vampire was never actually seen, the legend had a profound effect on the cemetery. Over the years, Highgate Cemetery has become synonymous with the supernatural, and many people believe that the cemetery is haunted by the ghosts of those who were buried there.

The Finding of the Staked Body

Months later the case was still widely discussed. On August 1st, a woman’s body was found headless and burnt close to the catacomb by two school girls. It was the body of a woman that had died a 100 years ago, been dragged from her coffin and staked through the heart before being left on the pathway. The police suspected she had been used in some sort of black magic ritual. 

When the police were searching the next couple of days, they found Farrant wandering around in the churchyard next to the cemetery with a crucifix and a wooden stake on the 17th of August.

He had gathered his Society to do an exorcism by holding a seance. He tried to run for the exit when the police arrived, but was caught and arrested, but when the case came to court it was dismissed. 

From BBC 24 Hours in Oct 1970 after Ferrant was aquitted.

It was not the last time Manchester visited Highgate Cemetery either. According to him his psychic helper guided him to a family vault where they broke open the door. He claims he lifted the lid of one of the coffins that he thought didn’t belong in the vault and had mysteriously been moved there from another catacomb. 

Right before he was about to stake the body in the coffin, another one of his helpers stopped him. He reluctantly listened and left garlic and incense in the vault before they exited out from the vault. 

After the Media Circus Died Down

Both Farrant and Manchester kept the legends about the strange satanic things going on at Highgate Cemetery, long after the other moved on. 

Farrant was arrested and jailed in 1974 for vandalism and desecration of the graves and the dead at the cemetery. He kept insisting that it was the work of Satanist’s and not him. He was also involved in politics and ran as the sole candidate for the Wicca Workers Party. His cases were for free nudity and sex as well as establishing state brothels. He was less keen on communism which he wanted to ban as well as leaving the EU Common Market. 

Their feud about what happened at Highgate Cemetery until Farrant died in 2019. They even challenged each other to a “Magician’s Duel” that was supposed to take place on Parliament Hill on Friday 13th in 1973, although that never happened. 

There were rumors that the two were going to sacrifice a cat in front of naked virgins. When a man’s cat never returned home one day after this, Farrant was persecuted by the RSPCA and the media as they thought he was behind the disappearance of the man’s beloved pet. 

Later he did sue News of the World for him being portrayed as a cat killer. And for the RSPCA inspectors, he sent them voodoo dolls with pins stuck in their heads, as well as two of the police officers that were involved in the arrest in 1974.

Staking the Vampire of Highgate Cemetery

Manchester on his end continued to write blog posts about Farrant, illustrating paintings of him looking like a demon and said he had a narcissistic personality disorder. 

On his quest to rid London of what he called the King of Vampires, he claimed to have tracked it down to a house in Crouch End. There he had staked the vampire and burnt the body, finally ridding them of the vampire tormenting Camden Town. 

Dracula A.D 1972 were inspired by the bizarre events:

Trailer for the movie Dracula AD 1972 that were supposedly inspired by the events that happened at Highgate around that time.

Behind the Hunt for Media Attention

What really happened in Highgate Cemetery is up for speculation. How much occult rituals and pagan sex parties with the devil really did happened or was blown up in the media’s satanic panic headlines is uncertain.

Today we don’t really hear much about vampires or ghosts from the cemetery other than hardcore paranormal investigators or curious tourists that wants to have a look at what it’s all about. Because who really knows, it is certainly not the first, nor the last cemetery were a vampire is rumoured to roam.

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References:

Featured Image: Nick Garrod/Flickr

Highgate Cemetery – Wikipedia

Highgate Vampire – Wikipedia 

The strange tale of the Highgate vampire 

The hunt for a vampire in Highgate Cemetery that led to a real magician feud – MyLondon 

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The Drummer of Tedworth

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The story of the Drummer of Tedworth has often been called the first poltergeist in England that has been reported on in writing and the mystery surrounding it stands to this day. 

In March 1661 a man named John Mompesson sued a drummer called William Drury whom he meant made money under false pretenses. Drury was a traveling showman, drumming, juggling, dancing and other forms of “hocus pocus” up and down the entire country. 

Mompesson visited Ludgershall in Wiltshire when he met Drury who banged his drums and begged for money, annoying the people in the town so much that Mompesson took the case into his own hands and turned him in.  

He accused Drury for having false documents that allowed him to drum for cash and decided to sue him. Mompesson won the trial and Drury got his drum confiscated, something that Mompesson would regret dearly after. 

Drury was believed to be a sketchy type of man according to the finer folks in town. He was thought to be hanging out with a group of gypsies and there were rumors that he was involved in witchcraft. Something he would be forever remembered as, long after the drumming ended. 

The Haunted Drumming

Mompesson traveled back home and something strange awaited him there. The drum that were confiscated from Drury, ended up at his doorsteps the following April that year. It was then the strange banging noise started to haunt him. During the night he kept hearing the sound of drums and Mompesson was certain it was witchcraft from Drury. 

The drumming came from everywhere, from the walls, the ground, even from the roof. One night, Mompesson drew his pistol, chasing the sound like a madman, sleep deprived and scared of the haunting of his house. 

“The noise of thumping and drumming was very frequent, usually five nights together, and then it would intermit three. It was on the outside of the house, which is most of it board. It constantly came as they were going to sleep, whether early or late. After a month’s disturbance without, it came into the room where the drum lay, four or five nights in seven, within half an hour after they were in bed, continuing almost two. The sign of it, just before it came was … an hurling in the air above the house, and at its going off, the beating of a drum like that at the breaking up of a guard….”

