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The Ghosts of St Donat’s Castle – The Wailing Lady and the Watchful Eye

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Crammed into the ancient towers and dark corner of St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales, the ghosts lingering within these walls are old and persistent. 

On the cliffs overlooking the restless waters of the Bristol Channel, St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan has stood for nearly a thousand years 25 km west of Cardiff. Some claim that for the longest time, ghosts have been roaming the area. 

The Haunted St. Donat’s Castle: Said to be haunted by plenty of ghosts and phantom figures, it is today used as a school. // Source

Built in the twelfth century and once the proud seat of the powerful Stradling family, its towers and battlements have seen war, wealth, and whispered tragedy. Since 1962, it has housed an international secondary school called Atlantic College.

The St. Donat’s Castle History

Antique ceilings, fireplaces, a moat, battlements, dungeons – in short, over 800 years of history, which also included Celtic kings defying the Romans, the Norman invasion of Wales and centuries of slowly decaying neglect. 

Castle & church, St. Donats, Glamorganshire from around 1835.

The oldest parts of St Donat’s castle were built in the 12th century by the De Hawey family, though the only surviving parts left are the keep and what is now the inner curtain wall.

Read More: Check out all haunted castles around the world

The castle was passed into the ownership of the Stradling family in 1298 with the marriage of Sir Peter Stradling to Joan de Hawey. The new owners spent a fortune expanding the castle and added many features including the outer gatehouse and curtain wall in 1300, as well as making the keep larger, with the inner court being built some 200 years later.

The Ghost of Lady Stradling

The most fearsome spirit said to haunt St Donat’s is Lady Stradling, a restless ghost whose sorrow has never found peace. It is also one of the ghost stories told the longest, and there are written sources about her haunting to at least the pre-1880s.

There are tales about seeing a Lady in White drifting through the corridors, bearing a sense and atmosphere of intense melancholy. It is said that her husband died in one of the many crusades Europeans took in medieval times. Her name or who her husband supposedly was has been up for speculation. 

There are many variations to her story though. Some versions tell of betrayal and murder within her own family. Some say her haunting is because of her mourning as her husband fell in battle, some she was slain by a jealous husband, others that a violent relative ended her life in a fit of rage. 

Whatever the truth, her spirit lingers, bound to the castle that witnessed her end. She has most commonly been reported in the Long Gallery area. Around the Lady Anne Tower, an apparition of a woman dressed in Medieval clothing, believed to be Lady Stradling has been spotted. It is also said that screams and moans are coming from the haunted tower.

The Hag of the Mist

Witnesses who claim to have seen Lady Stradling describe her in many unsettling forms. Some say she appears as an old, haggard woman with eyes hollowed by centuries of grief, her long fingers scratching at the windows as she cries into the storm. Others speak of a figure of an elegant lady clad in a gown of fine silk, her footsteps light and rhythmic, the soft click of high heels echoing through the corridors long after midnight. 

Like the banshee of Irish lore, her wailing is said to herald death within the family. In Wales, this form of a ghost is called The Gwrach y Rhibyn, or the Hag of the Mist. When her voice is heard piercing the night air, the Stradlings or those connected to their legacy know that loss is soon to follow.

Ghost of Pirates and Phantom Pipers

In 1449, Henry Stradling, along with his wife and child “while sailing from his house in Somersetshire to his house in Wales” were captured by the notorious Breton pirate, Colyn Dolphin, who plundered the Welsh coast from Lundy Island. The pirate demanded a large ransom which was met by the Stradlings after they sold off two of their manors (Tregwilym in Wales and one in Oxfordshire) and a large quantity of wool.

After the stories spread and were exaggerated by poems, songs and legends, and ghost stories of pirates haunting the area around the castle started. 

Many visitors have recounted hearing the distant sound of bagpipes echoing through the castle, despite there being no visible source for the music. Local legend suggests this phenomenon is the work of a Scottish piper who met his demise at St. Donat’s Castle.

The Headless Horseman

Stories of a headless horseman riding through the castle grounds have persisted over the years. While rare, those who claim to have seen him describe a spectral figure mounted on a ghostly horse, illuminated by an eerie glow. Although not a very descriptive haunting, a very common one around the British Isles. 

Some visitors have reported hearing the plaintive cries of a child reverberating through the castle, particularly during the night. The origin of these sorrowful wails remains a mystery, though local tales speculate they may belong to a child who met a tragic end within the castle’s walls.

There was even a witch called Mally-y-Nos. a perplexing lady named Mallt-y-Nos (Matilda of the Night), said to haunt the area around the castle.

The Ghost of Thomas Stradling

The Stradling’s managed to hold onto the castle until the death of Sir Thomas Stradling in 1738, when ownership passed to Sir John Tyrwhitt, his friend. 

Sir Thomas Stradling was unmarried and in his twenties when he planned to go on the Grand Tour with his close friend from university, Sir John Tyrwhitt, the fifth baronet of Stainfield. Before the two young gentlemen set out on this great adventure, they made a pact with each other. If either was to die while on this tour, then the other would inherit the estate of the deceased. Or so it was claimed.

While travelling Sir Thomas Stradling was killed in a duel on the 27th of September, 1738 in Montpellier in France. According to folklore, Sir Thomas Stradling’s nurse, who had raised him since he was a baby, wished to pay her respects and invited to see his body. 

She was convinced that the man in the coffin was not Sir Thomas, but an imposter. She knew that, as a small boy, Sir Thomas had lost a finger on his left hand as  it had been bitten off by a donkey, at least that’s what the story said.. But the man inside the coffin had all his fingers intact. But where then was Sir Thomas?

Gossip was rife on the subject, and for years afterwards, locals visiting St Donat’s Church would point at Sir Thomas’ tomb and declare: “That is where the imposter lies”.

Source

Sir Thomas had left no heir, but made a verbal agreement with Sir John Tyrwhitt as well as a written will. In it, he had left the castle and his entire estate to his cousin, Bussey Mansel, the 4th baron of Margam. But when Bussey had visited St Donat’s Castle after his death, he had been confronted by the ghost of one of the Stradling ancestors. The ghost had declared that it would never give the castle to a Mansel. Terrified, he turned his horse and fled as fast as it would carry him, never again to return to the castle.

The answer to who actually owned the castle remained in litigation for over 60 years. Ultimately, St Donat’s Castle did pass to the Tyrwhitts, much to the dismay of the people of St Donat’s. In fact, it is claimed that the vicar of St Donat’s Church was so incensed that ‘in his fury’ he destroyed a windmill and two watermills. It was despite all of the work, never used as a primal residence, and it started to fall into disrepair. 