A month passed and the sound of drums seemed to move from the room where the drum was placed into the childrens bedroom. The bedframes of the childrens bed were beaten, and they kept hearing a scratching sound from under their beds, leaving them shaken and frightened in their beds. 

The Drummer of Tedworth: The devil and the drum, from the frontispiece to the third edition of Saducismus Triumphatus (1700).

The only break the family got from the alleged poltergeist was when Monpessons wife was in labor and the house stopped its drumming beat as she gave birth. But afterwards it came back, even more than before. 

It wasn’t just the drumming sound that haunted the house. Lights kept moving around without anybody touching them, staff and family members alike were lifted from their beds, and weird smells of sulfur came from everywhere and nowhere. And it wasn’t even only at nighttime the hauntings occurred either, but even in broad daylight. 

One time a servant claimed to have seen a moving board in the room. He asked the spirit to pass it to him, and the spirit listened. Then, they continued to throw it between them, back and forward around 20 times until the servant stopped after his master ordered him to. 

This continued for the next two years and the sound of drumming grew louder, not only confined to the house, but nearby villagers were woken from the spectacle from the house as well. And even visits from a priest didn’t help with the hauntings in the long run. 

The Drummer William Drury

So what happened to the original drummer, William Drury? He was arrested and sentenced to deportation in 1662. He confessed to the crimes of tormenting Mompesson and his family and being behind the paranormal stuff happening. But before he was deported and could be charged for any more, he escaped deportation and fled. 

But in 1604, he was brought back to court, this time because of witchcraft were he would once again be trialed as The Drummer of Tedworth. He was acquitted because of the lack of evidence, but because of a prior pig stealing debacle he was sentenced for theft and sent to the American colonies, never to be heard of again. 

The Book of Witchcraft

It was not only Mompesson himself that heard these drumming noises, but also his visitors claimed to have been bothered by the sounds. 

Joseph Glanvil published in 1681 a book of witchcraft after his death called Saducismus Triumphatus where the story of the Drummer of Tedworth is detailed. This was a book where he affirmed the existence of witches and dark magic and looked at any skepticism of this like blasphemy. It is also said that this particular book was a big inspiration and influenced the people during the Salem witch trials. 

In 1661 he visited Mompesson’s house in Tedworth in Wiltshire, England and heard the sounds himself. He also claimed to have heard additional scratching noises under a bed in the children’s room. 

Speculations of Fraud

There have been countless people that have tried to debunk the story of The Drummer of Tedworth since it was first heard of. Charles Mackay wrote about it all being a trick of the mind in Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds in 1841. Instead of it being a poltergeist at work it was simply Mompesson who was easily deceived by someone holding a grudge, something Drury himself confessed to. 

 In 1881 the American skeptic Amos Norton Craft said this about The Drummer of Tedworth: 

We are to remember also, that the house of Mr. Mompesson contained several servants who doubtless possessed a good degree of human nature; Mr. Mompesson had caused the arrest and imprisonment of a member of a band of gypsies, who were intensely enraged at him

Even Mompesson’s own children were believed to be behind the drumming noises and the culprit of The Drummer of Tedworth, especially his ten year old daughter as much of the mysterious sound came from her bedroom. 

“Mr. Mompesson perceiving that it so much persecuted the little children, he lodged them at a neighbor’s house, taking his eldest daughter, who was about ten years of age, into his own chamber, where it had not been a month before. As soon as she was in bed, the disturbance began there again, continuing three weeks drumming, and making other noises, and it was observed that it would exactly answer in drumming anything that was beaten or called for. After this, the house where the children were lodged out, happening to be full of strangers, they were taken home, and no disturbance having been known in the parlor, they were lodged there, where also their persecutor found them, but then only plucked them by the hair and night clothes without any other disturbance….

The Last Drumming Sound

So how did it all end for the family? Apparently it ended after Drury was sent away to the colonies and the drum burnt to a crisp. And the house, after two years of intense drumming by whoever the The Drummer of Tedworth was, go quiet again. 

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References

Drummer of Tedworth – Wikipedia 

The Drummer of Tedworth: Britain’s First Poltergeist – Burials & Beyond

The Drummer of Tedworth: a Halloween tale of witchcraft, demons and an extremely noisy ghost | Special Collections and Archives / Casgliadau Arbennig ac Archifau

https://www.jstor.org/stable/1917046?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Drummer of Tedworth | Encyclopedia.com

Curse Of The Demon Drummer Of Tedworth | Spooky Isles

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The Actress Lola Membrives Haunting Madrid’s Teatro Lara

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It is said that a former actress, Lola Membrives, never left the stage, not even after her death. She is said to be haunting the Teatro Lara in Madrid where she had her time in the spotlight she never wanted to leave. 

Step inside Madrid’s historic Teatro Lara, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. This stunning theater has been a mainstay of the Spanish capital’s cultural scene since the 19th century, and its ornate interiors and plush red velvet seats are enough to transport any visitor back in time. But as enchanting as the theater may be, there’s a darker side to its history that many don’t know about. 

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

Over the years, rumors have circulated about ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained happenings within the theater’s walls. Some say that the spirits of long-dead actors still haunt the stage, while others believe that there’s something even more sinister lurking in the shadows. In this article, we’ll delve into the mysterious world of Teatro Lara and explore the eerie secrets that lie hidden within its ornate facade. 

History of Teatro Lara

Teatro Lara is one of Madrid’s oldest and most renowned theaters. It was built in 1880 by Don Candido Lara, and it has been a cultural icon of the city ever since. The theater has undergone several renovations over the years, but it has managed to maintain its original charm and grandeur. It is also nicknamed La Bombonera.

During its early years, Teatro Lara was a popular venue for music, dance, and theater performances. It was the go-to place for Madrid’s high society, and it hosted many famous actors and artists of the time. 

Haunted Theater: On Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo, barrio de Malasaña in Madrid, Spain is the supposed haunted Teatro Lara, who is haunted by a former actress.//Source: Zarateman/wikimedia

The small theater had a selected audience of elitist and prestigious people from the upper class and the bourgeois and focused on quality actors and big premiers.

However, as the years went by, the theater’s popularity started to decline in the 1980s and the economic crisis of the time, and it fell into disrepair when it had to close temporarily.

It wasn’t until 1994 that Teatro Lara was resurrected as a prominent cultural institution in Madrid. The theater underwent a major renovation, and it was restored to its former glory. Today, Teatro Lara is once again a hub for theater, music, and dance performances, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Ghost Sightings and Experiences of Visitors

Over the years, many visitors to Teatro Lara have reported strange sightings and experiences. Some have claimed to have seen ghostly figures wandering the halls, while others have heard unexplained noises and footsteps. There have also been reports of doors opening and closing on their own, and of objects moving without explanation.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about haunted theaters like The Mysterious Ghost Stories of The Haunted Dock Street Theater, The Ghost of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Friendly Ghost Octavia at Den Nationale Scene or The Legend of the Phantom of Opéra Garnier

Despite its illustrious history, Teatro Lara has a reputation for being haunted. There have been many reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena within the theater’s walls. 

There are many theories behind the ghostly activity at Teatro Lara. Some believe that the spirits of long-dead actors still haunt the theater, while others think that there’s something even more sinister at play. Some believe that the theater’s history of tragedy and sadness has created a powerful energy that attracts spirits and ghosts.

Whatever the reason behind the ghostly activity at Teatro Lara, one thing is certain – the theater has a rich and fascinating history that continues to captivate visitors to this day.

One of the most famous ghost stories associated with Teatro Lara involves the spirit of an actress named Lola Membrives.

The Ghost of Lola Membrives

Lola Membrives is one of the most famous actresses in Spanish theater history, and her legacy is still felt today. She was born in Argentina in 1885, and she made her stage debut in 1904 in Madrid at the Teatro Apolo and according to the legend, she never left the stage since, even in her afterlife.

Lola Membrives was a regular performer at Teatro Lara during the early 20th century, and she became a favorite among Madrid’s high society together with Margarita Xirgu, another actress of the time.The theater even has a room named after her today. 

The Ghost of Lola Membrives: The former actress that used to perform on the Teatro Lara is thought to haunt the place after her death.

She was known for her eccentric personality, and she was often seen wearing extravagant costumes and jewelry. Despite her success, Lola Membrives had a tragic personal life. She was married several times, and she suffered from depression and alcoholism.

However, tragedy struck in 1969 when Lola Membrives passed away in Buenos Aires. Many believe that her spirit still lingers within the theater, and that she can be seen wandering the halls and the stage during performances.

Workers, actors and operators claim to have felt her presence through doors slamming or blackouts in the theater, showing her dissatisfaction when an event or play she doesn’t like premieres. 

One of the most haunted areas is the dressing room, where Lola Membrives used to prepare for her performances. Visitors have reported feeling a strange energy in the room, and some have claimed to have seen Lola Membrives’ ghost sitting at her dressing table.

People also claim to have heard her singing voice when the theater is empty and the stage lights are off. And according to the rumors, there are also people that have seen her ghost in Argentina as well, still haunting the Buenos Aires Multiteatro.

When the Curtain Goes Down on Stage

Teatro Lara is a remarkable theater with a rich and fascinating history. From its ornate interiors to its ghostly legends, the theater continues to captivate visitors to this day. 

Whether you’re a fan of theater, history, or the paranormal, Teatro Lara is a must-visit destination in Madrid. So why not take a journey back in time and discover the ghostly secrets of this iconic theater for yourself? Who knows what you might find lurking in the shadows…

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References:

El Teatro – Madrid

Teatro Lara – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Lola Membrives – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

https://books.google.no/books?id=dypyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT215&lpg=PT215&dq=Teatro+Lara+fantasma&source=bl&ots=-RM58fC8aG&sig=ACfU3U0FHsYqhhY1JQaq31t8SRsckRYFhA&hl=no&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWhbu1sKz_AhVXS_EDHQ-LCi8Q6AF6BAgXEAM#v=onepage&q=Teatro%20Lara%20fantasma&f=false

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The Many Ghosts of The Langham Hotel in London

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In this luxury hotel in London, there have been talks about ghosts for many decades now. From a murderous doctor, a German Prince and even Napoleon III himself, there are many guests at the hotel who never checked out from The Langham Hotel in London. 

For over 150 years, The Langham Hotel in London has been a beacon of luxury and elegance, hosting some of the world’s most famous guests. However, behind the glamorous façade lies a darker side to the hotel’s past, one that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. 