Hollywood Connections

American millionaire William Randolph Hearst who bought the castle after seeing photographs of the castle in Country Life magazine. Hearst, who at the time was having an affair with the actress Marion Davies, spent a fortune renovating the castle, bringing electricity not only to his residence but also to the surrounding area. The locals enjoyed having Hearst in residence at the castle as he paid his employees very well, and his arrivals always created a big stir in a community not used to American excesses. 

Hollywood Era: Randolph Hearst (centre) with Alice Head (managing director of Good Housekeeping) and Federico Beltran-Masses (Spanish artist) at St Donat’s Castle in Wales, taken in 1928.

Hearst spent much of his time entertaining influential people at his estates and holding lavish parties at St Donat’s with guests like Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and a young John F. Kennedy. Upon visiting St Donat’s, George Bernard Shaw was quoted as saying: “This is what God would have built if he had had the money.”

He spent a huge amount of money turning the castle back into its former self but due to economic reasons put the castle up for sale again in the late 1930’s.

Godfrey Williams and the Exorcism

An exorcism was reportedly performed in the early 20th century, which was claimed to have succeeded in ridding the castle of several apparitions, including a hag and a mysterious disembodied eye in several guest rooms. The owner at the time, Godfrey Williams, disliked the castle and may have been responsible for the spread of these stories.

The castle was bought by Morgan Stuart Williams in 1901 and after his death in 1909 it went to his son Godfrey. But Godfrey was so “disturbed” by the castle hauntings that he put the place up for sale. Godfrey had seen a ghostly panther prowling the castle corridors at night and reported seeing a single giant glowing eye appearing nightly in one of the bedrooms.

It’s said that Godfrey brought an exorcist to the castle and after the usual rituals a great gust of wind swept down the staircase and out went the panther and the glaring eye.

After being used by British and American troops during the war it was finally bought again in 1962 by Monsieur Antonin Besse II, and given to the Governing Body of Atlantic College. Today it still functions as an international college but is also open to the public for general viewing.

The Feline Haunting in the 90s

There are also tales of a phantom cat, a large, semi-transparent black creature that prowls the corridors and stairways. This was said to have been reported on in the 90s when the castle was used as a boarding school for the richer kids around the world. Was it the black panther coming back? Or simply the stories of it? Those who have seen it claim it brings with it a feeling of dread so heavy that the air seems to thicken around it. 

Source

And then there is the piano that is said to be one of the more haunting objects in the castle in modern times. In one of the great halls of St Donat’s, a piano stands near the window that overlooks the sea. It is said that when the castle lies quiet, its notes begin to play by themselves. The melody is never the same twice, as though the unseen player improvises a song of sorrow for each soul the castle has claimed. Staff, visitors, and even students from Atlantic College, which now occupies the castle, have all spoken of hearing the music late at night when no living hand could possibly touch the keys.

The Haunting supposedly got so bad that they had an exorcism done to deal with it. Again. 

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References:

St Donat’s Castle 

Exploring St. Donat’s Castle: Wales’ Haunted Past | Mary Ann Poll

Haunted Castles Wales Sorted by Name 

British goblins : Welsh folk-lore, fairy mythology, legends and traditions 

The imposter of St Donat’s Castle | Glamorgan Star Newspaper

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/medieval-welsh-castle-princes-princess-26682356

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The Evil Eye of Rebgasse: Curses, Shadows, and an Exorcism in Basel

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Kleinbasel neighborhood is perhaps one of the most haunted places in Basel, Switzerland. In an unassuming house at Rebgasse 38, the well known exorcist Johann Jakob von Brunn visited twice to banish the ghosts lingering in it.

In the winding alleys of Kleinbasel, where centuries-old buildings lean toward one another and twilight seems to gather early, there once stood a house that no one in their right mind dared approach. At the house that seemingly was also used as a rectory, a married couple who lived there from 1888 to 1907 reported about ghostly occurrences from previous tenants. It also seems that it was haunted long before they moved in.

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There are a lot of ghost stories around the Kleinbasel district in Basel. At Rebgasse 38, there were supposedly two ghosts haunting this particular building. First the dead wife of a man who remarried after her death, and a woman named Grethi Beck was said to possess the Evil Eye.

Haus Zur Alten Trotte: The haunted house on Rebgasse 38 in Basel, was said to have had an exorcism twice. // Source: Laloom/Wikimedia

A House the Shadows Would Not Leave

The house at Rebgasse 38, also known as the Haus zur alten Trotte (House of the Old Wine Press) had long been shrouded in ominous whispers. Locals spoke of unseen presences, shadows that moved on their own, and the chilling sound of phantom footsteps when no one else was near.

Some claimed it was the work of the “Grey Man”, a spectral figure of indeterminate origin known to haunt certain homes in Basel and this particular working class district.. 

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Margrethe (Grethi) Beck was said to have been the maid when Pastor Johann Jakob Übelin (1793-1873) lived there. He was a Swiss Protestant theologian , deacon , chronicler , draftsman , botanist and author. He then worked in Basel for 27 years as a deacon for St. Theodor’s Church and, from 1845 to 1867, as a construction clerk. In 1818, Übelin married Margaretha, née Brenner (1798–1840), with whom he had eight children.

It is said that she stole money from the pastor, and when she died, she appeared to him and the later tenants as a ghost. People were convinced that she caused bad things to happen to the people of Kleinbasel. And the way people talk about the case, it looks like it was also when she was alive. There is not much info about how she died, but also in death, she scared her neighbors. She was said to be sitting on the steps on the stairwell, and even though Johann Jakob Übelin got another clergyman to exorcise her, her haunting seemed to persist. 

An Exorcism Against the Darkness

The government and the clergy made every effort to counter the superstition and the stories related to it. On Sundays the priests would issue warnings from the pulpit against fortune-telling and devil worship and would advise people not to believe in them. It is unknown whether the haunting happened when Johann Jakob Übelin still lived in the house, or it was after.

At last, the city turned to its most renowned spiritual defender: Pastor Johann Jakob von Brunn, a cleric famed for his boldness in confronting the supernatural and was supposedly a well known ghost hunter in Basel. He had allegedly faced so-called witches, expelled demons from livestock barns, and purified cursed wells — and now he was summoned to confront the menace at Rebgasse 38.