From unexplained sightings to eerie noises and unexplained occurrences, The Langham’s reputation as a paranormal hotspot has grown over the years, attracting thrill-seekers and ghost hunters from all corners of the world. Join us as we delve into The Langham’s mysterious past and uncover the secrets that lie within its walls. 

The History of The Langham Hotel

The Langham Hotel is an iconic hotel located in the heart of London. Built in 1865, it was the largest and most luxurious hotel in the city at the time with its Florentine palace style with over 500 rooms. 

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Haunted Hotels

The Langham Hotel was the first hotel to have hydraulic lifts, air conditioning, and hot and cold running water in every room. It was also the first hotel to offer a full-service restaurant, which quickly became one of the most popular dining spots in London.

The Langham Hotel: The old hotel in London houses some very famous ghosts, and especially the room 333 is said to be the most haunted and both guests and staff tries to avoid to stay in the room.//Source: Wikimedia

It used to be owned by the BBC after it was damaged after WW2 and many of the ghostly sightings were done by some of the broadcaster and company staff. 

Over the years, The Langham Hotel has hosted some of the world’s most famous guests, including royalty, celebrities, and politicians. However, behind the hotel’s grandeur lies a darker side to its history. The Langham Hotel has been the site of numerous paranormal incidents over the years, with many guests and staff members reporting unexplained sightings, eerie noises, and unexplained occurrences.

When the Cricket Team Fled the Hotel

It was so bad that in 2014 there were reports that the British National Cricket Team refused to stay in the rooms with their partners they were given at the hotel, because it was supposedly so haunted. As they told the Daily Mail:

“It was so hot in the room I just couldn’t sleep. All of a sudden the taps in the bathroom came on for no reason. I turned the lights on and the taps turned themselves off. Then when I turned the lights off again the taps came on. It was very weird.

It really freaked me out. I ended up asking to move rooms. Bealey (Broad’s girlfriend) was pretty spooked, too, and I know Moeen Ali’s other half won’t stay there because she’s so frightened of the ghosts.

Ben Stokes has had some problems sleeping as well. He’s on the third floor, which is where a lot of the issues are. I’m telling you, something weird is going on.” 

The Haunted Room – Room 333

Room 333 is one of the most famous rooms at The Langham Hotel, with many guests and staff members reporting unexplained occurrences in the room and is a place said people try to avoid. The room is said to be haunted by a Victorian doctor who murdered his wife before killing himself in the room.

Guests staying in Room 333 have reported hearing unexplained noises, feeling a cold breeze, and seeing ghostly figures throughout the night. Some guests have even reported waking up to find their belongings moved or the room rearranged.

The Langham Hotel has embraced the room’s haunted reputation and now offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations for guests who want to experience the room’s paranormal activities for themselves.

The Famous Paranormal Incidents at The Langham Hotel

One of the most famous paranormal incidents at The Langham Hotel occurred in 1973 when a BBC radio producer, James Alexander Gordon, was staying in Room 333. He reported seeing a ghostly figure of a man standing at the foot of his bed. The figure was wearing Victorian evening dress and had no face. According to Gordon, the figure disappeared as soon as he turned on the light.

Another famous incident occurred in 2014 when a guest staying in Room 333 reported seeing a ghostly figure standing at the foot of her bed. She described the figure as a man wearing a top hat and Victorian clothing. The guest also reported feeling a cold breeze and hearing unexplained noises throughout the night.

These are just two of the many paranormal incidents that have occurred at The Langham Hotel over the years, with guests and staff members reporting unexplained sightings and eerie noises throughout the hotel.

The Ghostly Sightings of Famous Guests

The Langham Hotel has hosted some of the world’s most famous guests over the years, including Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, and Princess Diana stayed there several times.

Napoleon III: Charles-Louis Napoléon Bonaparte; 1808 – 1873 is said to haunt Room 312.

Dickens claimed in 1879 in his guide book that it was the most expensive hotel meal in London that charged 14/6d (or 72½p) for a bedroom, breakfast with coffee and cold meat, and dinner with soup and meat. But for large dinner parties, there was nowhere else to go.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was also one of the frequent hotel guest, and Doyle used the hotel as the setting for several Sherlock Holmes stories.

However, some of these guests have reportedly never left the hotel and are said to haunt its halls to this day.

One of the most famous ghostly sightings at The Langham Hotel is that of Emperor Napoleon III, who is said to haunt Room 312. According to legend, Napoleon III stayed at The Langham Hotel in 1870 while in exile. 

He died in 1873, but his spirit is said to have never left the hotel. Guests staying in Room 312 have reported seeing his ghostly figure standing at the foot of their bed as well as loitering down in the basement area.

The German Prince by the Window

Another high ranking ghost said to haunt the hotel is said to be of a German prince who jumped from a window on the 4th floor. 

This ghost is said to have been seen by the BBC announcer, Ray Moor. He described the ghost as a big guy with short hair and a military jacket that was buttoned up to the neck. 

This ghost is said to also be the most active ghost at Langham Hotel and is seen walking in the early morning through the doors. It is also said that he enjoys hanging out in Room 333.

The Other Ghosts Haunting

But there are not only high ranking military or royals or murderous doctors said to haunt the hotel. There are also seen a butler wandering around in the corridors wearing holey socks as well as a man with a gaping wound on his face. 

There is also said a footman in blue with a powdered wig is roaming in the halls that creates a sudden drop in temperature. 

A Stay at the Most Haunted Hotel

The Langham Hotel has been the site of numerous paranormal investigations over the years, with ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts flocking to the hotel to experience its haunted reputation for themselves.

The hotel has even been featured on numerous TV shows, including Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures, which have documented the hotel’s paranormal activities.

The Langham Hotel’s mysterious past and paranormal reputation add to its allure and make it one of London’s most fascinating and intriguing hotels. 

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References:

England cricketers seek change from their ‘haunted’ London hotel – The Hindu 

Room 333: The Most Haunted Hotel Room in London | HuffPost Life 

Our History | Luxury Hotel in West End | The Langham, London 

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The Haunted Dungeon at Rosenkrantz Tower

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The Rosenkrantz Tower in Bergen Norway is one of the oldest buildings still standing and was once the house for kings. Today it is used as a museum and perhaps they also have some of the oldest ghosts still lingering in the dungeon. 

On the old dock in Bergen city you mostly find old buildings dating all the way back to the middle ages when Bergen was the capital in Norway throughout the city’s time as a Hanseatic trading city. Today the fortress the Rosenkrantz Tower is a part of a museum and is considered one of the most important renaissance monuments in Norway. 

One of the old buildings is Rosenkrantz Tower, which still is one of the taller buildings in the city and was once known as “The Castle by the Sea” as it used to be a residence for kings when Bergen was the capital in Norway. 

The Kings Tower

Rosenkrantz Tower was originally built for the king Magnus Lawmender in 1270 and a lot of the original building can still be seen today. King Magnus Lawmender got his nickname after working extensively on the laws in his country, and much of today’s Norwegian constitution comes from his work. 

After the capital in Norway was moved to Oslo and Norway became a part of the Danish kingdom, the keep the tower is part of lost its importance as a royal seat, but was still used as a military keep.

Although the cannons in Rosenkrantz Tower have only been fired one day during war in 1665, the tower has seen its fair share of war. In 1944 during world war two the Rosenkrantz Tower was heavily damaged when a cargo ship with explosives exploded right outside. The upper floors collapsed, but the foundations of the tower still remained, like the dungeon in the tower. And deep down in the darkness of the dungeon in the tower, some former prisoners are said to still linger. 

The Haunted Dungeon

The dungeon in Rosenkrantz Tower was added on to the tower around 1500 and the final tower as we see it today was finalized in the 1560s by Erik Rosenkrantz who was a governor of Bergen Castle during a time when Norway was under Danish reign. He was at the time one of the wealthiest men in Denmark-Norway and work on the tower was done by Scottish builders, explaining the Scottish look from the time. 

The

The dungeon served as a prison where they kept the prisoners who were considered to be very violent and often some of the poorest. These are the prisoners that are rumored to be still haunting the dungeon. 

An architect named Peter Blix reported in 1884 that old people living at the time still remembered the last prisoner in the cell in Rosenkrantz Tower. So perhaps the dungeon was used in the early 19th century? 

You can walk inside of the tower and follow the hollowed and wobbly stairs down to the basement where you can barely stand up straight. The cells are small and the only light is from the cracks in the walls. Still to this day you can see claw marks from the prisoners that were confined into the dark small cells when it was used from the 16th to the 19th century. 

The irony of it all is that so many of the prisoners were convicted by the laws that the original builder, King Magnus Lawmender, made during his reign just a couple of floors above the dungeon they are forever kept. 

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Featured photo: Wikimedia/Rüdiger Stehn

The Most Haunted Places in Bergen 

Rosenkrantztårnet – Lensherrenes slott i Bergen sentrum – Bymuseet

The Bergen Map | Rosenkrantztårnet

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The Cursed Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona

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Built on supposedly cursed ground, this theater in Barcelona has faced many tragedies. After several fires trying to close the doors of Gran Teatre del Liceu, people have come to believe that the building is haunted possibly by a curse they have no idea how to break. 

Spain is known for its ancient theaters and the stories of ghosts that haunt them. Many people have reported sightings of strange figures and other paranormal activities in these theaters that just don’t want to let the past go.

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

The haunted theaters in Spain are an interesting subject to explore. They offer a glimpse into the history of the country as well as a chance to explore the supernatural world. From tales of ghostly apparitions to mysterious sounds and unexplainable events, these theaters have something for everyone who is interested in exploring the unknown.

Oftentimes, the cursed places call for attention to the places history, and the street where this cursed theater is located, has a long one. 

The Bustling La Rambla in Barcelona

All the way since the middle ages La Rambla has been a center of Barcelona’s urban life with markets, festivals and sports as well as more serious and sinister things. 

The Haunted Gran Teatre del Liceu: The theater in Barcelona is thought to be built on cursed ground and have gone through many difficulties and mysterious incidents.

According to legend, this old theater in Barcelona was built upon cursed ground in 1847. During the middle ages, it is said that the place was used for executions and was therefore haunted and cursed. 

What we do know is that the gallows in La Rambla, las forca de la Rambla were placed by the entrance to La Boqueria on the same street right around the corner from where the theater is today.