It’s said that von Brunn entered the home armed with holy water, relics, and an arsenal of ancient prayers, undeterred by the suffocating dread that clung to the walls. It is said he banished the ghost of the former housekeeper to a corner of a room on the first floor of the house. 

And for a time, peace returned to Rebgasse, although the family dog would howl towards the very same corner of the room as if it sensed a presence there. And later tenants would still see her, sitting on the steps of the stairs. 

The Scandal of Johann Jakob Übelin Waking a Ghost

Family Grave: Grave in the Wolfgottesacker Cemetery, Basel. Descendants of Johann Jakob Übelin.

As mentioned, it wasn’t the only ghost said to haunt the house, and the other one, was the dead wife of Johann Jakob Übelin. Margaretha died in childbirth around 1839 and would later come back as a ghost. In November 1845, Johann Jakob Übelin caused a scandal when it came to light that he had an affair with his cook, Henriette Rosine Trautwein. 

Because of this he had to resign his position and married Henriette in 1846 as she was now pregnant. Together, they had a son and he lived out his working life until 1867 as a construction clerk. He died in 1873.

After the whole scandal it was said that the ghost of Margaretha came back to haunt them because of her husband’s infidelity, although she was dead. Who knows when it really started. It was said she haunted the rectory until she too was banished by the ghost hunter Johann Jakob von Brunn. 

A Shadow That Never Quite Faded

Though the hauntings ceased, the house was never truly free of its reputation after the ghost of Grethi Beck and the dead wife of Johann Jakob Übelin. Some claim that, on certain nights, you can still sense a cold, baleful gaze from the upper window, though no one lives there. 

Today, the spot where Rebgasse 38 once stood bears little trace of its haunted history.  At the address that used to belong to the building that used to be haunted there is now a kindergarten listed. But the old stories persist in whispered retellings among local ghostwalk guides, a reminder that in places like Kleinbasel, some shadows leave their mark forever as long as someone remembers.

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Spuk und Geister im alten Basel

Tour Description «Walk of legends» Place 1: Claraplatz and Rebgasse

Johann Jakob Übelin – Wikipedia

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The Demon House on Carrer dels Mirallers in Barcelona

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One of the houses on Carrer dels Mirallers in Barcelona city is often called the Demon house because of the rumors about what went on inside the house. According to the legends, it was a place where some stray priests dabbled in the occult, exorcism and possible demonic arts. 

In the shadows of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter you’ll stumble upon a street that harbors a chilling secret. Carrer dels Mirallers, a seemingly unassuming thoroughfare, hides a dark history that has fascinated locals and paranormal enthusiasts for centuries. Known as the Demon House, this enigmatic residence has long been shrouded in mystery, with tales of supernatural phenomena and eerie occurrences circulating among those brave enough to venture near. 

The Legend and History Behind the Demon House

Carrer dels Mirallers, or Mirror Makers Street, is located in Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, a neighborhood steeped in history and folklore. While the street where they used to make mirrors itself may not appear out of the ordinary, it is the stories associated with one particular house that have given it its ominous reputation. The Demon House on No. 7, as it is commonly known, stands as a testament to the dark and mysterious past of the area.

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One of the buildings on Carrer dels Mirallers is adorned by the head of a woman, signaling that the house at number seven used to be a brothel back in its day. This connection to the world of vice and sin adds an eerie undertone to the already haunting atmosphere surrounding the Demon House. The building’s history as a den of debauchery only scratches the surface of the mysteries that lie within its walls.

The Home of Jacint Verdaguer

Another notable figure associated with the Demon House is Jacint Verdaguer, a famous and renowned Catalan poet living on the 4th floor. Verdaguer lived in the house for a period of time, and his presence has left an indelible mark on the building’s history. While Verdaguer was known for his literary contributions, he also had a penchant for dabbling in the supernatural.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

In 1870 he decided on another path and became a priest. He was not a priest of the strictest sense of priests however and according to legends, he started to perform exorcisms on people and places.

The Exorcist Priest: Portrait of Jacint Verdaguer by Ramon Casas.

Jacint Verdaguer became acquainted with Father Joaquim Pinyol after a pilgrimage to the holy land that changed him completely. Father Pinyol was obsessed with demons he saw in the city. He founded the Oracion in the street and it became the center for exorcisms and the fight against the devil. And soon Verdaguer joined in. 

Verdaguer was not a priest in the strictest sense, but according to legends, he started to perform exorcisms on people and places. The walls of the Demon House are said to have witnessed Verdaguer’s attempts to banish demonic forces from within. Whether these exorcisms were successful or not remains a mystery, but the stories surrounding Verdaguer’s involvement in the occult only serve to heighten the enigma surrounding the Demon House.

The Exorcisms on Carrer dels Mirallers

The exorcisms that have happened inside of the house, turned out to be quite brutal. They brought the sick into a room decorated like an oratory. They ran riot and the sick ended up eating morsels of glass and needles as they shouted about heaven and hell and everything that was there. 

There were prayers and the next day the priests would mark their lips with a large medal and the people would take out the needles and everything else they had swallowed the day before. 

The Haunted House on No. 7

Of all the houses on Carrer dels Mirallers, the number seven house holds a particularly sinister reputation. It is believed to be haunted by demonic spirits, and those who have ventured inside have reported chilling encounters and unexplained phenomena. The air inside the house is said to be heavy with an otherworldly presence, and visitors often feel an overwhelming sense of unease.

It is said that Verdaguer got too into the dark arts and managed to invoke a demon inside of the house in one of his scenes. It is said that it is still trapped in the house today. 

The Enduring Allure of the Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House

The Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House continues to captivate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Its rich history, intertwined with tales of the supernatural, has earned it a place in Barcelona’s folklore. Whether you believe in ghosts and demons or not, there is no denying the eerie allure of the Demon House.

As you wander through the Gothic Quarter, take a moment to pause outside the Demon House. Listen closely, and you may catch a whisper carried on the wind or glimpse a fleeting shadow out of the corner of your eye. The mysteries of the Carrer dels Mirallers Demon House may never be fully unraveled, but that only adds to its enduring fascination.

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References:


una casa per fer exorcismes

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The Killakee Dower House in Dublin

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The Killakee Dower House in Dublin at the foot of the hill that would be known for its dark masses and hauntings, was for a long time affected by it. After the notorious Hellfire Club started to hold their meetings there, dark and mysterious things started to happen. 

The origins of Killakee House date back to the late 18th century when it was built as a hunting lodge by the prominent Connolly family. The Connolly’s, known for their connection to Castletown House in County Kildare, created this charming lodge on the estate that would later bear the name Killakee. The grand house was demolished in 1941, but the Dower House is still standing.

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

The house itself is a two-story building, perched along the Military Road, offering a view of the surrounding countryside. Over the years, it has played multiple roles, from serving as a dower house to providing a residence for the estate’s manager.

The Sinister Beginnings: The Hellfire Club

The grounds around Killakee House are shrouded in dark history, notably due to the presence of the infamous Hellfire Club. In the mid-1700s, Richard Parsons established this sinister branch of the Hellfire Club, an English-based secret society known for its debauched and often disturbing gatherings.

First, the club rented another hunting lodge on top of the hill, but they would soon find their way into the Dower House as well. 

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Here, among the ruins of the Hellfire Club on Montpelier Hill, members partook in activities that included devil worship, ritualistic animal sacrifice, and even witch burnings. One gruesome account tells of the ritualistic killing of a black cat, which was doused in whisky and set ablaze. This eerie connection to the supernatural would later come back to haunt Killakee Dower House.

After the hunting lodge they originally held their meeting in was damaged in a fire they started to hold the meetings at Killakee Dower House. After they left this place, the Dower House was left with a tainted reputation and believed to be haunted. 

The Arrival of Margaret and Nicholas O’Brien

In 1968, Margaret and Nicholas O’Brien breathed new life into the dilapidated Dower House, with dreams of transforming it into an arts center. Little did they know that their restoration efforts would awaken something otherworldly.

The Dowers House: The House has been called Killakee House Rathfarnham or the Stewards House among other thing and was the place were the Hellfire Club went to when their original meeting place was damaged in a fire.

The workmen began reporting strange occurrences as they were working at Killakee Dower House. Eerie sounds filled the air, and odd happenings became commonplace. But the most unsettling phenomenon was the appearance of a large black cat with piercing red eyes. 

The Haunting of the Black Cat

The most notorious apparition associated with Killakee Dower House is undoubtedly the spectral black cat. Witnessed by several individuals, including artist Tom McAssey, this mysterious feline was no ordinary house pet. Described as being as large as a Dalmatian, it emitted an ominous presence.

One night, Tom McAssey confronted the phantom presence outside the front door, believing it to be a prank by one of the workers. However, he soon realized that the figure was not human, and a menacing snarl was followed by the sight of a growling black cat with eerie red eyes. A shadowy figure growled “You cannot see me. You don’t even know who I am”. This terrifying encounter sent McAssey and the other workers fleeing in sheer terror.

The Seance at the Dower House

Beyond the spectral cat, Killakee Dower House harbored deeper mysteries. In October 1969, a group of actors decided to hold a séance within the house, unwittingly reawakening it’s supernatural energies. The disturbances resumed with renewed intensity.

In the following year, an astonishing discovery was made beneath the kitchen floor: the skeleton of a deformed dwarf, or perhaps a child, accompanied by a brass figurine of a demon. Who this person was, no one knows, but rumor was that it was one of the human sacrifices from the time the house was used by the Hellfire Club. The presence of this eerie artifact, along with the skeletal remains, further fueled the belief that malevolent forces had left their mark on Killakee House.

The Power of Exorcism at Killakee Dower House

In an effort to quell the unsettling occurrences, Margaret O’Brien enlisted the help of a priest to perform an exorcism on Killakee Dower House. Although this initial ritual provided some respite, the disturbances returned when a séance was conducted.

Ultimately, it wasn’t until the dwarf’s skeleton and the demonic figurine were properly buried that the hauntings ceased. This marked the end of a chapter of terror in the history of Killakee House.

The Killakee Dower House was used as a restaurant in the 1990s, but closed down in 2001. Today it is merely a private residence, and perhaps also, it is rid of its dark past and lingering ghosts.

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References:

Banshees, Bones and Haunted Stones: JennyPop’s Haunted Ireland 

Killakee House, Dublin, Ireland 

Creepy Irish Castles & Houses Halloween Irish culture and customs 

Tall Story Stands Up | Broadsheet.ie 

Montpelier Hill – Wikipedia 

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The Haunted Ave Maria House in Barcelona

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On the place were the grand Palau Guell now stands, there used to be a more humble building of rental homes known as the Ave Maria House. People passing by would make the cross for safety as the house was also known as the House of Fear and believed to be haunted. 

Spain is home to many old houses, some of which are said to be haunted. From tales of ghostly apparitions, strange noises and unexplained phenomena, these stories have been passed down through generations. In this article we will explore one such haunted house in Spain and uncover its mysteries.

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

Prepare to be captivated by the spine-chilling tales that surround the enigmatic Ave Maria House in Barcelona. Nestled within the labyrinthine streets of this ancient city the place became known for its ghostly legends and eerie happenings. 

Before it was built a huge palace was built on the site, there used to be a much humbler building. The now No. 5 house on Nou de la Rambla in Barcelona used to be called The House of the Ave Maria, or more sinister, The House of Fear. Back then it used to stand many rented homes there.

The House of Fear

Locals and passersby would share spine-chilling tales of the unnerving sounds emanating from within its walls. As night fell, lamentations and loud banging would echo through the house, sending shivers down the spines of anyone who dared to venture close. The clanking of chains added to the eerie atmosphere, instilling a sense of dread and fascination in those who crossed its path.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Houses from around the world.

The Ave Maria House became a place of legend, where superstition and fear intertwined. To protect themselves from the malevolent forces believed to haunt the house, people passing by would instinctively make the sign of the Cross and recite a Hail Mary prayer. These rituals provided a sense of solace in the face of the unknown, offering some semblance of protection against the supernatural forces that seemed to lurk within.

The haunting tales surrounding the Ave Maria House captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, fueling curiosity and the desire to uncover the truth behind the enigma. What lay behind those walls? Who or what was responsible for the eerie happenings that sent shivers down the spines of anyone who encountered the house? The answers remained elusive, shrouded in the depths of history and the realm of the paranormal.

The Exorcism of the Ave Maria House

In an attempt to rid the Ave Maria House of its hauntings, an exorcist was called upon to confront the malevolent forces that plagued the house. With prayers and incantations, the exorcist sought to banish the supernatural entities that held the house in their grip. The rituals and prayers continued until the paranormal activity ceased, leaving behind an eerie silence that contrasted with the previous cacophony of ghostly sounds.

Did the exorcism truly put an end to the hauntings, or did it merely suppress the supernatural forces lurking within the Ave Maria House? We don’t really know for sure as most of the homes were evicted when they started to build the palace. 