Gran Teatre del Liceu – the Oldest Running Theater in Town

The Grand Theatre of the Lyceum is usually only known as El Liceu located on La Rambla and is the oldest running theater in Barcelona and from its opening  until 1989 the Liceu was the largest opera house in Europe that could seat 2 338 people.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about haunted theaters like The Mysterious Ghost Stories of The Haunted Dock Street Theater, The Ghost of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Friendly Ghost Octavia at Den Nationale Scene or The Legend of the Phantom of Opéra Garnier

The theater was built in an unused Monastery and ended up being associated with the aristocracy and upper-middle class. This also drew people to the theater that wanted to end the upper class regime. 

The Killed Monks in the Ground

Long before it turned into a theater, the place was an abandoned convent. The Virgen de la Buena Monastery of the Trinitarian order was built in 1662. 

The Trinitarian order was begun for their mission to free christian that were in captivity by muslims. This was a time with many crusades to the middle east and Spain were also overtaken several places south in Spain by muslims.

There is also a legend that it was the place where there was a convent there with Trinitarian monks that were killed during a riot that happened there. The dead monks were buried under the ground where they were killed. 

Whether this legend is true, is uncertain, but there certainly were riots happening in Barcelona that targeted religious buildings. When there was riots in Barcelona in 1835, the convent was lit on fire and burned and the monks left the place. 

The Trinitarian convent building was then rebuilt into the theater. No matter if the story of the execution grounds or the murdered monks are true, it is used as a base to explain the legend that the theater is cursed and the reason why the building has seen so many tragedies over the years.

The Many Fires in the Cursed Theater

The first major tragedy that happened was when the building was severely damaged by a fire in 1861 that started in the tailor workshop, the people blamed it all on the curse. Was perhaps it from the curse of the monks? Were they fed up by the celebration of something so pagan like the carnival? Were their graves disturbed when they built the building?

It was in the middle of the carnival celebrations and everyone wore masks and it could have been anyone. Among the smoking ruins the police found an ominous note that said: An owl I am, alone I am. If you build it again, I’ll burn it again. 

Could it just be a paper from the many plays in the building? could it be something more ominous and connected to the curse?
Despite the warnings, they quickly rebuilt the opera house and opened again on 9th of April 1861. Only the facade, the entrance hall and the foyer called Mirrors Hall remained from the old theater and the building awaited its curse to hit once again. 

The Bombing of the Anarchist

In 1893 tragedy struck again when 20 people died as they were killed by an anarchist named Santiago Salvador. He threw two Orsini bombs into the stalls and watched it all explode and the bombing shocked Barcelona and became a symbol of the turbulent time of social unrest the country was in.

The theater opened again on 18th of January in 1894, but the seats that those who were killed in the bombing were not used for many years after this. 

Could we really put this terrorist act on the supposed curse of the building? 

The Last Fire of the Theater

In 1994 the building burned to the ground because of another fire. Apparently it happened when a spark accidentally fell on the curtain during a respiration. The theater was once again being rebuilt in 1999 with new and improved facilities. 

During the almost 30 years since its last reopening the theater has had no more damaging scandals and the building has remained intact. 

Is the curse now lifted, or will the place in fact burn down once again? There is an additional legend about the place. During the riots, the nearby convent of Mount Sion shared the same fate as the Trinitarian monastery. According to the legend, the prioress had a ring that was buried in the foundations of the new theater and cast a curse upon the place. 

It is said that the danger will continue to loom over the theater until someone finds the ring of the prioress of Mount Sion in the foundations, and as of yet, there are no one that has found it.  

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References:

La maldición del Liceo

La eterna maldición del Liceu de Barcelona

Estos son los conciertos del Primavera que puede ver gratis (por streaming)

Walking the city. Barcelona as an urban experience

A Brief History of Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona

https://books.google.no/books?id=1t-sDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT195&lpg=PT195&dq=las+forca+de+la+Rambla&source=bl&ots=yhJMDSDGsQ&sig=ACfU3U0TnxC7xEwSZxH4t05q5yaXdof5Yg&hl=no&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOzK2qkKz_AhUa6CoKHWNIAb8Q6AF6BAgfEAM

13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

Haunted and Mysterious Places in Barcelona | 19 Local LegendsLiceu – Wikipedia

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The Murder Haunting the Teatro Eslava in Madrid

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After a gruesome murder at the Teatro Eslava in Madrid, it is said that the ghost of one of the playwrights is haunting the backstage of the theater. Strange sounds and shadows backstage together with the theater’s dark past have made people believe it has been cursed ever since. 

Spain is known for its rich culture, beautiful architecture and fascinating stories. One of the most interesting stories about Spain are the tales of haunted theaters and their ghosts. From the 16th century to modern times, these theaters have been a source of mystery and intrigue for locals and tourists alike.

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

The stories of hauntings in these theaters range from mysterious lights that appear on stage to strange noises heard backstage. While some believe that these are just urban legends, others believe that there is something more to these tales than meets the eye. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing is certain – haunted theaters in Spain will always be a source of fascination and mystery.

Teatro Eslava Turned into a Haunted Nightclub

Today the Teatro Eslava in Madrid, Spain is used as a nightclub as well as a concert venue that opened in 1981 as a part of the Madrid Movement. It is found between Puerta del Sol and Opera and is therefore in one of the most central spaces in the capital.
In 2020 it closed with everything else and underwent a major renovation. So when it reopened in 2022 it was ready to welcome live musicians, clubbing with dj’s and flamenco dinner shows.