Some whispered that the spirits remained, lingering in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to once again make their presence known. The mysteries surrounding the house persisted, leaving the curious and the brave to ponder the true nature of the haunting.

The House Today were Palau Guell was built on top of it

As the years passed, the Avemaria House underwent changes that further added to its mystique. Eventually, the house was torn down, making way for a new chapter in its history. A man named Eusebi Guell purchased the plot and built his Palau Guell, a magnificent mansion that still stands today that was designed by Gaudi and built from 1886-1890.

Palau Guell: On the place were the Ave Maria house once stood there now is a palace instead. It is said that the woman living in the house always felt there were something strange going on. Could it be that the haunting continued even after the building itself got knocked down? // Source: Takahiro Hayashi/Flickr

Rumors spread at the time about Eusebi Guell’s wife, Isabel Lopez de Comillas, and her uneasy relationship with the new building. She claimed to hear strange noises, reminiscent of the ghostly sounds that had once plagued the Ave Maria House. Whether these were mere coincidences or a testament to the lingering presence of the supernatural, the whispers added another layer of intrigue to the already enigmatic tale of the haunted abode.

The Enduring Allure of the Ave Maria House

While the house itself may be gone, its mysteries endure, inviting speculation and wonder. What truly happened within those haunted walls? Were the ghostly encounters mere figments of imagination, or did they hold a deeper truth? The Ave Maria House stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the supernatural, reminding us that even in the modern world, there are still mysteries that defy explanation.

As night falls and darkness once again envelopes the streets of Barcelona, the Ave Maria House whispers its secrets to those who listen. Will you be brave enough to venture into the unknown and unravel the enigma surrounding this haunted abode?

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13 Barcelona Haunted Houses & Places that will creep you out

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Dark Tourism to Mehandipur Balaji Temple for an Exorcism in Rajasthan

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There is a temple in Rajasthan dedicated to exorcism and cleansing of evil spirits. The Mehandipur Balaji opens its doors for whoever needs it, and it is said that there is always a huge crowd in need of help. 

In the Dausa district of Rajasthan, the Hindu Mehandipur Balaji Temple stands as a unique intersection of faith, exorcism, and the supernatural. Renowned for its exorcism activities, this temple is considered one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan and attracts many pilgrims seeking help.

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman who have been worshiped here for ages, at least since the 11th century, it offers an unparalleled experience for those intrigued by dark tourism and the mystical world of exorcisms. The name Balaji comes from this deity and is his child form and this deity is also connected with ghosts and spirits.

A Temple Steeped in Mystique

Mehandipur Balaji Temple attracts people from all over India, drawn by its reputation for expelling evil spirits and providing relief from supernatural disturbances. The temple’s association with exorcism rituals has made it a focal point for those seeking solace from black magic, witchcraft, and various paranormal afflictions. 

It is one of the most well known temples in India and said to always be crowded, even to the point of cases of stampedes.

The temple is not just a haunted site but a revered religious destination where devotees come to seek spiritual healing and protection from malevolent forces.

Visiting Mehandipur Balaji Temple

For those interested in dark tourism, a visit to Mehandipur Balaji Temple provides a unique and immersive experience. The temple allows visitors to observe the intersection of faith and the occult, witnessing firsthand the rituals and ceremonies performed to combat spiritual afflictions. They say you should follow a strict vegetarian diet a week before visiting.

The temple is open to devotees and visitors throughout the year, typically from early morning until evening. Many of those who have visited claim to have felt a strange change in the atmosphere the moment they enter the town itself with chants of Jai bala.

The Intense Rituals of Exorcism

During the ceremonies to rid themselves of spiritual bad energy, individuals believed to be possessed by spirits are brought to the temple for exorcism. Some are even said to be chained to the railings of the temple of iron.

The atmosphere during these rituals is often described as intense and charged with spiritual energy. The possessed individuals undergo a series of intense rituals and prayers, including the chanting of mantras by the pandits, sprinkling of holy water from the statue of Balaji, and the use of various herbs and holy ashes, all aimed at liberating them from the grip of evil forces.

The experience of witnessing these rituals can be both eerie and fascinating. The temple’s atmosphere, filled with the sounds of chanting and the sight of intense exorcisms, offers a rare glimpse into the world of the supernatural and the deep-seated beliefs in spiritual healing.

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References:

Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan – Legend, Exorcism & Mystery 

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information 

Mehandipur Balaji Temple – Wikipedia

मेहंदीपुर बालाजी टेम्पल 

Faith, ritualistic healing and exorcism: Rajasthan’s Mehandipur Balaji Temple is surrounded by mysteries | Times of India Travel 

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Taking a Bath to get Rid of Ghosts at Sudhabay Kund

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An annual festival or fair according to the Hindu calendar tells that by taking a bath in the well of Sudhabay Kund you can rid yourself of evil spirits and pain inflicted by ghosts.  

In the spiritual heartland of Pushkar, Rajasthan, Sudhabay Kund is a place steeped in ancient lore and haunting mysteries. Known for its profound association with Lord Brahma and the sacred rituals that have been performed here for centuries. It is said that the water in this miraculous well known as Sudhabay Kund can help rid your body against any problems and pain caused by spirits and ghosts. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Each year on special days according to the Hindu calendar, Sudhabay Kund becomes the epicenter of a unique and eerie event: the “Ghost Fair,” where the supernatural meets the spiritual, creating an atmosphere that is both mystical and spine-chilling.

Historical and Spiritual Significance of Sudhabay Kund

Sudhabay Kund is situated near the revered Brahma Temple 4 kilometers from Pushkar, a town that holds a unique place in Hindu mythology as the site of one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. 

According to legend, the Kund was formed when Lord Brahma struck the ground with his divine weapon during an ancient yagna (sacred ritual), resulting in the creation of this sacred water body. The Kund has since been considered a holy site where the divine and mortal worlds intersect.

Cleansing for Ghosts: at the well Sudhabay Kund there is an annual happening where people gather to have a dip in the well to rid themselves of ghosts.

The Ghost Fair: An Annual Spectacle of the Supernatural

What sets Sudhabay Kund apart from other sacred sites is its annual “Ghost Fair,” an event unlike any other. This fair, which takes place during specific astrological alignments according to the Hindu calendar—often on the fourth day of the waxing moon and Tuesday—draws people from far and wide seeking liberation from spiritual afflictions. 