The Haunted Teatro Enslava: The facade of the Teatro Enslava in Madrid, Spain. It is believed that the old theater is haunted by a former playwright that was murdered by a colleague.//Source: Luis García

The Old Theater Salon Eslava

Located on Calle del Arenal, it first opened up as a theater in 1872 and was called Salon Eslava that could house a thousand people. It became a very popular theater that experimented with different genres like Zarzuela, a Spanish musical theater form with spoken dialogue, singing and orchestra.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about haunted theaters like The Mysterious Ghost Stories of The Haunted Dock Street Theater, The Ghost of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Friendly Ghost Octavia at Den Nationale Scene or The Legend of the Phantom of Opéra Garnier

In the 1920s the theater housed many of the celebrated and much discussed bohemian writers at the time. 

The Murder of the Playwright

In 1922 and 23 there were two playwrights that were fighting over their chance to get their writings on stage. One was Alfonso Vidal y Planas who was described as a bohemian and an unbalanced author. The other playwright, Luis Anton de Olmet from Bilbao came and wanted his play to premiere first. And so the first argument happened. 

Alfonso Vidal y Planas was the first to premiere though, but his play was a failure. He was sure that Luis Anton de Olmet had something to do with that and had sabotaged it somehow. So when the play by Luis Anton de Olmet was about to premiere, Alfonso Vidal y Planas showed up to the Teatro Eslava for revenge. 

Not only did they argue about the work, they also argued about a woman they were rivals over. Allegedly  Luis Anton de Olmet had an affair with Catalina, the wife of Alfonso Vidal y Planas.

The Theater Ghost: Luis Anton de Olmet pictured in 1909. He was murdered inside of the Teatro Enslava and is thought to haunt the theater.

According to Alfonso Vidal y Planas he was trying to defend himself when Luis Anton de Olmet was strangling him, and he pulled out his gun and shot him. 

Luis Anton de Olmet died of his injuries and Alfonso Vidal y Planas were sentenced to 12 years in prison. He only served three years and continued his writing career until he died in Tijuana, Mexico.  

After the murder the theater entered the dark period and didn’t see much success until a few years later when the Argentine star Celia Gamez, one of Spain’s most popular stars in the first half of the 20th century, came and gave the theater new life.

Ever since the murder though, even though the Teatro Eslava continued to host stage performances, it has been considered cursed and it is said that the ghost of has been said the ghost of Luis Anton de Olmet is haunting the place to this day. 

The Haunting of the old Teatro Eslava

It is said that today, his ghost is haunting the upper part of the building and isn’t often seen in the club. He is most seen during the theatrical performances and concerts that remind him of the old times at the Teatro Eslava, the light flickering on and off to show his presence. 

The cleaning staff cleaning up after a show and the security by the doors talk about hearing a sad wailing and seeing a shadow passing through the empty and dark corridors. 

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References:

Un fantasma en Teatro Eslava

Teatro Eslava – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Teatro Eslava | Official tourism website

The 10 most famous haunted houses in Spain — idealista

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The Hauntings The Waldniel Hostert School

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At the The Waldniel Hostert School, a former school and Nazi Institute bears a tragic story and the ghosts of so many of the mentally disabled children that were murdered during the War. 

Kent School, or as it was known back in the day, The Waldniel Institute was a school with a tragic backstory and is said to have left a haunted expression on the building. 

When The Waldniel Hostert School was operating as a secondary school for children of military personnel it was a boarding school as well as a day school. The school was open from 1963 to 1986 and one of several schools operated by the Service Children’s Education organization, catering to the children of the British Armed Forces. 

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

At its peak The Waldniel Hostert School housed over 6000 students at one point. The gothic appearance of the school made the British nicknamed Colditz after the war camp in East Germany. 

From the students there were rumors about what had happened here before, as it was the site where the Nazis murdered countless of mentally disabled children as a part of their racial purification program. 

And among the rumors, they started talking about seeing and hearing those unfortunate children in the form of ghosts, still lingering within the compound of their old school.

The Horror School

Before The Waldniel Hostert School was a school it was a monastery operated by monks since the 14th century. 

The school was first a Franciscan priory called St. Josefsheim was built in 1913 by the Order of the Franciscans of the Holy Cross. Here they housed mentally handicapped children and around 600 mentally and physically disabled people lived in the monastery. 

In 1937, it closed its doors and the last of the brothers left the house on 23rd May, and it would no longer be the safe haven for the disabled as it had been up to then.

From then on the The Waldniel Hostert School was operated by the Nazis. They called it The Waldniel Institute. The nationalists had a different philosophy about whose life was worth anything than the Franciscan monks had, and the mentally handicapped were far down on that list. 

In 1939 there was a law that every disabled newborn had to be reported to the government. And during the war they put a race purification program to rid themselves of these children. The program ended up killing more than 200 000 people and St Josefsheim, now The Waldniel Institute, was not spared.

The Waldniel Institute was a place that was part of their child euthanasia programme and at least 30 children were murdered within its walls, and more than 500 patients were reported dying. The rest of the over 1000 people living there were transported to other institutions where many of them met their death as well.  

After the war, the building was given back to the brotherhood, but they sold it to the Allies as they no longer could operate as they had used to. 

The Waldniel Hostert School After the War

The Allies took over the country and The Waldniel Institute where these horrific crimes had been committed. They removed the traces of the program and turned it into a secondary school for their children that would end up being Kent School. 

While they renovated the school they uncovered human remains of the patients who had died and were killed when the Nazis ran their institute. 

There are many stories about the haunted stuff happening at the school. They say the children are heard weeping from the corridors where they wander restlessly, fearful of the horrendous end they met with. 