During the fair, unusual and eerie rituals dominate the scene. The air is thick with chants and the fervent prayers of those seeking relief from ghostly possessions and negative energies. Exorcisms are performed in plain view, adding to the haunted ambiance of the fair. The sight of individuals writhing and convulsing as they are “cleansed” of spirits is both unsettling and captivating, drawing large crowds who come to witness these otherworldly events.

A person enters the well and the spirit is said to start screaming and reveals its name as the priests around recite mantras, releasing the body. 

The waters of Sudhabay Kund are considered especially potent during the fair. Locals and visitors alike believe that taking a dip in the lake after witnessing the ghostly rituals offers protection from malevolent forces and purifies the soul. This transformative experience is said to rid one of spiritual burdens and bring peace.

A Gathering for Ancestral Solace

Beyond the eerie spectacle of exorcisms, the Ghost Fair also serves a deeply spiritual purpose. Many come to perform ancestral rituals such as Pind Dan and Tarpan, seeking solace for their departed loved ones and the queues for it can be long. 

Read Also: This is not the only happening around ghost though. Check out The Obon Celebration – The Ghost Festival and Halloween Traditions Across the World

These rituals, believed to ensure peace for the souls of the deceased, add another layer of solemnity to the fair. Devotees hope that by performing these rites at Sudhabay Kund, they can bring happiness and tranquility to their families.

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References:

Sudhabay Kund Pushkar: A Spiritual Destination for Pind Dan & Liberation from Ghostly Troubles

https://www.patrika.com/ajmer-news/history-of-sudhabay-kund-in-pushkar-ajmer-4400848

सुधाबाय में भरा भूत प्रेत का मेला, गया कुंड में स्नान के लिए उमड़ी श्रद्धालुओं की भीड – Morning News India 

7 Haunted Places to Visit in Rajasthan: Complete Information

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The Haunting Santuario de la Virgen de Balma in the Mountain Rocks

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Up in the mountain there is a sanctuary carved out from the rocks. The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma or Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma has had strange legends from the start, from a place where the Virgin Mary showed herself, a place for exorcisms and a strange witch cult. 

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Catalonia, this hidden gem of religious significance has stood the test of time, captivating visitors with its enchanting beauty and rich historical heritage. 

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

Dating back to the 13th century, the sanctuary holds a special place in the hearts of locals and pilgrims alike, serving as a sacred haven of peace and spirituality. From the moment you set foot on its hallowed grounds, you will be transported to a bygone era, where tales of miracles and divine intervention intertwine. 

Historical Significance of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma holds immense historical significance, playing a vital role in the religious and cultural fabric of the place and is an important pilgrimage center for the nearest towns. This is a small sanctuary carved out in the rocks near Zorita del Maestrazgo village in the Province of Castellon in Spain. 

Read more: Check out all of our stories from Haunted Monasteries and Churches from all around the world.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma origins date back to the 13th century when it was built as a place of worship for the local community. Over the centuries, it has become a place of pilgrimage, drawing people from far and wide. The sanctuary witnessed various historical events and has been a witness to the changing times. It has survived wars, political unrest, and natural disasters, making it a symbol of resilience and faith.

The Strange Place where it is Built

Balma is a Celtic name that refers to a cave underground and this is exactly what this is. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is embedded into the very rock of the mountain and you have to walk through the cave to get there. It is almost half a building, the rest of the half is a natural shelter of caves. 

Carved into the Mountain: Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is carved into the rocks of the mountains in Catalonia, Spain.Source//Millars/Wikimedia

To reach the place you have to trek up a steep slope until you reach a little chapel of the Virgen de la Balma next to a river. Then you begin the climb up the sacred mountain until you reach the sanctuary.

Religious Importance of Santuario de la Virgen de Balma

The role of the Sanctuary in local religious practices is of great importance. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries, attracting believers seeking solace, healing, and spiritual guidance. The sanctuary holds regular religious services, attracting both locals and visitors alike. It serves as a place of reflection and introspection, where individuals can connect with their faith and find inner peace. The serene ambiance and breathtaking beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect setting for prayer and contemplation.

Santuario de la Virgen de Balma used to be the ultimate destination for those possessed by the Devil and people would come to the sanctuary in search of divine healing and holy treatments. 

Many of these possessions today have a name, like epilepsy, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. 

Legend of the Virgin Mary in the Caves

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is not just a place of historical and religious significance; it is also steeped in legends and myths that have been passed down through generations. But what was the origin story behind this so-called sacred place?
One such legend tells the story of a poor shepherd who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary at the site where the sanctuary now stands in the 14th century. The Virgin Mary said to the shepherd that she was going to become a protector of this region and she wanted a temple in her name at this place. 

The Virgin Mary in the Cave: The Santuario de la Virgen de Balma is said to have been placed in these caves after a shepherd met the Virgin Mary that told him to build a temple for her in this place. Source//Wikimedia

According to the legend, she performed a miracle to prove who she was. She cured his arms. In some versions his arm was paralyzed in other it was amputated. In any case, she cured him of his affliction and he decided to make her temple happen. 
He also found a sculpture of the Virgin and went back to town to tell the local priest all about it. Together they went back to the cave and found the sculpture. They brought it back to their local church, but it wouldn’t stay. The next morning it had disappeared and was back in its original spot in the cave. So the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma was built there instead. 

According to the legend, the shepherd was guided by a bright light to a cave, where he saw the Virgin Mary, who spoke to him and performed miracles. This event marked the beginning of the sanctuary’s spiritual journey, and the shepherd became a devout follower, spreading the word of the miracles he had witnessed.

The Witch Cult of Women

Another fascinating aspect of the sanctuary’s history is its association with a strange 18th-century sect of women that started to take more place than the usual pilgrim. These women believed that they were possessed by the Devil, so called Endemoniadas and sought refuge and exorcism at the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma. The sanctuary became a destination for those possessed, and many exorcisms were performed on those visiting. These events added to the mystical aura surrounding the sanctuary and its reputation as a place of divine intervention.

In truth, a lot of these Els Malignes, or conditions were epilepsy or other mental illnesses. According to the stories though, it started with being controlled by the parish priest, but somewhere along the lines, it shifted.  It is said that it then was a council of three witches from the Aragonese town of Caspe, called the Caspolinas, that oversaw the exorcisms at Santuario de la Virgen de Balma.

The Witch Cult: The people that were said to have done the exorcisms of those coming to Santuario de la Virgen de Balma were described as a coven of witches.

It was said that witches, spiritists and others that wanted to make money from exorcism took over the place. The so-called healings took three days and the sick were placed in the caves where they were tied with ribbons. The ribbons on their fingers and toes would make the demon leave their body. Ribbons on their eyes, ears and mouth made the demon blind, deaf and mute. Together the group chanted psalms and the demon supposedly left their body. 

This cult in Santuario de la Virgen de Balma existed all up to the 20th century and in 1929 a visiting journalist called Alardo Prats y Beltran wrote down his experience in the sanctuary. 

The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma Today

There are perhaps no more cults, demonic possessions and strange rituals in the Santuario de la Virgen de Balma anymore. But it is still a pilgrimage now with a restaurant and cafe and a museum dedicated to its story for those visiting. 

In conclusion, the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Balma is a treasure trove of history, faith, and miracles. Its enchanting beauty, rich architectural heritage, and captivating legends make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. 
Whether you’re seeking solace, exploring the wonders of medieval architecture, or simply immersing yourself in the serene surroundings, the sanctuary promises an unforgettable journey back in time.

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References:

Featured Image: Millars/Wikimedia

El Santuario de la Balma y sus endemoniados

Subterranea of Spain: Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma

Mysterious and Haunted Places in Spain

Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

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The History and Legends of the Haunted Abbaye De Mortemer

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Discover the secrets and legends of Abbaye De Mortemer, an infamous haunted abbey in rural France. Explore its haunting history from Dames Blanches, ghost monks, werewolves and a goblin cat guarding a treasure.

Hidden deep within the French countryside lies the Abbaye De Mortemer, an ancient structure with a chilling past. The former Cistercian Monastery in the Forest of Lyons is the home to eerie sightings and ghostly apparitions.

Origins of the Abbaye De Mortemer

Established in 1134, the Abbaye De Mortemer was an ancient abbey that was a gift to the Cistercians by Henry I of England. 

Read Also: There are many supposedly haunted abbeys and monasteries around the world. Check them out: Here

The name comes from the stagnant water of the lake that was dug out by the monks. It was called the Dead Pond which in French is Morte Mare. 

Abbaye De Mortemer Ruins: Most of the once grand abbay in France is now only ruins and is said to be haunted by more than one ghost. //Source//Wikimedia/Tango7174

Who owned the abbey depended on who owned the land from year to year. It was founded by the English king, but ended up under the French crown after the Hundred Year War ended in 1453. 

It held out despite it falling into disrepair until 1790 when it was dissolved under the French Revolution. Only 4 monks remained alive living in the abbey. They would end up remaining there, even in their afterlife.  

Dame Blanches of Mathilde I’Emperesse

The one thought to be haunting the place is the daughter of Abbaye De Mortemer founder, Mathilde I’Emperesse or Matilda of England.

Her father was King Henry I of England and she was one of those with a claim to the English throne in the civil war between England and Normandy between 1138 and 1153 which was known as The Anarchy. 

Why she is haunting this abbey is unclear as she died at an old age far away. She had close ties to this abbey as it was said she was a very spiritual woman and the order of the Cisterican monks because of the importance of the Virgin Mary, a saint of great importance to her. 

A picture supposedly depicting her ghost got well known in 1999, however French television has since debunked the image as lighting trickery. 

According to legend she walks by the ancient pools and mist is created on them. By local lore you do best to look away if you spot her. If she wears black gloves it means bad luck and misfortune. If she is wearing white, there is a happy event in the coming year. If you see her twice though you are condemned to death. 

The Helpful Ghost Monks

People have reported a number of sinister legends and stories about the Abbaye De Mortemer. One popular story involves sightings of the infamous Black Monks, which are said to appear on dark nights in the abbey’s ruins. 

This is believed to be the ghosts of four monks who were murdered during the French Revolution in 1789 when the churches and abbeys were robbed for their wealth to fund the revolution and the monks were hunted down and dragged to the old cellar were the last brothers of the orders were massacred. 

Other visitors have experienced ghostly apparitions, chills, strange voices, and other forms of supernatural activity. Both the Delarue family that were going to move into the former abbey reported about seeing the monks as well as an English paratrooper in the second world war. 

He said that he was spotted by the enemy and was running around in the forest to hide. A monk came forward and guided him to safety before disappearing. The people at The Resistant Cell the paratrooper found, knew it had to be a monk from the Abbey. 

The Goblin Cat Haunting the Treasure

The haunted abbey is also said to be the home to a certain Goblin cat you can meet in the ruins in the form of a black cat. 

According to the legend, the cat is guarding a certain treasure of the abbey said to be so grand it could restore the abbey to its former glory. 

The She-Werewolf

One of the most famous legends concerning the Abbaye de Mortemer is the story of a werewolf haunting its grounds. According to legend, a cursed woman transformed into a wolf every night and terrorized all who crossed her path. 

This was thought to be a female werewolf known as the Garache in French Folklore with yellow eyes. This is the only tale of a Garache in Normandy apparently, a weird thing perhaps as French Folklore is filled with legends of shape shifting werewolves. 

A man named Roger Saboureau was out poaching in the forest in 1884 when he encountered this werewolf and he shot it dead without hesitation. 

When the Garache died though it returned to its human form and he saw it was his own wife. 

The Demonic Pink Room

In 1863 the building, restored somewhat and made into a family home, was bought by a rich Parisian named M.Delarue. He moved into the place with his wife and two children, but they soon found that it wasn’t without its history. 

One of the most notorious stories revolves around Abbaye De Mortemer’s so-called “Pink Room.” The room is mentioned by some of the owners who experienced so much hauntings it even broke an engagement. 

A young girl who was the fiance of the son, Charles Delarue, the owner of the building and living there came to stay with them once. She was given the pink room as it was the only one available. She was found in the morning, terrified of all the paranormal activity that had happened during the night. She announced she would never live there, broke off the engagement and hurried back to Paris. 

M.Delarue’s daughter had been a nurse during the First World War and told her father she had never been afraid in the trenches and would not be afraid of the pink room either. She made it her own and lived in it, but said that she always felt observed, but not threatened in the same way the former fiance of the family had. 

The Exorcism of the Abbey

The Delarue family stayed in the former abbey for quite some time, but in 1921 they thought it was about time with an exorcism. Not the first one though, and they called once again upon Abbé Humbolt who had done the previous ones also. 

They ordered another exorcism of the Pink Room and the Abbey and it did become quiet for some time. But then it started again. How is it today?