At the end of the Cold War The Waldniel Hostert School closed its door for good in 1993 and handed the building back to the German authorities.

Today The Waldniel Hostert School is privately owned, but abandoned. 

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Featured Picture: Christian Stol/wikimedia

Kent School St. Josefsheim – Abandoned and Lost Places

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Margarida Xirgu Haunting the Teatre Romea

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In the luxurious theater in Barcelona it is said that the former actress, Margarida Xirgu, that performed at the stage of Teatre Romea is haunting the place. Moving objects around in the lobby and being seen as strange shadows backstage, this actress has yet to have her last performance.

In 2018 there was a production of a show called La Familia Coleman at Teatre Romea in Barcelona, Spain. The company director came with her family in the early afternoon to visit the theater. They were in the sitting area and looking at the first floor when the daughter asked who the lady on the stage was. The company director looked up to the stage, but there was no one there. It was another incident of the ghost haunting the old theater. 

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

Spain has a long history of storytelling and theatrical performances, and the country is home to many haunted theaters. These theaters are said to be haunted by the ghosts of actors who have performed on their stages. This is the case of Teatre Romea, said to be haunted by the ghost of an actress that was sent in exile but returned after her death to the stage.

The Teatre Romea in Barcelona

Teatre Romea: The facade of the theatre from the street.

This theater is located in the El Raval neighborhood in Barcelona, Spain. The Teatre Romea was built in 1863 to represent productions in Catalan, one of the official languages spoken in Catalonia. 

Performing in Catalan was actually forbidden from 1939 to 1945 during the Franco regime after the Spanish Civil War and the language that has declined over the years has been something the Catalonians have been fighting for. Today the language is something the people of Catalonia is especially proud of.

The Teatre Romea was made to be a luxury theater of high art and catered to the upper class with over 600 people can be seated to watch the performance on the brightly lit stage from the dark chairs. Many famous actors, actresses and playwrights got their moments on the stage, and some have thought to linger in the old theater even after their death.

The Ghost Haunting the Theater

People that have visited Teatre Romea have sometimes claimed to have seen shadows when no people are there, or even found electrical equipment messed with even though they knew very well they were plugged in. 

On several occasions when they were about to film something, like when they tried to film the theater with a drone, the battery drained immediately twice, even if nothing was wrong with it. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories about haunted theaters like The Mysterious Ghost Stories of The Haunted Dock Street Theater, The Ghost of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Friendly Ghost Octavia at Den Nationale Scene or The Legend of the Phantom of Opéra Garnier

They also tried to shoot a report of the backstage production in 2012 where the same thing happened, also twice. When they watched the interviews they managed to get on tape a series of noises and interferences that no one had heard while filming. 

Strange Shadows Backstage

According to stage managers and the people working in the bar, there were strange noises that could be heard in the theater in the dead of night as well as these strange shadows in the empty corridors backstage. A piano is playing by itself when the theater is empty in the morning except from the administration as well as voices singing in the empty hallway, almost as if rehearsing for an oncoming play.

The Teatre Romea: The stage of The Teatre Romea in 1914. The stage itself as well as the backstage is thought to be haunted by the ghost of a former actress working there.

On All Saints Eve the safety staff refused to work during a time when the paranormal activity was at an all time high. 
Heavy palm trees in pots were seen moving by themselves in the theater lobby and in 2012 when the batteries were drained during the interview there was also a wastebasket that moved by itself up and down that was witnessed by two technicians. 

The Ghost of a Famous Actress

One day in 1995 the child of one of the people working there claimed to have seen something strange in her bedroom. The three year old said there was a lady in a white dress and pink bow in her bedroom. Earlier that evening, the parents had made the rounds of the theater before going on and had felt chills after leaving the stage and felt something wasn’t right. 

So when the daughter told about the lady, the next day working in the theater the parent didn’t feel at ease. When flipping through photographs of the stage famed actress Margarida Xirgu she posed in a white dress with a pink bow. Problem was, she had already been dead for decades. 

The most popular theory is that the theater is haunted by someone who was close to the theater and many have speculated that the ghost haunting the place could be Margarida Xirgu. She was a famous actress in the early 1900s and used to perform at this theater as well as stages nationwide and in Latin America. 

The Life and Death of Margarida Xirgu

She was born in 1888 and moved to Barcelona in 1896. She played her first character Blanca in the play Mar i Cel at this very theater and ended up being quite a successful actress after making an appearance on Teatre Romea numerous times.

During Franco’s dictatorship in Spain, she was forced into exile and had to live in America. She died in Maldonado in Uruguay in 1969. However in 1988 the Catalan government retrieved her remains and brought her back to bury her in Molins de Rei outside of Barcelona, were she was born. 

Could it be that the once famous actress chose to return to the stage where she got her start in the afterlife, as she was banned from returning to her country in life? It is said she didn’t get to act as much as she wanted on this stage before being sent away, and many believe she returned to get more time on the stage. Now however, time is all she has.

Those believing that the theater is haunted feels like they don’t need further proof. What they now want is to prove that the ghost really is Margarita Xirgu and that she is still on stage on the Teatre Romea. 

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References:

La dimensión Desconocida: Los fantasmas del Romea

77. El fantasma de la Xirgu en el teatro Romea

Margarita Xirgu – Wikipedia

Teatro Romea (Barcelona) – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out