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References

Mortemer Abbey – Wikipedia

Tales and legends – Mortemer Abbey 

The unquiet soul of Abbaye de Mortemer | History, ghosts and ruins

Empress Matilda – Wikipedia 

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Top Korean Horror TV-Series

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The last few years, K-dramas has certainly taken over much of the media the world consume today and that goes for the Korean horror TV-Series as well.

Although it is largely remembered from the overly romantic dramas with umbrellas in the rain and watching over people with a cold like they are on their deathbed, some more darker series has caught on. In fact one of the more famous k-drama must certainly be the zombie driven historical drama Kingdom that entered as Koreans first entry to the Netflix family. And since then, the gems keeps on coming. Here are ten of the more darker k-dramas out there.

Revenant |악귀 (2023)

This slow burn ghost story is based on Korean folklore. It follows a professor in folklore (Oh Jung-se) who can see ghosts that teams up with a young woman (Kim Tae-ri) after her father dies in what seems to be a suicide. But strange things starts to happen to her and it turns out she is possessed by a vengeful ghosts, and that the string of mysterious suicides that happens around them is something much more horrifying.

Strangers From Hell | 타인은 지옥이다 (2019)

With a top stellar cast of Im Shi Wan (Run On) and Lee Dong Wook (Goblin), this had to be an iconic duo. The series is a trippy Korean horror TV-Series quest for a poor writer to distinguish between what is and isn’t real as well to figure out his true friends he can trust is. When he moves into a cheap hostel, Eden Gosiwon, he has to deal with the truly creepy residents he has to share kitchen and bathroom with. But although he hates it, he endures it to he has enough money saved up to move to something better in Soul. But then he starts fearing for his life when strange occurrences keeps happening around him.

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All Of Us Are Dead | 지금 우리 학교는 (2022)

This is another zombie series for Netflix that rose to the top streaming, even more so than the hit series, Squid Games. It is an adaptation of the popular webtoon of the same name and are now one of the biggest Korean horror TV-Series. A seemingly normal day at school that ends in an international disaster as a rabid zombie outbreak starts from the schools science lab. The student quickly learn that they are all on their own and must escape so not turn to one of the living dead. This is a gory series that doesn’t shy away from blood, violence and deeply flawed human beings with a twist on the zombie lore.

NB! Confirmed for more seasons!

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Hotel Del Luna | 호텔 델루나 (2019)

A series that managed to balance the campy romantic side of classic k-dramas with the gory horror of ghost is Hotel Del Luna and not purely a Korean horror TV-Series. Although the plot is not that terrifying, some of the characters and ghosts in the hotel definitely are. Super Idol K-Pop star IU stars as the greedy CEO, Man Wol, for a hotel that only caters to the dead to help them cross the bridge to the afterlife. Chan Sung is forced to manage the hotel as his father sort of sold him of to Man Wol as a child. And together they have to manage the hotel together as well as solve the mystery as to why Chan Sung keeps reminding Man Wol of her ex that betrayed her many years ago.

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Sell Your Haunted House | 대박부동산 (2021)

If nothing else, this is a great business idea. Ji Ah runs the company, Deabak Realty, specialising in selling haunted houses. A handy thing as she got her exorcism abilities from her mother (who btw haunts her daughter). She needs an assistant and meets the conman In Beom. He specializes in selling stuff that apparently exorcises ghosts, although it’s mostly junk. But together they team up to sell houses, exorcise vengeful spirits and deal with their pasts filled with sorrow in this action packed Korean horror TV-Series. 

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Bring It On, Ghost | 싸우자 귀신아 (2016)

The cuter entry on the list is Bring it on, Ghost. Although it contains its fair share of ghosts, gore and dead cats so it falls into the Korean horror TV-Series. The series certainly hit its audience, and there is already a Thai adaption of the series. A college boy works as an exorcist part time. On a job he faces a teenage ghost that he accidently kisses, making her regain some part of her memory she searches for in the afterlife. Together they try to piece together the mystery behind her death as well as the strange stuff happening around the college he attends.

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Kingdom | 킹덤 (2019)

The mega series helped turn the tide for Korean horror TV-Series and certainly the interest in Korean zombies. A mysterious illness has befallen the king in a fictionalized version of Korea in the Joseon area. The illness of zombification is spreading throughout the kingdom and the crown prince travels out from the castle to solve the mystery behind his father’s ailment. Out there he finds a kingdom in disarray and hoards of zombies threatening the whole kingdom he was born to protect. With its two season wrapped story it looks like this is the whole of it, but with sidequel/prequel like movies like Kingdom: Ashin of the North, and the original cartoon with its specials, who is to say this is the end of the franchise?

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Sweet Home | 스위트홈 (2020)

This monster flick is truly on testosterone with the most crazy characters and designs for monsters roams freely in this damp and shabby residential building. This Korean horror TV-Series is based on the famous korean webtoon. A strange virus that turns humans to monsters has taken over the world. In a residential building a reclusive teen lives in isolation. But as the dangers of the virus threathernes everyone around him, he must come out of his shell and help fight back for the human survival.

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The Guest |  손 (2018)

A young shaman, Yoon Hwa Pyung, learns about the demon named “son”, (meaning guest) in this Korean horror TV-Series from 2018. The demon is a danger to everyone and leaves a trail of corpses. The young shaman meets up with a catholic guy and the daughter of a detective when their families are killed by a demon. Twenty years later they meet up again when the killings start once again. This time, to work together to bring down the demon.

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Possessed | 빙의 (2019)

A classic detective meets a medium to hunt down criminals in this Korean horror TV-Series. They meet when the detective is working a case and he immediately takes an interest in her. With both of their abilities, they start to solve cases together. One of the more divisive shows as many watchers found the k-drama way to dark for their expectations and for some it was right up their alley. Decide for yourself.

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Missing: The Other Side | 미씽: 그들이 있었다 (2020)

This is one of those rare cases were a k-drama actually gets a sequel with a second season confirmed. The first season started with a small village named Duon Village, that holds the spirits of missing and deceased people were they gather. A group of a fraud man, detective, a hacker and a mysterious man teams up to solve the mysteries behind the strange village and to find the missing people.

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Night Watchman’s Journal | 야경꾼일지 (2014)

One cannot complete a k-drama list without a historical drama on the list from the Joseon period, that is the law! And here comes the Night Watchman’s Journal in as a ghostbuster story in hanbok in this Korean horror TV-Series. With the backdrop of the royal palace, a group of guys spends their time fighting demons and vengeful spirits as well as dealing with the living trying to usurp the king.

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